Do you ever wonder what goes on inside men’s heads? Is it true that they never think about anything other than sex? Are they not interested in romance? We wonder about the same things.
There are so many questions about why men are so casual about sex. They participate in it with random people too, like it’s no big deal. What’s all that about? Truth be told, it’s not even their fault.
Testosterone is to blame. We all have some levels of testosterone in our bodies. Men, however, have a lot more. It regulates a lot of things and helps the production of sperm too. So, it’s not that it only keeps men horny.
In this article, we will debunk the stereotypes of men’s libido and tell you what is really going on.
The Male Sex Drive Stereotypes
You know what they say about men — they only think about sex all the time. Nothing else interests them. Is that really the truth? Let’s take a look at some stereotypes.
The list of stereotypes that surround men and their sex drive is anything but short. They’re portrayed as sex-crazed beings all over media too. Not only that, but the media caters to those stereotypes as well. How? Anime is one example, and we don’t even have to explain why.
Don’t get us wrong — loving sex is completely normal. But do men really think about sex and nothing else all day long? The stereotypes suggest so, but studies show that guys might just be more comfortable thinking about sex and expressing their thoughts.
Some of the other stereotypes include men masturbating more than women, as well as needing less time to orgasm. Have you ever heard that men are “more open to hook-ups”? That is another stereotype — studies show that women are just as open to it, but when approached in safe environments.
Last but not least — are men really less romantic than women? Men have feelings too, and they shouldn’t be looked over. Dudes can definitely be romantic when they want to.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the so-called “male” hormone, but there is so much more to it than that. Here’s why it’s essential.
Testosterone plays a significant role when it comes to men’s libido. It’s a hormone whose production happens mainly in the testicles. Besides making you horny, testosterone has other vital roles too.
Having healthy testosterone levels ensures:
- Your male sex organs developing
- Production of sperm and red blood cells
- Your voice deepening when you hit puberty
- Body hair growth
Testosterone levels are the highest in your late teens. After that, they begin their decline. That means that older men have a lower libido than younger men.
Still, that doesn’t mean they lose all interest in sex — it merely means they need some time to get going.
What Are The Causes of Low Libido?
The list of causes of low libido in men is even longer than the list of stereotypes.
Many men experience issues with libido in their lifetime. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially when many things can affect it. The loss of libido happens with age, so it doesn’t need to be tied to a medical condition. However, sometimes it can point in that direction.
We know low testosterone levels affect libido, but what about other things? Stress and depression can greatly affect it too. When dealing with mental health issues, it’s best to see a professional. In turn, antidepressants can also take a toll on your sex drive. If you notice that happening, your doctor should be able to offer you an alternative.
Another cause of low libido is chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and even organ failure. If you’re experiencing sleep problems (like sleep apnea), your sex drive is in danger as well.
Lastly, alcohol and drug abuse can mess up your overall health. That, of course, includes libido. Make sure you do anything in your power to stay at optimal overall health, and a healthy sex drive will follow along.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Many men experience not just low libido but also erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives.
Simply put, erectile dysfunction is the inability to get an erection or maintain it. That definitely affects your sexual performance. To be frank, it makes you incapable of any kind of performance at all.
Although ED isn’t the cause of any other conditions, it can take a toll on other aspects of your life. It can affect your relationships, self-esteem, and ability to get your partner pregnant. Of course, it’s also very stressful and can cause depression.
That sounds like a big circle of moodiness and stress. Thankfully, it can be treated and managed so visit your doctor on time.
- Diabetes
- Heart issues
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Testosterone deficiency
- Relationship problems
- Depression, stress, and/or anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Alcohol and drug abuse
Although ED isn’t the cause of any other conditions, it can take a toll on other aspects of your life. It can affect your relationships, self-esteem, and ability to get your partner pregnant. Of course, it’s also very stressful and can cause depression.
That sounds like a big circle of depression and stress. Thankfully, it can be treated and managed, so visit your doctor on time.
Summary
Contrary to popular belief, not all men are the same. We, as human beings, are all different. Stereotypes of any kind are ridiculous, and so are those of men’s sex drive.
We cannot generalize how men view sex. Some enjoy it more than others, but so do women. Men’s sex drive varies from one individual to another. But there are some parts of it that we can all understand.
A lot of it has to do with testosterone levels, so it’s not exactly all their fault. Low libido and ED are also issues a lot of men face and shouldn’t be shamed for.