Stages of Erectile Function (E-Function)

As men age, they may go through three distinct stages of E-Function—Sexual Prime, Sexual Decline, and Increased Sexual Dysfunction. The good news is, there are steps you can take to avoid sexual dysfunction and reclaim the E-Function you had in your prime.

Here’s a breakdown of each stage, and some tips on how to stay in your sexual prime.

Stage One: Sexual Prime Approximate ages: 18-30 Symptoms Experienced: From puberty (ages 10-14) through the 20s there is an increasing frequency of nocturnal penile erections (NPE). This period is often described as Sexual Prime. Erections during this stage are frequent and spontaneous events. They occur in response to sexual stimuli and also during rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep). The frequency of REM sleep erections peaks at puberty, and is related to the peak in testosterone levels. Physiology: Testosterone levels and the ability to maximally dilate blood vessels are at their peak during the Sexual Prime stage. Generally men are in excellent health at this time.	Stage Two: Early Sexual Decline Approximate ages: 30-50 Symptoms Experienced: Many men over the age of thirty are experiencing a decline in their sexual function. This change can be very subtle. There is a significant drop in the total number of NPE erections related to a drop in testosterone. The ability to achieve one erection quickly after the first subsides may be diminished. Many men who take lifestyle risk (smokers, abuses of alcohol and/or other drugs), or who suffer from other medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, or who have cholesterol or lipid problems) may start to have increasing difficulty achieving erections. The underlying problem is most often an early sign of inadequate blood flow into the penis. This may be the result of narrowed arteries and also a reduced ability to dilate those arteries in response to the nerve signals. These changes often go unnoticed as they occur gradually over a long period of time. A number of men in this group are completely unable to achieve adequate erections. What can be done to prevent these changes: Stop smoking, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and seek appropriate medical attention to address health problems. If these items are not addressed they can lead to an increased risk for diabetes, vascular disease, and erectile dysfunction.	Stage Three: Increased Risk of Sexual Dysfunction Approximate age: 50 plus Symptoms Experienced: More that 50 percent of men over the age of 40 experience some degree of sexual dysfunction, with the numbers rising significantly as men age. Commonly conditions associated with vascular disease start to become apparent in these men. These include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and vascular disease. More men are being diagnosed with diabetes, and cholesterol and lipid disorders. If these conditions are not treated aggressively, they will significantly increase the risk of men suffering heart attacks, strokes, and complications from peripheral vascular disease. Erectile dysfunction may be one of these complications, and is commonly the first symptom men go to the doctor to seek help with. Unfortunately, a substantial number of men with erectile dysfunction are not currently seeking treatment or help. What can be done to prevent these changes: Stop smoking, achieve and maintain your ideal body weight, exercise regularly, and seek medical attention for your health issues. Review all your medications with your doctor, as some may actually worsen your erectile dysfunction. Additionally there are safe, effective medications that will help the majority of men overcome their erectile dysfunction.

*These statements have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration, and individual results may vary. Prulato should be taken as part of a healthy lifestyle and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individuals shown are paid models, and not necessarily Prulato customers.

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