Taking Charge of Your Health
Men are more likely than women to develop serious health conditions for several reasons. Men are:
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More likely to develop unhealthy behaviors and habits.
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Less likely to visit their doctor or to schedule timely health screenings.
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More likely to work in a dangerous occupation.
As a result, men are more likely to die at a younger age of heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. More than half of these premature deaths are preventable, so it's important to protect yourself by eating a healthy diet, exercising and working with your doctor to do preventive screenings. Learn about improving your total health and healthy eating and active living.
Learn more about men's health and well-being and health topics and medical tests for men.
Prostate Health
The prostate is a small organ below the bladder that makes fluid for semen. Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland. Most cases of prostate cancer occur after age 65. It usually grows slowly and can take years to grow large enough to cause any problems.
You may be able to help lower your risk for prostate cancer by staying at a healthy weight, being active and not smoking.
Resources
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Prostate Problems (National Institute on Aging)
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Prostate Cancer Information (Kaiser Permanente)
Sexuality and Physical Changes With Aging
Most physical changes in men are the result of decreasing testosterone levels. These changes affect energy, strength, muscle and fat mass, and bone density. They can also affect sexual function.
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Your sexual response starts to slow down after age 50, but your sex drive is more likely to be affected by your health and attitude about sex and intimacy than by your age.
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It may take longer to get an erection. Also, more time needs to pass between erections.
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Erections will be less firm. But if you have good blood flow to your penis, you should be able to have erections that are firm enough for sexual intercourse throughout your life.
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As you age, you may be able to delay ejaculation for a longer time.
Learn more about sexuality and physical changes associated with aging.
Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction)
You have erection problems if you can't get or keep an erection that is firm enough for you to have sex. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction or impotence. They are more common as you get older, but there are treatments that can help.
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You may be able to avoid erection problems related to anxiety and stress by taking a more relaxed approach to sex. Talk to your partner about your problems and concerns.
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Erections may gradually become more difficult to get and keep as you get older. But foreplay—erotic stimulation before intercourse—and the right environment can help increase your ability to have an erection, regardless of your age.
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Other ways you can reduce your risk of erection problems:
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Quit smoking
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Avoid using illegal drugs
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Limit alcohol
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Manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol
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Keep your blood sugar in your target range if you have diabetes
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Exercise regularly
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Lose weight, especially if you are obese
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Lower stress in your life
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