Low Libido in Men Linked to Higher Mortality Risk but Not in Women

Key Takeaways:

  • Men over 40 with low sexual desire face a higher risk of premature death, particularly from cancer.
  • Low libido may disrupt immune, hormonal, and inflammatory processes critical for long-term health.
  • Addressing causes like stress, low testosterone, or relationship issues could improve both sexual health and overall wellness.

LibidoSexual health isn’t just about physical function it is also a window into our overall well-being. New research from Japan suggests that low libido in men may signal deeper health risks. A study published in PLOS ONE, involving over 20,000 adults, reveals that men with diminished sexual interest face a significantly higher risk of early death.

The Libido-Longevity Connection

Researchers at Yamagata University tracked 8,558 men and 12,411 women aged 40+ for seven years, assessing sexual desire through questionnaires. By the study’s end, 503 participants had died, with cancer and cardiovascular disease as leading causes. Men reporting low libido faced a 15% higher risk of all-cause mortality and a striking 28% increased risk of cancer-related death compared to peers with average sexual interest.

“Sexual desire isn’t just about relationships—it reflects underlying biological processes tied to longevity,” the authors noted. They hypothesize that low libido may trigger harmful shifts in inflammation, hormone balance, and immune function, though exact mechanisms remain unclear.

What Drives Low Libido?

Sexual desire naturally dips with age, but sudden or severe loss of interest often stems from:

  • Physical factors: Low testosterone, chronic illnesses (e.g., kidney disease), or fatigue.
  • Psychological triggers: Stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship conflicts.
  • Lifestyle habits: Poor diet, inactivity, or lack of sleep.

Exercise—such as basketball, yoga, or dancing—can boost mood and circulation, indirectly supporting sexual health. However, persistent low libido warrants medical evaluation.

Treatment Options: Beyond Quick Fixes

“Viagra isn’t a libido solution—it addresses erectile function, not desire,” warns Dr. John Smith, a urologist unaffiliated with the study. Instead, experts recommend:

  1. Rule out medical causes: Testosterone levels, thyroid function, and cardiovascular health should be checked.
  2. Consider therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy or couples counseling can address stress or relational barriers.
  3. Testosterone replacement: Gels, patches, or injections may help if blood tests confirm deficiencies.

What This Means For You:

If you’ve noticed a lasting drop in sexual interest, don’t dismiss it. Schedule a checkup to explore physical and emotional contributors. Simple lifestyle changes like prioritizing sleep, managing stress, or staying active can reignite desire while safeguarding long-term health.

Related Reading:

This study underscores that sexual health is deeply intertwined with overall wellness. For men, paying attention to libido isn’t just about intimacy—it could be a lifesaving act.

FAQs: Low Libido and Mortality Risk in Men

Q: What did the Yamagata University study find about low libido in men?
A: Men over 40 with low sexual desire had a 15% higher risk of early death and a 28% increased cancer mortality risk over seven years.

Q: How many people were included in the study?
A: The study tracked 20,969 adults (8,558 men and 12,411 women) aged 40+ in Japan.

Q: Why might low libido raise mortality risk?
A: Researchers suggest it could disrupt inflammatory, hormonal, and immune responses critical for long-term health.

Q: Did low libido affect women’s mortality risk similarly?
A: No—the study found no significant link between low sexual desire and mortality risk in women.

Q: What are common causes of low libido in men?
A: Causes include low testosterone, stress, chronic illness (e.g., kidney disease), depression, or relationship issues.

Q: What treatments help low libido?
A: Options include testosterone therapy (if levels are low), stress management, therapy, or addressing underlying medical conditions.

References

Sakurada, K., Konta, T., Murakami, N., Kosugi, N., Saito, T., Watanabe, M., Ishizawa, K., Ueno, Y., & Kayama, T. (2022). Association between lack of sexual interest and all-cause mortality in a Japanese general population: The Yamagata prospective observational study. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0277967. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277967

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