- Perhaps the most well-known cure for middle-age ED is the use of oral medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis. While these medications don't permanently cure ED, they can enable many men to temporarily overcome the effects of ED as needed in order to engage in normal sexual activity. Oral medications like Viagra can be a great solution for men who have failed to overcome ED using other measures and can even help older men, such as those over 60, with ED. Another advantage of using oral medications is that the effects are fairly immediate: Many men can get a prescription and resume sexual activity the same day, where as other measures can take longer to be effective.
- One of the reasons men tend to experience ED with greater frequency as they age is that physical-fitness levels tend to decline and weight increases. Middle-aged men who are physically fit and active are much less likely to experience ED than sedentary men who are overweight. Maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity requires good circulation, but an unfit heart and excess body fat can make it difficult for the body to supply blood to the genital area. Doing regular cardiovascular exercise that raises your heart rate for a half-hour or longer three to four times a week will promote heart health and circulation while burning calories. Cross training---doing several different activities, such as running, cycling, rowing, and swimming---on different days can keep your workouts from getting boring and reduce joint stress by spreading strain across different muscles and joints.
- Another feature of middle age that can contribute to ED is increasing levels of stress. Younger workers tend to have less responsibility at their jobs and at home, which makes for a less-stressful life. When you reach middle age, workers often have many responsibilities at work and a family to take care of at home, which can lead to stress-induced ED. Taking steps to reduce stress can alleviate ED. Working out regularly can help reduce stress, as can taking a vacation or meditating. Disciplines that mix meditation with physical activity, such as yoga, can be especially helpful. Stress and conflict between you and your partner can also lead to ED, so make an effort to resolve sources of tension, and communicate with your partner your problems and how to resolve them. Attraction is an important part of sexual activity; it is common to experience ED when you harbor resentment or other negative feelings toward a partner.
