Sex For Men After 50

We are all aware how libido and sex drive decreases in most men with advancing age. Most people argue that libido and physiological changes in sex life are a result of declining testosterone levels; but in reality a lot of other factors also plays a major role.

For example, investigators reported in a new research that aging males with low serum levels of testosterone are at high risk of developing a wide variety of health issues such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, psychological ailments such as depression, cardiovascular dysfunction and other medical problems. These diseases can impair the libido, sexual stamina and vigor in males both directly (due to deleterious effects of disease on the energy levels and organ systems) as well as indirectly (as a side effect of pharmacological regimen, needed to treat the health issue).

What Are Some Psycho-Social Changes In Intimacy After A Man Turns 50?

1. Sexual Dysfunction:

With advancing age, it increasingly becomes difficult to achieve and maintain adequate penile erection, necessary to enjoy the act of intercourse. According to latest statistics, the risk of ED among men increases with aging and about 33% men between the age group of 50 to 64 years have it. In men between 65 to 85 years, the risk of developing ED increases to 44%; however, there are more than 50% men who never develop erectile dysfunction. Other common complaints include:

• Premature ejaculation
• Retrograde ejaculation (especially in the setting of prostate related surgeries)
• Less firm erection
• Poor strength and endurance

Experts believe that there is a positive side to it. Based on a new study, investigators concluded that men after 50 years of age are more willing to explore their sexuality and sexual interests into practical stuff. This is helpful because men look more ways to get over their poor declining libido and sex drive by turning their wild fantasies into reality.

2. Emotional Attachment Towards Partner:

It is believed that men after 50 enjoy more meaningful relationship with their partners. This is partly attributed to declining testosterone (the wild hormone). On the contrary, the serum levels of oxytocin remains constant in both men and women despite physiological aging. The hormone oxytocin is also known as bonding hormone and promotes the feelings of trust, attachment, and loyalty. Several research studies suggested that spike in serum levels of oxytocin (after an intranasal spray) can prevent men from seeing or feeling attracted to other women by maintaining social distance (2).

3. Stronger Stimulation Is Needed To Get In The Mood:

Some men after 50 find it difficult to get aroused with sexual fantasies and thoughts alone. In other words, most men require some sort of physical stimulation (such as penile fondling) for sexual arousal. Additionally, the rhythm requires time and persistent stimulation to grow stronger and any distraction can lead to wilting.

However, it is imperative to mention that erectile dysfunction does not interfere with the ability to achieve orgasm. Kissing, fondling, massage, cuddling and use of sex toys can actually help in achieving orgasm without completing the sexual act.

4. Low Sexual Vigor And Diminished Sexual Vitality:

According to a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (3), investigators conducted testosterone trials across 12 states and on 788 male participants (over the age of 65 years). The results suggested that study participants had a mean testosterone concentration of 275 ng/dL and solid evidence of sexual dysfunction (reduced vitality, poor libido and interest in sexual activity).

How To Improve Sexual Performance In Men After 50?

Healthcare providers strongly believe that moderate changes in lifestyle and diet can make a huge difference in your libido and sex drive.

• Explore new ideas and methods to bring excitement in your sex life.
• If you are obese or over-weight, shedding some extra pounds can also help in improving the libido.
• You can also work with a sex therapist to restore the normal quality of life.
• Speak to your doctor to learn more about appropriate treatment/ management options to address your sexual needs.
• Regular physical activity helps in improving the stamina as well as energy levels. In addition, clinical data also indicates that resistance training and strength enhancing exercises promotes steroidogenesis i.e. synthesis of steroids in the body (5).

Maintaining a healthy and functional sexual relationship becomes more necessary after a certain age. Not only because, it is satisfies the sexual needs but also emotional, physical and social needs. According to a study reported in The FASEB Journal (5), investigators suggested that loneliness and social isolation can lead to increased mortality.

References

1. Brand, J. S., den Ouden, M. E., Schuurmans, M. J., Bots, M. L., & van der Schouw, Y. T. (2013). Endogenous sex hormones and subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older men. International journal of cardiology, 168(1), 574-576.

2. Scheele, D., Striepens, N., Güntürkün, O., Deutschländer, S., Maier, W., Kendrick, K. M., & Hurlemann, R. (2012). Oxytocin modulates social distance between males and females. The Journal of Neuroscience, 32(46), 16074-16079.

3. Cunningham, G. R., Stephens-Shields, A. J., Rosen, R. C., Wang, C., Ellenberg, S. S., Matsumoto, A. M., ... & Barrett-Connor, E. (2014). Association of sex hormones with sexual function, vitality, and physical function of symptomatic older men with low testosterone levels at baseline in the testosterone trials. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(3), 1146-1155.

4. Steptoe, A., Shankar, A., Demakakos, P., & Wardle, J. (2013). Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in older men and women. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(15), 5797-5801.

5. Sato, K., Iemitsu, M., Matsutani, K., Kurihara, T., Hamaoka, T., & Fujita, S. (2014). Resistance training restores muscle sex steroid hormone steroidogenesis in older men. The FASEB Journal, 28(4), 1891-1897.