Low Libido in Men: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments by Age

Low Libido in Men: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments by Age

Many men face the challenge of low libido in their lives. This raises insecurities and doubts in their sexual life. Though it’s normal to experience it, if not addressed, it can become a cause of concern. But what exactly causes low libido in men?

Well, there can be different reasons behind it, it can be due to fatigue, ageing, low testosterone count, conflicts in the relationship and other such factors. 

However, one can deal with this phase of their life through the support of Ayurveda. Ayurveda offers various natural ways to cope with libido. Let’s discuss how! 

Signs and Symptoms of low libido in men 

You can identify of signs of low libido in men due to the following symptoms. 

  • Less or no interest in sexual activity 

  • Emotionally disturbed 

  • Erectile dysfunction 

  • Less production of semen during orgasm 

  • Increase in Relationship problems 

  • ED and other sexual issues 

Causes of low libido in men

There can be various reasons behind low libido in men, it can be either natural due to ageing or due to a certain medical condition. Let’s talk about each in detail. 

Psychological Causes 

Men can experience low libido due to various psychological reasons, such as 

  • Depression

  • Stress

  • Anxiety 

  • Bad mood 

  • Dissatisfaction in a relationship 

  • Past trauma

  • Low self-confidence

All these factors together can lead to a decrease in self-esteem of a person, making them stressed. When in stress, our body activates the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing cortisol levels and diverting energy away from non-essential functions like sexual activity. This physiological response can cause low libido in men. 

Hormonal Causes 

You can also experience low libido due to some hormonal changes in the body, such as -

  • Low Testosterone

  • Age-Related Hormonal Decline

These hormones regulate libido in men; when imbalanced, they can lead to a decrease in sexual desire. 

Health Factors 

Certain health conditions affect blood flow, nerve function, and energy, damaging sexual performance and desire in men. These include- 

  • Diabetes

  • Cardiovascular Diseases

  • Obesity

  • Chronic Pain Conditions (e.g., arthritis)

  • Thyroid Disorder 

Lifestyle Factors

Some unhealthy habits lead to vascular problems, hormone imbalances, and energy loss, thus reducing libido in men. Especially bad habits like alcohol consumption and smoking can decrease the testosterone count in men and affect their erectile function too.

Research shows that male smokers aged 40 to 70 are nearly twice as likely to develop ED.

 Lifestyle factors that affect libido in men are- 

  • Alcoholism 

  • Smoking

  • Poor Diet

  • Lack of Exercise

Medications Side-effects 

Some medications taken to manage health issues can leave side effects of low libido in men. SSRIS, a drug prescribed for both anxiety and depression, are noticed to have certain side effects, including loss of libido. Most other medications include- 

  • Antidepressants

  • Finasteride

  • Antipsychotic 

  • Psychiatric medications

Sleep Apnea

This is a chronic sleep condition that interrupts breathing throughout the night, making it difficult to settle into a deep, restful sleep. This results in daytime fatigue that can lower sex drive. Sleep apnea can also reduce testosterone count, which is one of the possible reasons for a lower sex drive. 

Low Libido and Age: How It Changes Over Time

Age is one of those factors that affects libido in men. Let’s understand how it changes with the growing age. 

Low Libido in Younger Men (Under 30)

Since problems of low libido and ED in younger individuals are not very common. It doesn’t mean that a younger individual doesn’t face these problems. Testosterone levels are usually considered to be high in the 20s. 

Research suggests that in males, the testosterone-driven sexual peak is expected at about age 22. The decline starts from there. 

Conditions like hypogonadism also occur in younger individuals, where testosterone levels start dropping. This can be a result of psychological and relational conditions. 

Low Libido in Men Aged 30-50

A research study shows that 1% of men under 40 and 14% above 40 experience ED. The condition becomes more common with age, with approximately 52% of men between 40 and 70 experiencing some degree of ED. This happens because testosterone starts to slowly decrease around age 35. It typically goes down by about 1% per year, but it could be faster for some men.

