The Male Sex Drive — How it Changes With Age

Published on July 24, 2023 .
Kristopher Bunting, MD  Author

This article is a repost which originally appeared on healthnews

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

For many men, having a strong sex drive—or libido—can be an important part of feeling healthy and having a good quality of life.

Key takeaways:

Male sex drive and testosterone levels decrease with age.

Less sex does not mean less sexual satisfaction.

Good health improves sexual function and sexual quality of life at any age.

Aerobic exercise can improve sexual function and sexual satisfaction.

However, as men age and their bodies change, so does their sex drive. Sex drive tends to decrease with age after it peaks in men in their 20s, but that does not mean that aging has to have a negative effect on sex.

Age, sex drive, and sexual satisfaction

Most men (and women) are more sexually active in their 20s than in any other decade of life. Men’s sex drives seem to peak in their 20s and begin to decrease in their 30s and onward slowly. Men in their 40s and older are also more likely to have problems with sexual function, including erectile dysfunction.

Men have less sex as they get older, but that is only half the story. Sexual satisfaction does not necessarily decrease with age.

A study in Norway found that although sexual activity decreases with age and sexual dysfunction increases with age, sexual satisfaction is more complex. According to the study, men in their 20s had the highest level of sexual satisfaction, followed by men in their 50s. Surprisingly, despite increased sexual dysfunction and decreased sex drive, men in their 50s reported higher sexual satisfaction than those in their 30s and 40s.

Another study from the US found that overall, sexual quality of life tended to decrease with age but was higher in older people who had a better quality of sex. The authors attributed this to “sexual wisdom”—better sex through past experience. No matter the cause, this is certainly good news for anyone worried about their odds of having a fulfilling sex life as they age.

Testosterone and sex drive

Testosterone levels play a major role in the male sex drive. Testosterone is the primary sex hormone responsible for male sexual development and is also associated with sex drive. Research has shown that men’s testosterone levels decline with age beginning after age 30, and reach their lowest levels after age 70—when sex drive is at its lowest.

Low testosterone in men is called male hypogonadism. Hypogonadism in men can cause or contribute to lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, loss of bone mass, loss of muscle mass, and depression.

Testosterone replacement therapy can treat male hypogonadism, and research shows that in older men, it can improve sexual activity, sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction. In a study of men with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, testosterone replacement therapy was shown to improve not only sexual function but also the quality of life and memory.

While considered a normal part of aging, low testosterone can be caused by various medical conditions, including head injuries and some medications. Certain prescription medications can decrease testosterone levels, including opioids (painkillers), hormone therapy for prostate cancer, and a few other drugs.

Remember, do not stop taking any medication without first talking with your healthcare provider. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, discuss it with your doctor or another healthcare provider.

Better health means better sex

As men age, health plays an increasingly important role in their sex life. According to research, people in better health are more interested in sex, have sex more often, and have a better sexual quality of life. On the other hand, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions that affect blood flow can affect sex drive and contribute to male sexual dysfunction.

Medications can also affect sex drive and sexual performance in men, including some prescription medications for high blood pressure, depression, prostate disease, and hair loss. Common medications that contribute to low sex drive and sexual dysfunction are beta-blockers, diuretics, and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Always discuss possible medication side effects with your healthcare provider—the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks.

Erectile dysfunction

Along with a decreased sex drive, aging, poor health, and certain medications can also lead to erectile dysfunction—a known contributor to depression. Fortunately, modern medicine has dedicated a great deal of research to improving men’s erections.

Nowadays, there are several ways to successfully improve erectile dysfunction, including penile implants and medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxn). While these medications are safe for many men, they can cause dangerous side effects in people taking nitrates (such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide, and others).

However, it is possible to improve erectile function with natural means such as CBD oils. The latter is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and stress interfering with libido. CBD oils and gummies improve blood flow in vessels, thus benefiting erectile function. Full-spectrum CBD oils are believed to be a better choice for erectile dysfunction containing both CBD and THC in moderate amounts.

Exercise can improve sex

It is no secret that aerobic exercise is good for your health. It helps reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and body fat in addition to decreasing the risk of death from coronary artery disease. Studies also show that aerobic exercise is also important for sexual health.

A study in Japan found that regular aerobic exercise improved sexual function in men aged 43-59. Another group of researchers in the U.S. showed that aerobic exercise—running, cycling, or swimming—improved sexual function in men aged 18-50. The potential for better sex life is excellent motivation to get more exercise,

When do men stop being sexually active?

If you think that people stop being sexually active when they get older, you would be wrong. Research shows that men have a sexual life expectancy well into their 70s. While it is true that sexual activity decreases with age, even the elderly are busy getting busy.

In fact, the 55 and older population has had a significant increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) over the past few decades, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. While an increase in STDs may be alarming, it clearly indicates that both men and women keep having sex well into old age.

As men age, they tend to have less sex but have high satisfaction with their sex life. Aging and health can have significant effects on sexual function and satisfaction, but medical treatment and exercise can improve both sexual function and sexual satisfaction at any age. If you are concerned about decreased sex drive or sexual dysfunction, talk with your healthcare provider.

