New research from the University of Chicago debunks a popular myth about Erectile Dysfunction. In it scientists suggest that ED is not an inevitable part of the aging process but rather that it is related to a number of factors. The fact that physical health, that is to say general well being, is one of the factors is not surprising, neither perhaps is a man’s mental health and well being. What the research has also found, however, is that social demographics and past sexual health history also play a significant role in whether or not a man will suffer from ED.
The researchers interviewed 1455 men aged between 57 and 85. They found that overall physical health was the main factor that indicated whether or not a man would suffer from erectile problems in later life. Interestingly, the scientists also discovered that having had an STD also seemed to have a significant effect on people’s sexual health in later life. A man who had suffered with an STD at some point in his life was five times more likely to find that sex was not pleasurable, even though the complaint had been discovered and treated.
Also the scientists found that mental health had a large bearing on Erectile Dysfunction issues. It was found that men who had mental health issues or were experiencing problems in their relationships were significantly less interested in sex than men in happy relationships with no mental health issues. These men, with decreased sexual interest, also found it much more difficult to achieve orgasm.
The report also suggests that demographics and cultural factors play a role in a man’s sexual performance. The survey found that black men were twice as likely to have a lack of interest in sex in the 57 to 85 year old age group and were more likely to report that they climaxed too early.
These statistics are, of course, based on the answers to questions and are, therefore, rather subjective. What does climaxing “too early” actually mean? How long should it take for a man to achieve orgasm? There is probably some truth in the statistics but unless the subjects were actually studied under laboratory conditions, their sexual performance is determined by how they themselves regard it and the expectations that they themselves have. At the end of the day, however, every man has different expectations and different perceptions of how they perform.