How sexual interest alters through the years

How sexual interest alters through the years explains the reasons men, and women, young and old react differently to sex either by having a low or high sex drive

What is sexual interest?

Sexual interest refers to cognitive phenomena such as thoughts or fantasies about engaging in sexual activity, but it has also been paired with both arousal and desire.

Why are you interested in sex?

Research and studies identify physical pleasure, emotional intimacy, stress relief, and relationship-building. Other reasons that have been reported include self-exploration, experimentation, and feeling desired or attractive.

Why do you have a higher sex drive?

There’s still no straightforward answer to this simple question as there’s no scientific agreement on what makes up sex drive or how this can be measured in men or women of different age groups. Besides the role hormones play in eliciting sex interest is not clear. Also, other factors such as psychological, social, and physical work together to create your sex drive.

That said, reasons that a person may have a higher sex drive include exercising and drug taking. For instance, a study reports that people who engage in physical activity tend to have higher sex drives. Also, stimulant drugs, such as cocaine, can cause an increase in libido.

Ways gender and age affect sexual interest

This section explains in detail how sexual interest alters through the years from young adulthood to older years for both genders.

Men in your 20’s

Testosterone, a hormone men need for sexual arousal is high in your 20s, and so is your interest in sex. But you may also be anxious about sex because of inexperience. Hence, 8 per cent, and possibly more, of men in their 20s report erectile dysfunction (ED). In addition, ED can also happen because of a medical or mental health issue or even be a sign that you’re at risk for heart disease. So talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

Women in your 20’s

You are more fertile from your teens to late 20s than in the later years. This may make you choosier about if and when you have sex, though it’s not clear exactly why. Scientists think that female desire might go up just as fertility starts to decline toward the end of your 20s.

Men in your 30’s and early 40’s

Many men continue to have a strong sex drive through these years, though testosterone typically goes down by about 1% per year, around age 35. But it could be faster for some men. This could have some effect on your sex drive. Besides many men find that the stress of work, family, and other commitments can affect how interested they are in sex.

Women in your 30’s and early 40’s

This time of life may be when your sex drive is strongest. One study showed that women between 27 and 45 had more frequent and more intense sexual fantasies than younger or older women. They also had more sex and were more likely to have it sooner in a relationship.

Women if you are having kids

At any age, pregnancy and childbirth have a big impact on your sex life, but it’s different for everyone. Your body and hormones change throughout pregnancy. That may mean a boost in libido at times, especially during the second trimester, and a lack of desire at others. You also may be anxious about whether it’s safe to have sex while you’re pregnant. It usually is, but ask your doctor if not certain. In addition, breastfeeding, raising kids, and other work can also affect the time, energy, and interest you have in sex.

Men in your 50’s and beyond

If you’re in good physical and mental health, there’s no reason you shouldn’t continue to enjoy your sex life as you get older. However, ED is more regular as you age. And your erections may happen less often and may be less firm. How sexual interest alters through the years may not necessarily be due to old age but triggered by heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. As well as the drugs that treat them.  So talk to your doctor about your options for ED treatment.

Women in your 50’s and beyond

Around age 50, an “empty nest” or less worry about getting pregnant might make some women more interested in sex.  But as you head toward menopause, estrogen levels drop, which might cool your libido down a bit and lead to vaginal dryness. Hot flashes, anxiety, weight gain, and sleep problems also can make you less interested in sex. As a result, ask your doctor about medicines, hormones, lubrication, and other treatments that can increase your sex drive.

Men’s sexual desire is more than testosterone

Though men need some testosterone to get aroused, the link between testosterone and sexual desire varies from person to person. And though your levels indeed decline with age, scientists don’t know exactly how this affects sex drive. Some men with “low” testosterone show normal sex drive, while others with high levels have sexual problems. Besides, other medical issues, physical fitness, and mental health could be more important factors.

Healthier ways to find interest in sex

Discuss any issues with your partner

Ask about your partner’s needs and desires, and talk about yours. Don’t be afraid to try new things as your body evolves and your stage of life alters. This can help keep you and your partner engaged and interested in sex. Be honest about your physical and emotional satisfaction. It might even be a good idea to set aside certain times to be intimate.

Be open and sincere

Communication openly about desires and needs with your sexual partner. By talking about sex outside the bedroom, your interest in sex may increase and be more pleasurable for each partner. Therapy may also help if you and your partner find sex discussions daunting.

Talk with your doctor

Since issues about your sex drive could be a sign of a medical condition, don’t hesitate to share your concerns with your doctor. For instance, if your physical response is the problem, your doctor may prescribe hormones that can increase your overall sex drive. For example, estrogen for women, and testosterone for men. Or drugs that boost sexual arousal Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis for men. And for women, Vyleesi and Addyi.

https://familydoctor.org/condition/sexual-dysfunction/

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