Resources:

1. BJU International. Assessment of male sexual function by the Brief Sexual Function Inventory.
2. NIH. Sexual Quality of Life and Aging: A Prospective Study of a Nationally Representative Sample.
3. StatPearls. Physiology, Testosterone.
4. Endocrine Reviews. The Decline of Androgen Levels in Elderly Men and Its Clinical and Therapeutic Implications.
5. Mayo Clinic. Male hypogonadism.
6. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Testosterone Treatment and Sexual Function in Older Men With Low Testosterone Levels.
7. ENDOCRINE SOCIETY. Testosterone improves quality of life, sexual function, and delayed verbal recall in men with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
8. ISSM. Can prescription medications affect testosterone levels?
9. thebmj. Sex, health, and years of sexually active life gained due to good health: evidence from two US population based cross sectional surveys of ageing.
10. NHS. Low sex drive (loss of libido).
11. Mayo Clinic. High blood pressure and sex: Overcome the challenges.
12. MedlinePlus. Finasteride.
13. NIH. Sexuality in Ageing Male: Review of Pathophysiology and Treatment Strategies for Various Male Sexual Dysfunctions.
14. NIH. Increased incidence of depressive symptoms in men with erectile dysfunction.
15. NIH. Health benefits of aerobic exercise.
16. NIH. Regular aerobic exercise improves sexual function assessed by the Aging Males’ Symptoms questionnaire in adult men.
17. NIH. Exercise Improves Self-Reported Sexual Function Among Physically Active Adults.
18. EmergencyMedicineNews. STI Rate Has Doubled Among Senior Citizens.

Rogaine and Low Libido: What Are the Facts?

Learn the Facts About Rogaine and Low Libido

Medically reviewed by Harshil Matta, DO — Written by Kimberly Holland — Updated on August 13, 2020

This article is a repost which originally appeared on HealthLine

Edited for content

What is Rogaine?

In an effort to reverse or disguise hair loss, many men reach for over-the-counter hair loss treatments. One of the most popular, minoxidil (Rogaine), poses a variety of potential risks.

Rogaine has been available for several decades. The medication is available at pharmacies and drugstores nationwide. It’s also available as a prescription from your doctor.

Rogaine is a topical treatment intended to promote hair growth. It can also be used to slow hair loss.

However, Rogaine is not intended to stop balding or correct receding hairlines. When you stop using Rogaine, new hair growth will likely be lost within a few weeks or months.

How is Rogaine used?

Rogaine comes in two forms:

  • a liquid you apply directly to your scalp
  • a tablet you take by mouth

Follow your pharmacist or doctor’s instructions carefully.

Using more than prescribed will not yield better or faster results. Visible results may not appear for several months to more than a year.

What are Rogaine’s side effects?

Using Rogaine increases your risk for several side effects. These side effects include:

  • scalp sensitivity
  • skin dryness
  • skin flaking
  • irritation or burning sensation at and around the application site
  • increased heart rate

Using Rogaine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight and wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses when outside.

Rogaine and erectile dysfunction

To date, no scientific studies have made a connection between Rogaine and sexual dysfunction.

Men who take Rogaine and experience problems with libido, erection, or performance will often find another contributing factor that explains their symptoms.

One study published in 2014 found that Rogaine had an effect on the activity of androgen receptors, but the authors are very clear in stating that the effects are in the hair follicle only.

Currently, there’s still no confirmed evidence that Rogaine negatively affects the male libido, although research continues.

Newer treatments, such as finasteride (Proscar, Propecia), have also been introduced to the market.

Propecia was hailed as a less messy alternative to Rogaine. People who use that drug only have to take a pill once a day by mouth.

An early study involving men who used finasteride and complained of side effects found that sexual dysfunction was the most common, particularly libido and erectile dysfunction.

Other well-conducted research studies display side effects in much lower numbers of all users of finasteride. Those effects are usually reversible once the medication is stopped.

Those same men reported that their number of sexual encounters fell during and after use. Unfortunately, those side effects are long-lasting.

Men in the study experienced these unwanted side effects for an average of 40 months after stopping the medication.

When to call your doctor

If you’re interested in regrowing hair or slowing hair loss, speak with your doctor about your options. If you begin taking a medication for hair loss, remember to keep track of any side effects and complications.

Should you begin experiencing side effects, tell your doctor. Detail what you’re experiencing and how quickly the symptoms began after you started the medication.

Be sure to also tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, and vitamins you’re taking. A combination of certain medications and chemicals can potentially cause problems.

Helping your doctor identify any possible complications will help to manage side effects before they become severe.

Lastly, if you begin having sexual performance problems or issues with dysfunction, see your doctor. The change in sexual performance may have nothing to do with your Rogaine use.

