There comes the point in every man’s life when the body doesn’t respond to sexual intimacy as it once did.
The romance and sexual feelings may still burn bright, but the physical toil and effort can dampen sexual desire.
While many people dismiss this as a natural part of becoming older, you don’t have to give up your active sex life completely. Sex is a core expression of human desire and intimacy, and a few bodily changes shouldn’t stop you from sharing an intimate moment with your partner.
There are several ways to maintain a healthy and satisfying sex life as you get older. Making these adjustments can be the key to keeping your body sexually healthy and active.
Let’s learn more about the potential sources of these sexual changes, how to stop them, and ways to improve your sexual health.
Why Does Sexual Behavior Change?
The way you perceive things in your 20s vastly differs from your 60s or 70s. It’s not just physical appearance that changes with time, but also sexual function.
With advancing age, the production of testosterone in men starts to decrease gradually. According to one study, following a male’s sexual peak and maturity at the age of 30, it decreases by approximately 0.19 ng/dL per year of age.
This can lead to some changes in sexual behavior, such as decreased libido.
In older men, erections may also not be as strong, or they may not last as long as they did when you were younger. You may also notice that it takes longer to become aroused, and orgasm may not be as intense.
Intercourse with your partner may be less frequent, and you may find that you’re no longer interested in sex as much as you used to be. All of these changes may be debilitating, but they can be overcome.
There are many reasons why sexual behavior changes as men age. Aside from the sexual reasons listed above, poor health can also contribute to a decreased desire for sexual activity. Some of these causes may include:
- A poor diet
- A lack of quality sleep
- Obesity
- Little to no exercise
- Chronic illnesses
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
Addressing the main cause of the underlying health issue is integral to improving sexual function. Communicating openly and honestly with your partner can also help you work through any sexual changes that come with aging.
If you’re experiencing a decrease in libido, be sure to talk to your doctor. A medical professional can help identify any potential underlying causes and offer possible solutions.
Tips on Maintaining Sexual Health and Libido
While there is no fountain of youth, there are plenty of techniques you can consider to help you remain sexually active and increase low libido.
Here are a few strategies to improve your sexual interest.
Find Pleasure in Other Forms of Physical Intimacy
When it comes to physical intimacy, there are many ways to express and enjoy it that don’t have to be sexual. You can find new ways to enjoy being close to your partner that doesn’t involve penetrative sex.
Try cuddling, kissing, massaging, caressing, or other creative forms of affection to maintain that physical connection.Studies even suggested that the more often you cuddle, the better your quality of sex will be.
So if your bedroom is dry, reignite it by bringing up cuddling or caressing. These other types of intimacy can be just as fun as sexual intercourse, if not more.
Implement Kegel Exercises
One way to help manage sexual dysfunction is by performing Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can help with issues such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
One study considers kegel exercises as one of the best first-line approaches for treating erectile dysfunction in men.
If you’re unfamiliar with this technique, it’s fairly easy. Here are steps on how to do a Kegel exercise.
- First, identify the pelvic floor muscles. It’s the same one you use when trying to stop the flow of urine when you’re urinating.
- Once you’ve identified the right muscles, sit down or lie down. Then, contract these muscles for 5 seconds and then relax for 5 seconds.
- Do 10 repetitions, and repeat each set 3 times daily.
Find more pelvic floor exercises here.
Improve Communication with Your Partner
Don’t feel apprehensive about discussing sexual health with a partner. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to sharing information about your body and your desires.
One way you can open up the topic to your partner is by injecting a little humor into it. At the end of the day, keeping open communication lines with them can bring you closer as a couple and increase sexual satisfaction
Undergo Sexual Health Therapies
Couples who find it difficult to talk about sex openly can benefit from counseling or sex therapy. A therapist can help identify any negative patterns in your sexual attitude and behavior and find ways to address these concerns.
Aside from psychotherapy, there are two sexual therapies that a man can undergo if they feel a lull in their sex drive. These are:
Testosterone replacement therapy or TRT is a popular treatment option for men experiencing andropause, or “male menopause.” It involves replenishing the body’s supply of testosterone through a variety of different methods, like topical gel and injections.
Acoustic wave therapy is a newer, non-invasive treatment option that uses low-intensity sound waves to promote tissue regeneration and increase blood flow. The result is improved erectile function and sexual performance. According to recent studies, this method has been deemed effective in clinical settings.
Contact Jacksonville’s Top Men’s Clinic for a Sexual Health Consultation
Your body undergoes drastic changes as you grow older, which can impact your sexual health and libido. However, there are plenty of ways to maintain a healthy sex life—even if you’re well beyond your younger years.
By acknowledging the tips and techniques above, you and your partner can keep the romance alive while continuing to enjoy sex.
Need more customized tips on how to improve sexual function?
Contact a doctor at Prime Men’s Medical Center in Jacksonville for a medical consultation. We are a leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
