Men's Sexual Health Archive

In general, men don't really go through "menopause" because testosterone levels slowly decline over many decades. Symptoms such as low energy and decreased sex drive can sometimes be related to low testosterone levels that may improve with replacement therapy.

Cardiovascular problems can conspire to put a damper on sexual enjoyment. Talking to your doctor and your partner can help.

A physical connection with your romantic partner is often an important part of a fulfilling relationship. But when it comes to matters of the heart, the health of your heart matters.

"A satisfying sex life depends on physical health, psychological well-being, and the quality of the relationship," says Dr. Jan Shifren, who directs the Massachusetts General Hospital Midlife Women's Health Center. Heart disease and related conditions can influence all three of those factors in both men and women. Here's a look at the range of those effects and some possible solutions.

The condition is an all-too-real problem for men, and one of the more difficult to treat.

After age 50, men often have periods of discomfort "down there." It could be a cramping, aching, or throbbing pain in and around your pelvis and genitals. You also may have issues in the bedroom and bathroom. While the problems are real, the cause is often difficult to pinpoint.

It's called chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) — also known as chronic prostatitis — and it's one of the most puzzling and difficult-to-manage conditions for older men.

Here's how to regain romantic rhythm with your partner when sexual drive and interest get out of whack.

It's common for longtime partners to fall into romantic ruts. "You don't stay newlyweds for life, and there are times when romance and sex get routine and less exciting," says Dr. Sharon Bober, director of the Sexual Health Program at Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

What can you do when you and your partner are sexually out of sync? As with most things in life, if you want change, then you must be willing to change.

Men often don't talk about delayed or absent orgasm. Still, these issues can have a profound impact on their sex life.

Erectile dysfunction continues to be the main sex-related issue among older men. Yet, two other problems also can arise with age: anorgasmia, the inability to achieve an orgasm during sex, and delayed orgasm, in which it takes longer than usual to reach orgasm and ejaculate despite proper stimulation. Men can experience either one or both.

While these conditions can cause stress for both men and their sexual partners, they don't have to hinder a healthy, active sex life.

There are ways to manage ED without medication.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the more common health issues older men face, especially those with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Some estimates suggest between 50% and 70% of men ages 50 to 70 experience mild to moderate ED.

ED is defined as difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection. It is often caused by a combination of physical and emotional issues. ED makes intercourse difficult, which can lower sex drive and desire, increase anxiety and depression, and affect a man's relationship with his partner.

Can boosting testosterone levels improve your sex life?

The hormone testosterone plays a big part in men's health, but perhaps its most meaningful role is to fuel sex drive and performance.

Testosterone levels tend to decrease with age. They peak by early adulthood and then can drop by up to 1% per year beginning around age 40. Sometimes an abrupt fall occurs because of an injury or illness (such as an infection), chemotherapy or radiation treatment, or certain medications.

A regular sex life offers many heart health benefits. But can you stay sexually active with heart issues?

Regular sex is good medicine for your heart. But what if you've had a heart attack or a heart procedure? When is it safe to resume sex again — and should you?

"Most men can continue their sex life after a heart attack, unless there are additional circumstances that increase their risk," says Dr. Jason Matos, a cardiologist with Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "It depends on the person and his specific issue, but most men don't have to give up their sex life because of their heart health."

On call

Q. I've noticed blood streaks in my semen twice over the past 10 days. Is this a sign of something serious?

A. When a man sees blood in his ejaculate, his initial thought is cancer. But the reality is that bloody semen rarely is a sign of cancer.