As men age physical changes can occur that impact their sexual
performance. One of those changes is erectile dysfunction (ED), one major concern of men above 40 in
Canada and elsewhere.
Your erections might not be as strong, you think about sex less often,
and you might not get turned on as easily as when you were
younger.
However, the good news is that there are several things you can do to
keep your sexual health strong even as you age.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about men's sexual health after 40, including:
Let's dive in.
The Importance of Sexual Health For Men After 40
For men of any age, sexual health
is a big part of life. It affects several other aspects of their health,
whether physical, mental, emotional, or social. It's important to be
educated about your sexuality and to understand the risks of sex,
including:
-
Pregnancy
-
STIs
-
Sexual abuse
It's perfectly normal to go through waves of high sexual intensity and
apathy when it comes to your sex life, especially as you get older.
When it comes to a man's fluctuating hormones fighting against the
everyday stressors of life, it becomes inevitable that men eventually
experience a decrease in their libido as they grow up.
Common Issues That Can Occur With Sexual Health After 40
Testosterone plays a key role in men's sexual experiences. These levels
vary widely among men. In your 20s, testosterone levels are typically
quite high. However, they start to gradually decline as you age — around 1% every year
after the age of 30.
For men over 40, this can make take longer for the penis to become
erect, and it might not be as firm as it used to be. It could even take
longer to ejaculate or have an orgasm.
Although it can happen to men at any age, erectile dysfunction
becomes more common. ED refers to the difficulty of getting or
maintaining an erection long enough for sexual intercourse.
Approximately 1 in 10 male adults
suffer from ED on a long-term basis.
Erectile dysfunction and men's sexual health, in general, are complex issues. At any age, it can happen for a
variety of reasons, such as drinking too much, relationship problems,
stress, cardiac issues, or just being tired. However, men with ED need
to be aware of other underlying issues.
When aging, it could be a sign of bigger problems. For example, it
could be a sign of heart trouble. It is often a red flag that you might
have coronary artery disease. It's something to keep in mind once you
hit your 40s.
ED can also be caused by metabolic syndrome, which raises the risk for heart disease and other issues like stroke
or diabetes. Some other common causes of ED for men in their forties include:
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Hypertension
-
Hormonal disorders
-
Mental health issues
-
Drug or alcohol use
-
Sedentary lifestyle
-
Smoking
-
Obesity
-
Pain
-
Trauma
-
Prostate cancer
-
Neurological issues
If you suspect you might be dealing with any of these issues or
erectile dysfunction itself, the best course of action is to see your
healthcare provider to see if there are any serious underlying
issues.
How To Maintain Strong Men's Sexual Health After 40
The good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your sexual health strong and under control as you grow older. Let's take a look at a few tips that you can apply to your daily
routine.
Quit Bad Habits
If you're still smoking in your 40s, you should consider quitting. Not
just for your sex drive but your overall health as well. Smoking can
cause your libido to drop drastically. Stop smoking, and you might find
yourself more frisky in the bedroom.
Excessive drinking is also another big cause of erectile dysfunction. If you know that you partake in these detrimental habits, do your
best to quit.
Be Open With Your Partner
It's important to be open with your partner about how and why your sex
drive might not be as strong as it once was. Even if it's uncomfortable,
communicating openly can create a stronger emotional connection and lead
to better sex.
Try Something New
Many couples tend to do the same thing when it comes to sex after
they've been with each other for a long time. If your sex life is
getting stale, consider trying something new and communicating openly
with your partner about something you'd like to try.
eep Your Stress Low
Stress is incredibly detrimental to the human body and can
significantly affect sex drive as well. Find ways to cope with anxiety
and stress to help get your sex life back on track.
Get More Sleep
A great way to keep stress low and boost your mood is to make sure
you're getting enough sleep. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine
found that more sleep directly correlated to higher levels of sexual
desire.
Keep the Foreplay Up
If you're not feeling a strong sex drive, make sure you're not just
rushing into sex. Spend time kissing and cuddling with your partner. Not
only will it help create a stronger emotional bond, but it could also
help relieve tension.
Share Household Duties
An interesting study published in 2018
found that couples that shared household work (particularly washing
dishes) led to stronger sexual intimacy and a boost in sex drive. This
happened because partners felt more like equals and didn't resent each
other or feel stressed — leading to better sex.
Go On Vacation
Not feeling like you're on your sexual game? The change of scenery
could be just what you need to get the juices pumping again.
Eat Lots of Avocados
Eating a well-rounded diet is important for every aspect of your
health, including your sex life. One great example is avocado, which is
rich in B6. This helps keep the heart healthy and pump blood to keep
stronger erections in bed.
Eat More Chocolate
Research has shown that people who ate chocolate daily tended to have a
higher libido and sexual function than those who didn't. Now you have an
excuse to eat more chocolate!
Try To Lose Weight
It's perfectly normal for men to gain a bit of weight as they grow
older, but it could be a reason why your sex drive has taken a hit. Try
to shed a couple of pounds to gain more confidence and increase your
libido.
Meditate
A great way to help your sexual health
improve is to meditate regularly. It's not only good for your brain, but
it's also good for your sexual organs, as well. According to the Journal
of Sex Research, undergoing mindfulness-based therapy can help improve
your ability in the bedroom.
Final Words: Keep Your Sexual Health Alive
Keeping at peak performance is something that you need to be more
aware of as you grow older. When it comes to men's sexual health
after 40, there are several ways to stay healthy, but it all starts
with awareness. After that, you can modify your lifestyle in a way
that fits your daily routine.
If you want to check out other resources to maintain your sexual health
as you grow older, check out this link: Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults.
Education is the first step towards better sexual health!
FAQs About Sexual Health For Men After 40
Still have questions? Here are a few more frequently asked questions
about men's sexual health.
1- What changes as men get older when it comes to sexual
health?
Some changes include a lower sex drive, discomfort during sex,
erection changes, less strength and stamina, and lower
fertility.
2- Should I see a sex therapist?
A sex therapist is a professional that can help you and your
partner with specific issues. They are a great way to understand
problems you may have and reignite your life in the bedroom.
3- Am I too old to worry about safe sex?
You're never too old to worry about safe sex. At any age, it's
important to be responsible for both you and your partner.
Always be aware of STDs and use protection when necessary.
4- What are the benefits of sex for aging couples?
Sex can help release hormones that stimulate the brain and keep
it active. It can help ease anxiety and depression while helping
balance the emotions of couples. It is also great for reducing
stress.
5- Should I consult a doctor about sex?
Yes, if you have any issues in the bedroom, it is always a
good idea to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Seeking medical advice
is key to keeping men's health at peak performance.
-
Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults, NIH,
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality/sexuality-and-intimacy-older-adults
-
Stalled for Whom? Change in the Division of Particular Housework
Tasks and Their Consequences for Middle- to Low-Income Couples, Sage
Journals,
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2378023118765867
-
The Impact of Sleep on Female Sexual Response and Behavior: A Pilot
Study, Wiley Online Library,
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jsm.12858
-
Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age, Mayo
Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
-
Erectile dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risks:
facts and controversies, PubMed,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28217448/
