Q. My husband is 61 and vigorous. He insists that his difficulty with erections is due to us having sex less often than three to five times a week. We manage roughly once a week, but that is challenging since he is not even semi-hard. Is it possible that lack of use causes a man to lose his erection?
I’m 50 and believe I’m starting menopause. My sex drive isn’t what it used to be. I hope you can answer this question and help us settle the conflict.
A. Your husband is mistaken. According to Irwin Goldstein, MD, editor of the Journal of Sexual Medicine, having sex every day–even if that were feasible–would not restore your husband’s ability to have an erection.
Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of underlying medical problems and requires a complete checkup. Certain medications might also be responsible. ED can be treated successfully with drugs or devices. Your libido can also be given a boost if your hormones are out of balance.
We are sending you our Guides to Drugs That Affect Sexuality and Female Sexuality so both of you can consider options for improving your sex life without blame.
