I am 57 and am starting to notice that "I'm not as good as I once was................." My erections are not as hard as they once were and go soft fairly easily without constant contact.   My hobbying is all done on business trips, either real or created to facilitate the hobby. I have almost always traveled the day of or day before a meeting, normally I am never really well rested at the time of a date. I also never seem to sleep well when away from home, partially from the anticipation of the hobby date. I now sometimes take one or two Tylenol PM to help me sleep. Is that likely to be affecting my ability to perform?  Would an energy drink, Monster, Red Bull, etc be a help or hindrance to my performance? I am in good health,  with great blood pressure(without medication) I do take a cholesterol medication. I am also posting this on the GD board for hobbiest input.

Is that Ensure or unsure69...,

First of all, your ED is fairly age-typical and nothing out of the ordinary. Secondly, cholesterol-medication has been found to affect erectile function in some, hence you may be affected. Thirdly, consuming caffeinated energy drinks such as Red Bull may raise your blood pressure temporarily, but have no effect on vascularity and blood flow to the penis - in fact, it may constrict flow instead.

Not being well rested or having had a good nights sleep does not improve matters; in addition, taking Tylenol PM may result in residual grogginess and may affect erectile function.

I am not a physician and my advice should not be construed as medical advice; hence, I believe that you should discuss possible ED medications and perhaps a change in your cholesterol medication with your personal doctor.

Energy drinks - not optimal, neither for the penis nor for general well-being, considering the amount of artificial ingredients and the possible addiction to caffeine involved. WATER is the best substance for health, as a body without adequate rest is often a body in need of hydration.

Unsweetened and simple,
The Love Goddess

In general does caffeine help or hider? What about Melatonin as I sleep aid, I have also done that.  It doesn't see to work as well as the Tylenol PM?

Dear unsure69,

Caffeine generally has little effect on erection - if anything, too many stimulants of any kind can kill erections rather than help them. Melatonin? Depends on the individual and the dose. Some people snooze very comfortably on it and others get totally "wired" and anxious.

If you really want to sleep, nuke any stimulants 5 hours before bedtime and take 400 mg calcium and 800 mg magnesium appx 30 min before you want to sleep. Completely natural and very safe. Of course if you have heart troubles, magnesium can cause arrythmia so...ASK YOUR DOCTOR if it's OK.

Even chocolate can be a total upper and a sleep-killer for some people,
The Love Goddess

Unsure...I'm 69 and have had cardiac problems (angioplasty twice) and although I exercise on a regular basis, take my minor blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds and follow a decent diet, I find a similar problems as yours.  My best advice is to A) get use to the factor of age, B) and most important...learn to enjoy foreplay, cuddling and caressing and greater oral activity....it is very satisfying.

PS:  My Doctor supplies me with multi samples of ED meds....but as long as I can stay long enough for a good oral session....I don't use them any longer