[Sexual disorders in the aging male]

Sexual dysfunction in the aging male has only recently found widespread attention. As apposed to enduring conceptions of "asexual" elderly, recent representative surveys show that the majority of men maintain sexual wishes and fantasies into old age. Sexual activity primarily depends on the availability of a partner and on maintaining intimacy and sexuality in the face of changes in the sexual response cycle and increasing morbidity. Sexual dysfunctions in aging result from physical, psychological, partner-related changes and lifestyles. These should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions in the aging male.