As men age, there will come a time when they won’t be as enthusiastic about sexual activity anymore. And there’s one primary reason for this gradual disinterest in sexual desire: a decrease in libido. A difference in libido can cause complications in a relationship, leading to emotional strain between partners. Low libido isn’t solely the result of aging. Various health factors can accelerate and contribute to a decreased sex drive in men. In this blog, we want to investigate the potential causes of this decreased sexual desire and ways to increase your sex drive.
What is Libido?
Libido refers to the sex drive or sexual desire of a person. Libido varies from person to person. Some people may have a naturally high sex drive, with others less so. Moreover, having low libido can affect a person’s self-esteem and relationship with their partner. Some men may remain sexually active well into their older years. However, on the other side of the spectrum, there are unfortunate individuals who have a loss of libido in their mid-years. Do not fear; there are lifestyle changes you can perform to curb the development of decreased sexual desire—allowing you to have a satisfying and healthy relationship with your partner well into your senior years.
What Age Do Men Stop Being Sexually Active?
As mentioned earlier, one’s sex drive differs from person to person, regardless of age. Some patterns have been noticed across widespread studies. According to Harvard, testosterone levels tend to dip by up to 1 to 2% each year once men hit 40 years old. This phenomenon is critical. Low testosterone levels play a major role in one’s sex drive since the hormone’s primary function is to regulate sex drive. Studies support there’s a noticeable variance in sexual desire among men. However, the incidences mostly cluster towards their older years, with ages 60 and onwards having the highest probability of developing sexual dysfunction that can affect how often couples have sex.
Potential Causes of Low Libido
Here are some causes that may affect sexual desire and cause sexual dysfunction in men besides age. Certain types of medication can cause men to have low testosterone, negatively affecting men’s libido.
These medications include:
- Beta-blockers: Regulates high blood pressure
- Corticosteroids
- Morphine: Pain Reliever
- Cimetidine: Helps with GERD
- Antidepressants
If you use any of the above medications, inform your doctor to obtain the best advice.
Depression
Men with depression can also develop a reduced lack of interest in their daily duties, even for the things they once found fun and pleasurable. In addition to the disorder, antidepressants may cause men to develop low libido and low sexual desire.
If you suffer from symptoms of depression, seek prompt medical advice. Depression and its effects on general and sexual well-being can be overcome with the right lifestyle modifications, medications, and therapy.
Sleep Problems
A Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study discovered that men with obstructive sleep apnea had decreased testosterone levels. While sleep disorders profoundly impact a man’s libido, even having a bad-quality sleep can be bad for you. Another study of healthy young men showed that those who slept less than the recommended 7 to 8 hours per night suffer from a decrease of up to 15% in testosterone levels. To combat this, it’s best to pay attention to your sleep habits and fix them. If you notice an irregular sleeping pattern, speak to a qualified medical professional.
Stress
Stress is often unavoidable. If your life is in stress mode all the time, you’ll be more prone to developing health problems such as narrower arteries and restricted blood flow. This can affect your mood and negatively impact your ability to have sexual intercourse.
Alcohol
While complete abstinence is best, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adult men should have no more than two alcoholic drinks daily. Heavy alcohol abuse can lead to reduced testosterone production, reducing sex drive. If you must drink, drink in moderation.
Ways for Men to Increase Your Sex Drive as They Grow Older
Want to improve your sex life as you age? Here are some of the primary ways for men to increase their sex drive:
- Sleep more than 7 hours a night
- Reduce levels of stress
- Eat a healthy diet with aphrodisiac fruits
- Build your self-confidence
- Limit alcohol and nicotine
- Consider testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Take a Medical Approach to Improve Low Libido and Sexual Health Challenges
Low libido is usually a mix of emotional, psychological, and physical manifestations. By changing your lifestyle and having authentic conversations with your partner, you can live a normal life with low libido levels. A medical professional can also provide medical advice and help you reignite your sexual arousal.
If you’re dealing with low libido, low testosterone levels, or erectile dysfunction, it’s essential to seek treatment to sustain a healthy lifestyle, benefiting you and your partner.
Contact Peak Health Group, the experts in treating ED, to schedule an appointment. We are Scottsdale’s leading men’s clinic treating ED using Focused Linear Shock Wave therapy, PRP therapy, Bioidentical hormone therapy, and much more.