Male Sexual Behavior during Aging

As men age, there are clear changes in sexual behavior. For example, young married men report a strong desire for sexual activity and typically engage in sexual intercourse more than once per week. In contrast, older age men report desire for sexual activity (albeit to a lesser degree), but do not engage in frequent sexual intercourse because of erectile dysfunction or health problems. The factors responsible for these changes include an age-associated decrement in the serum testosterone concentration (andropause) which likely results in diminished libido and various health disorders which cause erectile dysfunction. For example, older age is associated with atherosclerotic vascular disease, which is the most frequent cause of inadequate erections. There are very little data on the effect of aging on orgasmic function. In essence, older age (in the absence of disease) is associated with modest decrements in sexual interest, ability, and activity. However, the majority of Americans develop various diseases as they age (i.e., diabetes mellitus) which impair erectile function. Ideally, these diseases can and should be prevented, thereby allowing older married couples to enjoy at least a modicum of the sexual pleasures they enjoyed during their youth. © 2001 Academic Press.