Andropause refers to the natural change in a man’s life when he crosses over from the high hormonal overdrive of youth and steps into a more mature world after his 40s. Some men may experience reduction in testosterone as early as their 30’s but for the majority of men, Andropause or male menopause is an increasingly accepted reality during mid-life. Among the many psychological changes like anxiety and mood swings that men experience during Andropause, are physiological changes like a decrease in sexual libido and loss of fertility.

Explaining Sexual Libido and Understanding the Effect of Andropause on Male Sexual Functioning

Libido refers to the sexual drive of every man, which varies from one individual to another, and even within the same individual depending on circumstances. It is normal for new couples to experience a celebratory period of plenty of sex that settles down over time, often referred to as the Honeymoon stage.

The next natural stage, when the new mother may be sore or too tired and preoccupied with caring for the new baby after childbirth, involves a different level of sexual libido. Many couples report less frequency of indulging in sexual intercourse post parenthood and this is normal too. Thus, health experts assert that decrease in sexual libido and the frequency of sexual intercourse, or the desire for intercourse, ranges from every day to once a year or not at all, depending on personal preferences.

However, when this happens during male menopause, it can be a cause of anxiety and depression for many Andropausal men. Many men may need to seek professional help for dealing with the psychological and physiological impact of Andropause related lack of pleasure in sex.

Male Sexual Dysfunction: Andropause a Common Condition Affecting Libido

Male menopause is a natural stage in every man’s life as he ages, his testosterone level slowly declines, and the side effect can be a decreased libido. Both men and women need to understand that this male sexual dysfunction does not mean permanent impotence - the failure to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient for intercourse - but possible retarded ejaculation - the inability to reach orgasm - can be treated through proper counseling, medication and alternative therapies.

Counseling Options and Types of Treatment for Decrease in Sexual Libido: Effective Andropause Aids

• Learning communication skills to improve the overall quality of the relationship is the first step in treating Andropause-related loss of sexual libido.

• Counselors try to understand the fear, anxiety issues or physical lack of energy that men go through during Andropause and translate these therapeutic open-communication sessions to resolve any underlying issues of tension or resentment.

• Men are encouraged to increase attempts at establishing intimacy and physical affection without necessarily leading to sexual intercourse.
   

Dealing with Andropause related decrease in sexual libido and finding a resolution for some may take time, but health experts often try to educate their male subjects on different sexual techniques to work around the issue, including open discussion between partners regarding sexual desires and fantasies.

TRT or Testosterone Replacement Therapy is also used to treat male Andropausal symptoms like loss in sexual libido, and has produced tangible symptomatic improvement including aging reversal benefits for male subjects.  Recommended drugs include Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, as well as the alternative bioidentical hormones.

Information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

Andropause Libido - Back to Top