Does it seem like you’re not as obsessed with sex as you were when you were younger? Do you worry that everyone else has a more active and fulfilling sex life than you do?
You might be surprised to learn that the average American has sex 54 times per year, or about once a week. Interestingly, the current generation also has less sex (up to 16 fewer times per year) than our parents’ generation.
Is it normal for our libido to change as we get older? What are some contributing factors to decreased sex drive? Is it possible to increase libido in men quickly?
In this post, we’ll answer these important questions. Read on to learn more!
Contents
Your Sex Drive by Age: What’s Normal?
Before we dive into causes and solutions, let’s briefly look at what’s “normal” by age group.
Your 20s
Testosterone levels in men are highest in your 20s, which generally means your sex drive is strong too. Relationships are new and exciting during this time, which tends to heighten sexual interest. Your body’s biological clock is also in full swing, as these are the most fertile years for both women and men.
Your 30s
Most men continue to have a healthy sex drive through their 30s, although this is also the average age for testosterone levels to begin to dip.
Sex drive may decrease during this decade too as stress levels and daily demands increase. Full-time jobs, raising a family, caring for aging parents, and other stressors can have a huge impact on your libido.
Interestingly, some women may experience a stronger sex drive in their 30s and into their 40s. Hormones associated with pregnancy and motherhood can also cause drastic swings in libido.
Your 40s (And Beyond)
Hormone levels continue to change for both men and women during this decade. Most women enter perimenopause for 5-10 years before menopause, causing a drop in estrogen levels. This can lead to a variety of physical and emotional changes, including vaginal dryness and decreased (or increased) libido.
Men in their 40s and 50s may continue to have a healthy libido and normal sex life. Others may begin to experience decreased sex drive or occasional problems with erectile dysfunction.
What Causes Low Libido?
It’s normal for your sex drive to rev up or slow down during different phases of your life. But age isn’t the only factor that can affect your libido.
Here are 4 other reasons you may experience sexual highs and lows.
1. Stress
Stress is the #1 libido killer, as it can wreak havoc on your physical and emotional health. Prolonged stress can elevate cortisol levels, lowering testosterone and sexual desire.
2. Medical Problems
Chronic medical conditions, especially ones that cause pain or inflammation, can affect your moods and desires. Depression, anxiety, and certain medications can also negatively impact your sex drive.
3. Poor Body Image
If you suffer from low self-esteem or insecurity about your body, you may feel ashamed or embarrassed to be naked with your partner. This lack of confidence may make you unwilling to initiate or engage in sexual activities.
4. Too Much Technology
Remember earlier when we mentioned that today’s couples are having less sex than earlier generations? Some experts believe that increased screen time, including social media and video streaming, could be a factor.
How to Increase Libido in Men Quickly
So, we’ve talked about low libido in men and women and how some fluctuation is natural as we age. Is there anything we can do in the meantime to give our sex drive a healthy boost? Absolutely!
If you suspect stress is affecting your sex drive, eliminate any stressors you possibly can. To better cope with remaining stress, practice a good routine of self-care. This might include taking up a new hobby, like yoga or meditation, or spending more time in nature.
Focus on improving the quality of your current relationship, especially if you’ve been together for a while. Set aside time to communicate and do things together outside of the bedroom. Many couples plan a designated date night each week to give their relationship the attention it needs to thrive.
There are some natural remedies you might try to increase your libido and sexual performance, including ginger, ginkgo, or maca root. Of course, be sure to check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.
Many individuals (and couples) also benefit from speaking to a sex therapist about their concerns. If you haven’t already, you should also speak with your doctor so you can rule out any underlying medical conditions.
What about medications designed to enhance desire and performance? Many men have had success with Viagara, Alpha Male Plus, and similar products.
It’s also worth noting that an active, healthy lifestyle is often the biggest factor in how interested (or not) you are in having sex. Get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet.
The better you feel, inside and out, the more likely you are to have a normal, healthy libido.
Aging and Your Sex Drive: Final Thoughts
When it comes to your sex drive, there’s no “one size fits all” answer. What’s normal for one person (or one couple) might be completely different than what’s normal for you.
What is normal is for your libido to ebb and flow as you move through your 20s, 30s, and 40s. You may also experience temporary changes to your sex drive due to stress, medical conditions, or other factors.
The good news is you don’t have to wonder how to increase libido in men quickly. (This goes for the ladies too). Maintain a healthy lifestyle and find healthful ways to manage your stress.
You can also talk to your doctor about hormonal therapy, medications, or other ways to boost your sex drive.
Did you find this article helpful? Be sure to browse our other love and relationship posts for more great information.