Erectile dysfunction, one of the key reasons for low libido in men, becomes more prevalent. It affects about 30% or more of males aged 40 and older. Erections become less rigid around this age, and males start desiring sex less often, with a longer male refractory period (time after orgasm during which a person is not sexually responsive) as well.

Here are some treatment options recommended at such times. 

Treatments for improving libido in men

Natural treatments

Manage your stress

Practising some deep breathing exercises will help reduce cortisol (stress hormone), helping you restore healthy testosterone levels. High cortisol suppresses testosterone, so managing stress directly improves libido. 

Improve your relationship

A lot of times, conflicts in relationships arise due to misunderstanding and less communication. This affects libido function. Emotional intimacy, open communication, and building trust with your partner can naturally reignite sexual desire.

Try these Herbs 

  • Ashwagandha: It is known to reduce stress and boost testosterone levels naturally.

  • Mucuna Pruriens: It supports dopamine production, enhancing mood and desire.

  • Tribulus Terrestris: It has been traditionally used to support male vitality.

  • Ginseng (especially Korean Red Ginseng): It improves blood flow and increases sexual performance naturally. 

Exercise 

Research by Harvard Health shows that regular exercise is one of the best medicines for ED. Even exercise through mere walking can be helpful to manage your libido. Strength training, kegels, and yoga are other effective exercises recommended for boosting libido. 

Manage your weight 

Obesity is one of the causes of low libido in men. Thus, important to manage your weight. You can manage your weight by doing some calorie-burning exercises or being mindful of your eating habits. 

Keep your diet right! 

It’s important to keep your diet right by adding some nutritious foods considered good for your sexual life. Consider adding aphrodisiac foods to your diet, foods that can enhance your mood and stimulate the desire for sex. These include- 

  • Nuts

  • Avocados

  • Chocolates 

  • Leafy greens

  • Watermelon

  • Berries

  • Saffron 

Ayurvedic Medicine 

Apart from the above natural treatments, taking the Ayurvedic path can also be helpful to overcome low libido. In case you are searching for some side-effect-free medicine to boost your libido, here are the most effective options-  

Liv Muztang

Liv Muztang sexual performance booster is made of a 100% herbal formulation that addresses problems of low libido in men. 

Kaama Gold 

Kaama Gold is another Ayurvedic medicine that helps men boost their testosterone count naturally, thus improving their performance. 

Ayush for Men 

Ayush for Men helps manage the problems of ED, delayed ejaculation, and provides a natural boost to your libido. 

Ultimate Hammer 

Ultimate Hammer helps men overcome their performance stress and assists in peak-level performance. 

Conclusion 

Low libido can affect men of any age, commonly experienced in individuals above 40 years.  It occurs due to various reasons such as low testosterone count, sperm quality, ED and other sexually related challenges.

However, one can overcome it by improving their lifestyle and adding a healthy sex stimulating diet to their routine. Along with it, it’s also important to manage your stress levels and weight, as it can affect your libido.

If unable to find a suitable result, then you can try the Ayurvedic path of treatment for recovery without any side effects or pain. Looking for other solutions to your sexual health issues? Then visit our blog to get your answers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes low libido in men?

Low libido in men can result from low testosterone levels, stress, depression, medications, or aging.

How is low sex drive in men diagnosed?

Doctors use physical exams, blood tests, and psychological evaluations to diagnose low libido.

Can testosterone therapy help with low libido?

Yes, testosterone therapy may help if a hormone deficiency is confirmed. Always consult a doctor first.

How does age affect a man's sex drive?

As men age, hormone levels drop, and health issues may develop, contributing to reduced libido.

Are there natural ways to boost male libido?

Yes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, and stress reduction can naturally support libido.

What foods can help increase libido and erectile function?

Foods like dark chocolate, leafy greens, nuts, and pomegranate juice may boost blood flow and libido.

References

Profile Image Dr. Meghna

Dr. Meghna

Dr. Meghna is a skilled General Ayurveda Physician, full of passion and devotion for integral health that can be seen through work. She has expertise in both men's and women's health and focuses more on infertility and sexual health disorders. She brings together the ancient Ayurvedic practice and modern wellness approaches for effective holistic treatment of patients.

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