Men’s libido typically peaks in their 20s and then decreases with age. However, this does not mean that a satisfying sexual life cannot continue into middle age and beyond.
A healthy diet, weight loss, exercise, and avoiding medications that have side effects like low libido can all help to improve sexual satisfaction. Additionally, aphrodisiac herbs like fenugreek can also help boost libido.
Age 20 – 30
People assigned male at birth typically reach their sexual peak in their late teens or early 20s. This is based on a surge of testosterone levels which happens at puberty. This age is also when a woman’s libido peaks.
Testosterone levels begin to decrease after a man’s early 20s. The decrease can lead to a reduction in libido, less penis sensitivity and orgasms that are less intense. It can also increase the likelihood of having erectile dysfunction.
Libido can be influenced by a variety of factors including lifestyle, stress, health conditions and medications. For example, a diet high in fat and sugar can negatively impact libido. Exercise and regular sleep is essential to improving libido. Foreplay can help stimulate genitals and increase arousal, and foreplay may be even more important for men who struggle with low libido. A general sense of wellbeing is also important and can be achieved through meditation, a good night’s sleep, adequate nutrition, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drug use.
Age 40 – 50
Most men experience a gradual decline in libido after their late teens. Often, the loss of libido is due to the gradual lowering of testosterone levels.
Testosterone levels usually start to decline by about 1% a year from the age of 30 onwards. In addition, other factors may affect a man’s libido during this time, such as psychological problems (like depression, anxiety or relationship issues), drugs or low blood levels of the male hormone testosterone.
The limbic system of the brain — including the hippocampus, hypothalamus and amygdala — is involved with sexual stimulation. In fact, scientists have discovered that viewing sexually arousing images activates these parts of the brain more than for other types of stimuli.
However, if you find your sex drive is lower than usual, talk to your doctor to see if it’s a natural change or something more serious. They can help you make lifestyle changes like moderate exercise, dietary changes, sleep improvements and stress management to increase your libido.
Age 60 – 70
There is no definitive age that men and women stop being sexually active. However, sex drive does decrease with age.
A decline in libido can be caused by various factors, such as aging, stress, and medications. Some drugs can have a negative impact on libido, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and high blood pressure medications. Medications can also impact a man’s testosterone levels.
In general, a person’s libido will peak in their 20s, and gradually decrease from there. However, many people are still sexually active into their 70s. Research has shown that most people who are sexually active feel happy about their sex life. Men who are in good health report being satisfied with their sex lives as well. It is important to monitor one’s health and discuss any concerns with a doctor. The doctor can help address any concerns or recommend an alternative treatment. This may include a change in medication or psychological therapy. For example, a doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to increase testosterone.
Luckily, men can still have a healthy and fulfilling sexual life well into their senior years with proper nutrition, exercise, regular doctor visits and medication management.
As a urologist, Bajic often sees patients with low libido and erectile dysfunction (ED). Although the two can be related, they’re different issues. ED is caused by the physical inability to achieve or maintain an erection, while a lack of desire is psychological.
Libido issues can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, low testosterone levels, drug side effects, chronic illness and depression. However, it’s important to remember that a man’s sex drive can improve and even return to its peak in his 20s. In fact, it is very common for people assigned male at birth to have healthy libido right up until they turn 70.