How does sexual desire change after the age of fifty?

Sexual desire is the force or drive that motivates people to engage in sexual activity. It may vary greatly across a wide array of situations and life stages. What happens after the age of 50?

BY Silvia Cardona | 05 November 2024

Sexuality is an inherent part of the human species. It plays an important role in people's general well-being and quality of life, because it includes physical, emotional and mental aspects. It also plays a fundamental role in identity and interpersonal relationships.

From the age of fifty onwards, a range of physical changes occur, such as altered body composition and a decrease in the levels of sex hormones. These hormones are key to maintaining libido or sexual desire. There are also psychological factors that can make enjoying sex more challenging. For example, concerns about one's own or one's partner's health, low self-esteem due to the physical changes one is experiencing, distancing oneself from one's partner, etc.

What changes do women experience?

In most cases, menopause appears around the age of fifty. This is the stage in which menstruation ceases naturally and permanently, marking the end of a woman's reproductive stage.

In this situation, oestrogen levels decrease, which may be accompanied by vaginal dryness. As a result, it is common to feel pain or discomfort during intercourse. To remedy this situation, it is necessary to moisturise the area with specific creams or oils, as well as using lubricants during sexual intercourse. In some cases, oestrogen-based treatments are prescribed to alleviate this and/or other symptoms of menopause.

What changes do men experience?

From the age of fifty onwards, there is usually a significant decrease in testosterone, also known as the male sex hormone. Low levels of this hormone can lead to erectile dysfunction, which affects more than 50% of men over the age of fifty. This condition is described as difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection. However, there are many other causes of this problem. For example, vascular or psychological causes, etc.

Tips to increase sexual desire

Some recommendations for couples over the age of fifty who may be experiencing diminished sexual desire are:

Leading a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet, regular exercise and a good night's rest.
Good communication with your partner. It is advisable to discuss both partner’s needs, as well as possible obstacles or factors that might be reducing sexual desire.
Seek moments of intimacy and connection. For example, cuddling, caressing, massages, sharing activities, etc.
Find tools to manage stress.

As we have seen, both men and women can experience changes that can contribute to a feeling of sexual dissatisfaction in their fifties and beyond. However, there are several ways of dealing with this situation, increasing libido in order to achieve a satisfying sex life. If the problem persists, it is advisable to consult a professional who can assess your case on an individual basis.