Can a 70-year-old man take Sildenafil? There is no maximum age for using the medication, as long as the patient’s health conditions are evaluated by a doctor. Learn more about this treatment for the elderly.
Sildenafil, a medication well-known for treating erectile dysfunction, allows men of all ages to have an active and pleasurable sex life. Soon, the question arose: Can a 70-year-old man take Sildenafil? Is the medication safe for the elderly? Are there any specific risks for this age group?
Considering that elderly men are subject to certain health issues, understanding how Sildenafil works, its indications, contraindications, and even alternatives for erectile dysfunction is the best approach – always in consultation with a doctor, such as a urologist.
How does Sildenafil work?
Sildenafil, the active ingredient in many erectile dysfunction treatments, belongs to the class of PDE-5 inhibitors. This enzyme is responsible for degrading a substance called cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), which is essential for the relaxation of blood vessels in the penis and, consequently, for an erection.
When a man becomes aroused, the body releases nitric oxide in the blood vessels of the penis, which, in turn, increases cGMP levels, promoting the relaxation of the vessels and allowing blood to flow more easily into the penis, resulting in an erection.
Sildenafil works by preventing the breakdown of cGMP, which prolongs the effectiveness of this natural process and prevents the loss of an erection.
Remember that Sildenafil does not work on its own. It acts as a facilitator with sexual stimulation. This means that without proper arousal, the medication will not produce the desired effect.
Can a 70-year-old man take Sildenafil?
Yes, a 70-year-old man can take Sildenafil, but it’s very important that they are in adequate health conditions, and to ensure this, the use of the medication should be supervised by a doctor.
This extra attention is necessary because, as we age, the body undergoes various changes, and common health conditions in the elderly can influence the safety and effectiveness of Sildenafil.
This is the case for heart problems and high or low blood pressure. The use of other medications to treat certain conditions may negatively interact with Sildenafil. Additionally, if kidney and/or liver function is compromised, it can affect the metabolism of the medication in the body.
Therefore, a medical evaluation is extremely necessary to determine if a 70-year-old man can take Sildenafil, considering the health history, medications the patient is using, and other individual factors.
In which cases is Sildenafil recommended?
According to the medication leaflet, Sildenafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction – the inability to achieve or maintain sufficient penile rigidity for satisfactory sexual performance.
It represents the first line of treatment indicated for erectile dysfunction caused by physical, psychological factors, or a combination of both, if the doctor believes that Sildenafil can help improve the patient’s erectile function after analyzing the situation.
Contraindications
Sildenafil has some contraindications, although it is a widely used medication.
One of the main contraindications is for patients who use nitrate-based medications, which are commonly prescribed for heart conditions. The combination can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure, including during intercourse.
Additionally, men who have recently had a stroke, heart attack, or who have severe liver or kidney problems should also avoid using Sildenafil.
People with low blood pressure or who have a history of retinitis pigmentosa (a hereditary eye disease) should also refrain from using the medication.
Side effects
Like all medications, Sildenafil can cause side effects, which generally do not cause significant discomfort. These include:
- Headaches
- Flushing (redness in the face)
- Indigestion
- Blurred vision
- Stuffy nose
- Dizziness
More severe side effects, although rare, include sudden loss of vision or hearing, painful erections or erections lasting more than four hours (a condition called priapism), and severe allergic reactions.
Older men may be more susceptible to some of these side effects due to physiological changes associated with aging.
Dangers of self-medication in old age
Men over 70 years old can take Sildenafil, but self-medication – whether with this or any other medication – is discouraged at any age and even more risky for the elderly who seek more quality sexual life.
This group often consumes several medications simultaneously, increasing the risk of drug interactions that, if not properly known, can be severe.
Moreover, self-medication can mask symptoms of underlying conditions that need specific treatment. In the case of Sildenafil, using the medication without medical guidance can lead to serious complications, such as heart problems or uncontrolled blood pressure.
Other treatments for erectile dysfunction starting at age 70
Sildenafil is not the only option available to treat erectile dysfunction, whether for men who have not yet reached or have already passed 70. There are three main lines of treatment, depending on the patient’s needs and health conditions:
- Drug treatment: in addition to Sildenafil, there are medications based on other active ingredients, such as Tadalafil.
- Injectable treatment: injection of Alprostadil and other compounds directly into the penis to induce an erection.
- Surgical treatment: placement of a penile prosthesis (malleable or inflatable) to provide additional rigidity to the penis.
Yes, a 70-year-old man can take Sildenafil, and even those older than that, but this is not the only treatment available for them to have sex in old age.
This decision should be carefully evaluated by a doctor, and if indicated, it should be done according to the recommendation to avoid complications and ensure safe and effective treatment. If you are having difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, take a pre-analysis and take the first step to start your treatment.
