Sudden drop in libido and sexual function (male) in late 30s

[Uneasy10]

This started about 9-12 months ago, but I'm unsure if it is just a natural consequence of ageing or if it is due to a medical/psychological problem that needs the attention of a GP.

It started when I was 38 and seems to have been getting worse during the course of this year. I started noticing it becoming a lot slower and more difficult to get an erection. Things take longer and require a lot of manual stimulation to get aroused. I don't feel turned on in the way I used to and visual stimulation doesn't do much anymore. Thoughts seem to get more response. Sometimes things seem to work partially (if slow), other times weak or not at all (this is worst in the evenings). I loose attention very easily now (this didn't use to be the case) and loose the erection easily also. There are a couple of other problems. Ejaculation has become a lot more difficult taking a lot more stimulation to the point that it is becoming difficult to complete, particularly if tired. The only time that I experienced something similar was when I was on antidepressants a few years ago, but I have not been on these during the last 3+ years. Sperm volume seems to have reduced and become more watery.

Known medical conditions include type 1 diabetes (over 30 years) with good control, and depression which hasn't been great recently, partly due to where life has left me at this age. The only medication I am taking is insulin. Weight is within bmi and I do regular exercise, although the waistline has increased somewhat.

I also spent around 12 months doing cycle courier work part time (around 12 hours a week). This stopped around 3-4 months ago but there hasn't been any change.

Reading up on things, doctor's say male sexual response drops off with age, but I don't know if this sort of fall at my age is natural or as a result of another medical problem, hormone or depression issue.

[markh57]

There's no doubt that both sensitivity and drive gradually decline as you age. However you aren't t all that old and I would have expected changes to be gradual rather than sudden. The diabetes, depression and anti depressants aren't going to be helping you but I have a couple of suggestions:

Firstly cut out masturbating to porn. There's no doubt this is desensitising. Cutting these out should help almost regardless of the cause of your problem.

Secondly, ask your doctor to check your testosterone levels. If your testosterone levels are abnormally low it will reduce your libido and weaken erections. A simple blood test would check for this.

Best of luck to you

[Galen70]

I think a proper medical assessment is in order. Although type 1 DM can affect erections, it should not affect libido or ejaculation. I think you need a full hormonal profile ( not just testosterone, there are more systems that can be out of kilter ) Medication can sometimes cause effects on sexual function too, as can low mood/anxiety/stress etc. Your doctor should hopefully have a pathway for all of this.