Age and Sexual Function: What’s the Connection?

September 19, 2024

4 mins

There’s no denying that age plays a major role in sexual function. As men age, they naturally face physical and mental changes that can affect libido, performance, and intimacy. According to national surveys, erectile dysfunction becomes more prevalent with age, affecting as many as 77.5% of men over 75, with a steady increase in ED for each decade of life. While aging impacts various aspects of the body, its effects on sexual function are among the most significant.

The Impact of Aging on Sexual Function

Aging brings a host of physical and emotional changes that can significantly impact sexual function. Understanding these changes can help you address and manage them effectively, leading to a healthier and more satisfying sex life.

Physical changes with age

Sexual health naturally changes as men age, influenced by a combination of hormonal shifts and cardiovascular factors. Testosterone – a key hormone for male sexual function – helps regulate sex drive, performance, and energy levels. While testosterone levels are at their highest during adolescence and early adulthood, they gradually decrease by about 1.6% each year after that peak.

This gradual decrease can lead to reduced sexual desire, diminished erectile function, and lower overall energy levels. Men may notice a decline in their ability to maintain erections and experience a decrease in sexual drive as testosterone levels drop.

Simultaneously, cardiovascular health plays a significant role in sexual function. Aging increases the risk of developing conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. These issues can negatively impact blood flow, which is essential for achieving and maintaining erections.

 As arteries become less flexible and blood pressure rises, the risk of erectile dysfunction increases. That’s why it’s especially important for men to maintain their cardiovascular health through regular exercise and a balanced diet as they start to get older.

Mental and emotional changes with age

Mental health challenges like depression and anxiety can take a real toll on your sexual health. These issues may lower your libido, reduce the pleasure you feel, and make sexual performance more difficult. As we get older, life changes can add to these mental health struggles, which is why it’s so important to focus on both your emotional and physical well-being when it comes to sexual health.

Stress is another factor that can make things not go as smoothly in the bedroom. When stress becomes chronic, your body releases more cortisol – a hormone that can lower testosterone levels and interfere with sexual function. It can also speed up aging by breaking down collagen and elastin, affecting your skin and overall health. Finding ways to manage stress — whether through meditation, relaxation techniques, or better work-life balance — can go a long way in supporting your sexual health.

It’s also common for self-esteem and confidence to shift as you age, which can affect how you feel about yourself sexually. Changes in appearance or sexual performance might lower your confidence, but focusing on positive self-talk, keeping the lines of communication open with your partner, and seeking support when needed can help you stay confident and comfortable with your sexual health.

Managing Changes in Sexual Function

Lifestyle changes can make a big difference when it comes to sexual function, whether you’re dealing with physical or mental challenges. A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and even open communication with your partner can target the root causes of sexual dysfunction. 

But sometimes, you might need a little extra help to get back on track — and that's where ED medication can come in. Medications like Viagra® and Cialis® have been shown to effectively treat erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis, helping you to achieve and maintain an erection. These pills can provide the boost you need to regain your confidence and sexual performance in the moment.

In other cases, the problem might go a bit deeper, and addressing conditions associated with low testosterone may be necessary. When lifestyle changes and medications aren’t enough, testosterone therapies may be an option to explore. 

With the Rex MD TestoRx program, you’ll have access to testosterone replacement therapies and other testosterone solutions that may help restore your vitality and get you back to feeling like yourself again.

To find out if the program is right for you, just answer some about your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will order lab work for you to help determine if you’re eligible for testosterone replacement therapy or another treatment option.

Then, you’ll be able to schedule a virtual call with the Rex MD care team to further discuss your results, eligibility, and which treatment option would be most suitable for you, if any.

Seeking Help and Exploring Treatment Options

Sex should always be a pleasurable aspect of your life – no matter how old you are. And while we tend to think of sex as an experience that dwindles with age, that doesn’t need to be the case for you. 

If you’re looking to keep your sex life alive or reignite the flame in the bedroom, Rex MD has got you covered. With access to quality care and erectile dysfunction treatments where clinically appropriate, your sex life can be just as enjoyable as it was in your 20s and 30s. 

Start your online consultation today.