What causes decreased sexual function in a 55-year-old man, and what can be done about it?

In general, a decline in sexual function in men aged 55 may be caused by lack of physical activity, unhealthy lifestyle habits, high psychological stress, prostatitis, diabetes, and other factors. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Lack of exercise

Long-term lack of physical activity can lead to decreased bodily functions, affecting the secretion of sex hormones and blood circulation, thereby impairing sexual function. Appropriate physical exercises such as jogging, yoga, or tai chi are recommended to enhance physical fitness and improve the body's resistance.

2. Unhealthy lifestyle habits

Long-term smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, overexertion, and poor diet can damage overall health and lead to reduced sexual function. It is advisable to quit smoking and drinking, get adequate rest, maintain a healthy diet, and increase intake of foods rich in protein, zinc, and vitamin C, such as milk, prickly pear (cactus fruit), and grapefruit.

3. High psychological stress

Chronic anxiety, depression, and significant mental stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the central nervous system, leading to diminished sexual performance. It is important to manage psychological stress promptly through distraction techniques such as deep breathing, painting, or swimming to alleviate negative emotions.

4. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is often associated with poor genital hygiene and bacterial infections. Inflammation can cause pain in the prostate area and urinary abnormalities, resulting in decreased sexual function, often accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty urinating and premature ejaculation. Treatment may include medications such as amoxicillin capsules, azithromycin dispersible tablets, or minocycline hydrochloride capsules, taken under medical guidance.

5. Diabetes

Poor dietary habits involving high sugar and fat intake, chronic sleep deprivation, smoking, and alcohol consumption may contribute to the development of diabetes. Microvascular complications caused by diabetes can impair blood flow and nerve conduction in the penis, leading to reduced sexual function, often accompanied by symptoms such as blurred vision and fatigue. Medications such as acarbose tablets, glibenclamide tablets, or metformin hydrochloride sustained-release tablets may be used under a doctor’s supervision for treatment.

To address declining sexual function in 55-year-old men, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, reduce psychological stress, minimize tobacco and alcohol consumption, and avoid behaviors that harm overall health.