Low libido or sexual drive is an issue for men of all ages; however, it is more prevalent among those over 60 for a variety of reasons.
A decreasing libido can vary widely from person to person and often is caused by various physical, psychological or hormonal factors – or all three combined – or all three working against each other. While often dismissed as part of the natural aging process, decreased sexual drive may still cause distress for older men who should take note.
Below we discuss some of the primary factors why sexual drive declines with age in older men.
Reduced Testosterone Levels
One of the primary factors contributing to decreased libido among older men is an decrease in testosterone concentration in their bodies, as this sex hormone plays an essential role in sexual drive for males and its decrease can result in lessened interest for sex activities in bed.
Men over the age of 55 typically experience reduced testosterone levels as part of the natural aging process, however many older males are turning to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to address any negative side effects associated with decreasing sex hormone levels. TRT provides replacement testosterone levels which helps minimize potential side effects like diminished sexual desire.
If you are considering TRT, consult with your physician. He or she can advise on potential risks of TRT, provide hormone replacement therapy if necessary, and monitor testosterone levels regularly to make sure the therapy is working effectively.
Psychological Influences
Stress, depression and anxiety are all psychological components that may lower sex drive in older men. Worries about self-esteem issues or body image concerns could reduce interest in sexual encounters as these psychological components impact an aging man’s interest in sexual activity.
Therapies and medications may be useful in these circumstances. Your physician is the ideal person to speak to if you’re struggling psychologically or emotionally and want to identify the best course of action to improve mental health and naturally increase testosterone.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Senior men living a less-than-ideal lifestyle are at greater risk for experiencing reduced levels of testosterone and its accompanying side effects, such as decreased sexual drive. An unhealthy lifestyle could include following a nonnutritious diet, being inactive for too long periods, drinking excessively often or frequently smoking cigarettes.
Poor lifestyle choices may exacerbate existing medical conditions that reduce testosterone levels and sex drive further, further contributing to low testosterone levels and decreasing sexual drive.
Specific Medications
Even when prescribed medications are necessary to prevent, manage, or reverse certain medical conditions, they can sometimes have unintended side effects. Some antidepressants and antihypertensives have the potential to disrupt hormone levels in older males leading to low libido, among other negative side effects.
If your current medications are having an adverse impact on your hormone levels and contributing to low sex drive, speak to your physician and inquire about possible alternative drugs. With so many choices out there for any category of medicine, chances are your physician can find something which won’t cause such a decrease in testosterone levels or sexual desire.