Working with your doctor will ensure you find a cause for your sexual problem and a lasting solution.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Drug that banishes baldness ruins men’s love lives – leaving them IMPOTENT

FOLLICLE DYSFUNCTION

Drug that banishes baldness ruins men’s love lives – leaving them IMPOTENT

Gemma Mullin, Digital Health Reporter

* This article is a repost which originally appeared on THE SUN

A DRUG given to men to help halt their baldness is reportedly ruining their love lives – by leaving them impotent.

Finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia, is one of the most commonly used treatments for male pattern baldness.

Multiple studies have found it improves hair growth within months, with the effects lasting as long as the medication is taken.

But a growing number of British men say it’s caused them persistent side-effects, including sexual dysfunction, infertility, depression and anxiety.

Some claim the drug’s potential side-effects last even after they stop taking it.

Hair loss can be caused when high levels of the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrinks follicles on the scalp.

Stops hair loss

Finasteride works by preventing testosterone converting into DHT – and not only stops hair loss, but has been shown to encourage regrowth.

But reducing levels of DHT can also shrink the prostate – the male gland surrounding the urethra which can sometimes become swollen enlarged.

This is why it’s also available in a higher dose – 5mg rather than 1mg for hair loss – as a treatment for enlarged prostates.

However interfering with DHT’s production has been found to cause some men difficulties achieving an erection, a lack of libido and reduced semen.

Other less frequent problems include infertility, testicular pain and anxiety.

Drug manufacturer Merck says up to one in 100 people is affected by sexual dysfunction and in the US, its paid out more than £3million to hundreds of men who have claimed the side-effects lasted long after they quit Propecia.

An online support group called Propecia Help says it has 5,000 members and men from around the world are joining at the rate of 100 a month.

Ryan Clark from North Shields, North Tyneside, who took the hair loss drug finasteride for 18 years and claims he has suffered a range of side-effects including sexual dysfunction and infertility

Ryan Clark, 52, came across the page after desperately searching his symptoms online.

The operations manager, from North Tyneside, was taking finasteride on and off for 18 years to treat a bald spot on his crown.

His GP prescribed the drug privately and he began paying £30 a month for the daily pill.

He told the Daily Mail: “In terms of treating my hair loss, the drug worked brilliantly and the gaps on my crown filled in within three months.

“However, within weeks I lost interest in sex and my libido didn’t return. I didn’t connect it with finasteride as this side-effect was never mentioned.”

Ryan said that within three months he started to feel anxious and suffer insomnia.

“Within weeks I lost interest in sex and my libido didn’t return”

-Ryan Clark

He went back to his doctor “multiple times” about his various health problems and says each one was treated individually.

In 2010, while trying for a baby with wife Lyndsey, 42, tests revealed he had poor-quality sperm with low mobility and told it was unlikely they’d conceive naturally.

So they turned to IVF to have their son Joshua, now six.

Finding help

Two years ago, Ryan looked up his symptoms online and came across post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) and says “everything clicked into place”.

It listed a collection of symptoms – sexual dysfunction, infertility, anxiety and depression – which persist long after finasteride is discontinued.

By this point, Ryan hadn’t been taking the drug for at least two years and says none of the symptoms had gone away.

In fact, he says he has developed neuropathy – or nerve damage causing pins and needles – in his hands and feet.

What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is the most common type of hair loss in men.

It is also known as androgenetic alopecia and affects about half of men over the age of 50.

It is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. A hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes a change in the hair
follicles on the scalp.

The hairs produced by the affected follicles become progressively smaller in diameter, shorter in length and lighter in colour until eventually the follicles shrink completely and stop producing hair.

It’s believed to be a hereditary condition, inherited from either or both parents.

The usual pattern of hair loss is a receding frontal hairline and loss of hair from the top of the head.

Hairs in the affected areas are initially smaller in diameter, and shorter compared to hairs in unaffected areas, before they become absent.

The diagnosis is usually based on the history of scalp hair loss on the front/ top of the head or receding hairline, the pattern of hair loss and a family history of similar hair loss.

As of yet, there’s no cure but there are various treatments including topical and oral medication, as well as surgery which can be sought privately.

Source: British Association of Dermatologists

Experts say the potential side-effects, and the fact they can be long-lasting, should be made clearer to patients.

In particular the threat to fertility should be stressed to younger men, says Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Sheffield.

While one doctor has called for better education amongst his colleagues.

Dr David Edwards, a GP in Chipping Norton and past president of the British Society for Sexual Medicine, said: “If you asked the average practice nurse, pharmacist or GP about this, I don’t think they would know about the risk of side-effects such as sex problems and depression.”

Merck has defended Propecia’s safety record and says it’s been subject to extensive clinical trials.

A spokesperson added: “We continuously monitor the safety profile and update the safety information which is included in both the summary of product characteristics (intended to inform health professionals) and the patient information leaflet (or ‘packet insert’, intended for patients).

“The potential for erectile dysfunction and depression to occur as an adverse reaction with finasteride treatment, although uncommon, is documented in both the Summary of Product Characteristics and the Patient Information Leaflet.

“Anxiety is another potential side effect which is listed.”