[x123]

I've never had a very high libido compared to most men, but I have always practiced masturbation. I'm 50 now, and over the last 5 years my libido has become something that I must whip into action with great effort. I'm not talking about erectile dysfunction - but low libido. There is no longer a sexual frustration that must be relieved. HOWEVER, after a week of sexual inactivity I begin to feel indifferent to life. Often masturbation makes me feel normal again for several days.

The problem is the masturbation is such a long and arduous chore now. It takes hours, and usually I just give up without reaching an orgasm. It prevents me from getting enough sleep. The costs have gone way up and sex no longer seems worthwhile. The problem is that awful feeling of indifference that comes with abstinence.

I don't know if anybody has gone through this or has advice? (I don't take any medications BTW)

Hi x123, that sounds very frustrating! Have you ever had your testosterone levels checked before?

[x123]

Originally Posted by scaredandconfused

Hi x123, that sounds very frustrating! Have you ever had your testosterone levels checked before?

I think many doctors in the US are not eager to check testosterone, because they see it as an unnecessary luxury or something. I asked my doctor several years ago and he said that my testosterone was just fine, because I had facial hair (LOL). Several years ago there were a lot of companies marketing testosterone supplements and I think there was a backlash from the medical system of this perceived abuse. IDK

[x123]

I quit drinking about 10 years ago, and I remember feeling somewhat similar to how I feel today without sex. I think it is called anhedonia. With drinking the feeling went away in 3 or 4 months.

For me, sex is a drug to help me feel better just like alcohol had been. It doesn't seem healthy to me.

I think it is also a result of feeling burned-out and looking for an easy escape from reality. In fact, I think that explains most of my clinging to sexual activity that is no longer practical. I just need to find something else to use as an escape when I am burned-out from the drudgery of life.