ASK THE EXPERTS ABOUT
General LGBT Aging Issues


Q Male menopause?
  Jul 14, 2009

How "normal" is it for an otherwise healthy early '60's gay man to have basically no libido? I had prostate cancer six years ago (seeds/radiation/hormones)& all was well before that, but now I have to remind myself to masturbate once in while.


A Response from Dr. Kooden

Hi there, This is a very important question but I first have to establish the context for the question. Are you comparing yourself to what others tell you to be or comparing yourself to how you used to feel before the cancer? Males normally do experience a change in their libido as they age especially if they think of themselves as they were in their teens or twenties. You do not state whether you are able to masturbate succssfully or have enjoyable sex when the opportunity arises. It is not unusual for men to not think as much about sex as they age but the real question is what happens when you meet a man that you are attracted to and start to have sex. If you have sex successfully, then it does not appear to be a problem. If you cannot, then you may have to talk with your health care professional. Remember that as we age, our sexuality becomes more person specific and not the more fluid libidious response that we used to have. That you do not think about it is not as much of an issue as opposed to avoiding and/or not functioning in a sexual situation. Another question I have is what expectations have you had about the cancer? Is there a prostrate cancer group in your vicinity or run by a local lgbt center or clinic? I think it would be good to talk this over with other men, both gay and nongay, who have had a similar experience. Think carefully about how you sexually functioned in your late fifties to make sure you are accurately remembering what was happening then. But most importantly, don't go this alone--reach out as you have done with this email. Harold

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