From the Guidelines
I strongly advise against self-medication for sexual health concerns, especially for older individuals, and recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. For older adults experiencing sexual health concerns, it's essential to consult with a doctor who can evaluate overall health, existing conditions, and current medications. Sexual difficulties in older adults may result from various factors including cardiovascular issues, diabetes, hormonal changes, or medication side effects. A physician might consider FDA-approved medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra) when appropriate, but these require proper medical screening as they can interact dangerously with certain medications like nitrates and may not be suitable for everyone 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Sildenafil was more effective than non-PDE-5 inhibitor treatments in improving erectile function, frequency of penile penetration, and percentage of successful intercourse attempts 1.
- Sildenafil combined with other ED therapies resulted in greater improvements in erectile function and frequency of penile penetration than did sildenafil alone 1.
- Low-quality studies comparing tadalafil and sildenafil provided insufficient evidence to determine whether one treatment was more effective than the other 1.
- Hormonal therapy, such as testosterone, may be considered for hypogonadal men, but the evidence is limited and of low quality 1.
Beyond medication, addressing underlying health conditions, maintaining physical activity, managing stress, and open communication with partners often improves sexual health. Ayurvedic supplements like ashwagandha or shilajit are sometimes used traditionally, but their efficacy and safety lack robust scientific evidence. Always prioritize medical guidance over self-medication for sexual health concerns.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Sexual Dysfunction in Old Age
- Sexual dysfunction is a common issue among older adults, with about a third of the elderly population experiencing at least one complaint with their sexual function 2.
- However, many older adults remain interested in maintaining sexual activity, with about 60% expressing their desire to do so 2.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
- Sildenafil is a commonly used medication for treating erectile dysfunction, and it has been shown to be effective in improving sexual satisfaction in men with erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy 3.
- The vacuum erection device is another treatment option for erectile dysfunction, and some patients may prefer it over sildenafil due to its efficacy, comfort, and ease of use 4.
- Combining sildenafil with a vacuum constriction device may enhance sexual satisfaction in men with erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy 3.
Female Sexual Dysfunction
- Female sexual dysfunction is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach, addressing both physiological and psychological factors 5.
- A classification system for female sexual dysfunction has been designed, which includes four categories: hypoactive sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, and sexual pain disorders 5.
- Treatment options for female sexual dysfunction include physical therapy, psychological counseling, hormonal supplements, medication changes, and sexual devices 5.
Importance of Addressing Sexual Dysfunction in Old Age
- Sexuality is an important component of emotional and physical intimacy that men and women experience throughout their lives 2, 6.
- Addressing sexual dysfunction in old age can help improve the quality of life for older adults, and healthcare professionals should be aware of the importance of sexuality in older adults and provide them with opportunities to discuss their concerns and offer alternatives for evaluation and treatment 2, 6.