I have heard little, if anything about what happens to women over 50, who are usually perimenopausal if not fully by that age. Many suffer from vaginal atrophy and dryness which can make sex rather uncomfortable.
This can have a devastating effect on the male libido as he enters andropause where testosterone levels crash Men's libido begin to wane, their stamina declines significantly, and men have chronic medical or psychological issues.
So what is hype and what are the facts. The average 50-60 year old couple have sex about 1.25 times per week. Often, the men do not have the anatomical and medical knowledge to deal with the changes in female physiology. In severe cases, she should see her GYN and ask about vaginal cream with estrogen which can regenerate some of the atrophied vaginal lining. Use a lot of lubrication using K-Y, Astroglide, or other water soluble lubricant. Clitoral stimulation using vibratory "toys" can make life a lot easier for you and can usually bring your partner to climax, even if you have not penetrated her yet, it increases the circulation of blood to her genitalia making penetration and vaginal sex much easier and pleasurable for her. Also, assure you that you find her sexually attractive and GO SLOW!
For the men, I am going to tell all about what I find that works and what does not.
Most OTC herbal or "nutraceuticals" for treatment of ED have not been tested in clinical trials and so all claims made must be considered anecdotal.
Most contain some form of gensing, ginko-biloba, meca (horny goat weed), L-arginine (an amino acid,) tribulus terrestrist, and other "testosterone precursors." There are no studies that prove that these precursors actually increase testosterone level.
You should see your physician and have a T-Level done. If under 200 ng/dl you are clinically hypogonadal. Injectable testosterone cypionate is the drug of choice. I take .5cc of the 200mg/ml of Depo-Testosterone every 6 days using and insulin syringe and a 25 gauge 1 inch needle.
I rotate the injection site in the later gluteal muscle right side, then left. My T-level has now stabilized about 800 ng/dl which is optimal. I am 60 and it not only helps with ED but is slowing loss of muscle mass, increased mental alertness, better mood, and mitigation of early onset osteoarthristis.
I tried Androgel and Androderm Patch without success. They contain alcohol that burned during application, was sticky, and you run the risk of contaminating your partner which can cause irregular menstrual cycles and other complications. The adhesive on the patches caused severe skin irritation.
I inject myself because being a medic, psychologist, and now a DDS, I have given thousands of injections.If you cannot bring yourself to do it, have your wife see your physicians nurse and she can administer it to you with your wife watching. Have her then practice on an orange using soybean oil which has the viscosity of pharmaceutical grade testosterone.
As a supplement, you can also use Viagra or Cialis. I found Levitra rather ineffective. Take Viagra about 90 minutes before, 50-100 mg depending on your weight. I cannot recommend Cialis for everyday use 2.5-5mg, but rather the 36 hour dose 15-25mg.I have had some issues with Viagra, especially the "Viagra Hangover" which usually lasts 24-48 hours after ingestion.
