Related Experiment Videos
Aging and sexual function in men
D L Rowland1, W J Greenleaf, L J Dorfman
1Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Indiana 46383.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Male sexual function declines with age, linked to sensory/neural and autonomic changes. Erectile response and sexual activity frequency decrease, but overall sex life ratings remain stable.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Erectile capacity often declines in aging men.
- Understanding the underlying sensory/neural and autonomic factors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in male sexual function.
- To identify sensory/neural and autonomic factors associated with erectile decline.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 39 healthy men (ages 21-82) on sexual activity, erectile response to erotica, penile sensitivity (electrical, vibrotactile), pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials, penile autonomic response to ischemia, and testosterone levels.
Main Results:
- Significant age-related decreases observed in sexual activity frequency and erectile response to erotica.
- Penile sensitivity, autonomic response to ischemia, and somatosensory evoked potentials showed age-related changes.
- No significant age-related changes in self-reported erectile capacity, overall sex life ratings, or testosterone levels.
Conclusions:
- Decreasing erectile capacity in aging men is associated with diminished sensory/neural and autonomic functioning.
- Factors beyond sexual response frequency and potency influence overall satisfaction with sex life in older men.