Health Reference

Loss of sex drive in men: A consequence of aging?

content provided by mayoclinic.com

Loss of sex drive in men: A consequence of aging?

Question

My 51-year-old husband recently told me that he has lost the desire to have sex. He said it is normal for men his age to lose their sex drive. Is this true?

Linda
No state given

Answer

It is natural for men to notice a gradual decline in their sex drive as they age. The degree of this decline varies with the individual. However, an abrupt loss of sex drive at the relatively young age of 51 is not normal. Most men still maintain some sexual interest well into their 60s and 70s.

The most likely treatable cause of loss of sex drive is depression. Less common causes of a loss of sex drive include a side effect of medication or a decrease in male sex hormones due to an endocrine disorder.

Encourage your husband to talk to his doctor. A medical evaluation by a family practitioner, internist or urologist can help determine the cause of decreased sex drive. Treatment of the underlying problem may help.

Last Updated: 09/18/2006
© 1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Terms and conditions of use

 

Bookmark and Share   E-Mail Page   Printer Friendly Version


 
ShortcutsFind A PhysicianmyHealth eLinkPay Your BillSchedule Your MammogramRegister for Classes and EventsMake a DonationApply for a job

Free Injury Screening Clinic


Spring Fling - Health Fair


Ask-A-Nurse