Men and women experience changes in their libido over the course of their lives. This can be due to natural changes, underlying health conditions or medication they take.
Testosterone levels dip as you enter your 30s and can continue to drop by one percent per year until you reach 40. However, this decrease in libido may be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices.
20s
Men’s libido typically peaks in their 20s and begins to decline slowly after that. Their testosterone levels remain high through this time, however, so sexual fantasies and actual sex are often still strong.
During this time, some men may notice that their penises aren’t as hard or that it takes them longer to get an erection. In addition, they might have fewer wet dreams or find that masturbation isn’t as pleasurable.
Stress and other factors can impact a person’s libido, so try to decrease the amount of pressure you feel in your daily life. Consider speaking to a mental health professional if you have ongoing concerns.
Many primary care, psychology and OB-GYN providers are familiar with men’s issues around sex drive. They can offer medical and psychological treatment options, such as hormone therapy, to help boost a man’s libido. They also can refer him to a specialist in human sexuality, such as a sex therapist. This therapist can provide education and counseling on topics such as sexual desires, relationship issues and stress management. They can also help identify and treat underlying conditions that can cause low libido, such as depression, anxiety or physical health problems like high blood pressure.
30s
The sex drive typically peaks in men between their 20s and 40s, but this does not mean that sexual activity must stop at this age. Men with a healthy lifestyle can experience good sexual satisfaction throughout their entire adult life.
A number of factors can contribute to low libido, including changes in mental health and a loss of body confidence. Depression, stress, anxiety and substance abuse can all cause a man to lose interest in sex or to perform poorly during sex.
Testosterone levels are another factor that determines a man’s sexual desire. When a man’s testosterone levels drop, his libido will decrease as well.
A doctor can check a man’s blood for symptoms of low testosterone, which include erectile dysfunction and delayed or inhibited orgasms. A physician may also recommend tests for other potential causes of low libido, such as sleep apnea, diabetes and thyroid disease. Other factors that can lower a man’s libido include obesity, smoking and long-term use of medications for high blood pressure, depression or seizures. A physician can help a man find a treatment that will improve his libido and sexual satisfaction.
40s
Men’s libido often decreases as they enter their 40s, though it does vary from person to person. Testosterone levels reach their peak in this decade and then begin to decline, usually at a rate of one percent per year. This can cause sexual arousal to drop, and some men also start experiencing problems with erectile dysfunction (ED).
By this time in life, men are more likely to have chronic health conditions that can interfere with sex drive. For example, diabetes and heart disease can lower testosterone levels. Depression, stress, fatigue, drug or alcohol abuse and sleep problems can also affect libido.
For some men, low libido may be a side effect of certain medications. For example, SSRI antidepressants — which are commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression — are known to negatively affect libido. In this case, it’s important to talk to a doctor who can switch you to a different medication that won’t have this side effect. For others, individual psychotherapy with a therapist can help address mental health issues, relationship problems and lifestyle factors that are contributing to low libido.
50s
As men reach their 50s, they may start to notice a decline in their sexual desire. This is due to a combination of factors, including lower levels of testosterone, medication side effects and mental health issues.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that men will stop having sex. Many still enjoy sex in their 60s and 70s, particularly if they have maintained good health throughout the years leading up to this point.
Testosterone levels begin to decrease in men’s 30s and continue to decline by 1% every year until they reach their lowest point at age 70. This could be an issue for some men, but it is important to remember that there are a number of factors that can help increase libido in men, such as exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.
It is also important to talk to a doctor if libido begins to decrease to make sure that it is not a symptom of a medical condition. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe hormones or lubrication to improve sexual satisfaction.
60s
Men’s libido usually peaks in their 20s, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have problems with it later. Erectile dysfunction can start at this age, and that might be due to inexperience or an underlying health issue like diabetes or heart disease.
As men enter their 30s, testosterone levels decrease a bit by around 1% each year, which can affect their sex drive a little bit over time. But that’s not the only thing that can lower a man’s libido in this decade: chronic health conditions, weight gain and other factors all play a role.
If a man has severe libido problems, he should visit his primary care physician to get a complete assessment. A doctor can order a simple blood test to check for low testosterone, which is often the cause of decreased libido in this age group. Current cigarette smoking and frequent nocturnal voiding are also independent risk factors for decreased libido, according to a 2021 study. The doctor can also recommend a sex therapist for men who may be under significant stress.
