As you age, you notice the changes your body may be undergoing—particularly a decreased sexual desire or the longing to make love to your partner every day. The sex drive is one of the most fundamental human urges, as Terry Gross puts it, and can affect a person’s relationships and self-esteem.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to understand the changing patterns in the sex drive as you grow older so you may uncover what you can always do to stay sexually young.
Does Sex Drive Decrease with Age?
No law states that a 70-year-old cannot enjoy the same sexcapades that a 20-year-old man would participate in. But it is a fact that multiple studies, such as the one conducted by Harvard, note that sex drive decreases with age—the testosterone levels dip by 1 to 2% each year once a man reaches 40.
A man’s libido peaks at 18, and in their 20s, men may be less sexually involved only because their inexperience causes them anxiety. Fast forward to the 30s and 40s, there is a gradual decrease in a strong sex drive. As you step into your 50s, Erectile Dysfunction may become a more common occurrence.
Factors That Determine Men’s Libido
However, it may be incorrect to assume that a declined sex drive may be natural. There are a few other reasons beyond age which may explain this change. To begin with, certain medications can harm the libido, such as blood pressure medications, radiation treatments, and opioid pain relievers, to name a few.
You might also have a chronic illness like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, which puts sex low on the list of things you wish to do.
Moreover, it’s not just about the physical; quite a poor mental state may translate into a lack of desire for sex. A study on Veterans diagnosed with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) concluded that declining mental health and acute stress increased the risk of sexual dysfunction threefold.
Tips on Remaining Sexually Active Later in Life
Remember when you were dreaming of finding an escort service as a youngster? Well, those dreams can still come true. Once you notice your lowered sex drive, you should immediately consult a doctor to understand if it’s simply a natural change or a sexual dysfunction; with the latter, you incorporate lifestyle changes to see the results.
Good physical health equals good sexual health, as evidenced by a University of Chicago study, so you should avoid unhealthy habits like excessive drinking and smoking. Instead, regular exercise and a decent diet may be good starting points. It is best to consume libido-enhancing foods like raw oysters, avocados, and strawberries instead of libido-lowering foods like saturated and trans fat.
Further, you can lower stress levels by eliminating stressors and learning relaxation techniques. As you begin this journey, consider reconnecting with your partner; talk more, touch each other more often, and go out on more dates.
Since today’s world does not allow many men to fully express their concerns about their sexual health or be brave about confronting a low sex drive, it is hoped that the above information would present low libido as naturally occurring, which is also changeable with the right practices and in the company of the right people.
