- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
He's a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He's also involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and male sexual dysfunction, and is an assistant professor of medicine at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" and a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM. He's a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
Sexual health basics (3)
- Natural aphrodisiacs: Do they work?
- Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?
- Antidepressants: Which cause the fewest sexual side effects?
Women's sexual health (7)
- Viagra for women: Why doesn't it exist?
- Sex after years of abstinence: OK to resume?
- Birth control pills: OK to take indefinitely?
- see all in Women's sexual health
Men's sexual health (7)
- Penis fracture: Is it possible?
- Male yeast infection: Can I get it from my girlfriend?
- Discolored semen: What does it mean?
- see all in Men's sexual health
Sex and aging (2)
- Loss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging?
- Testosterone therapy in women: Does it boost sex drive?
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Question
Loss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging?
Is loss of sex drive normal as a man gets older?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
It's natural for men to notice a gradual decrease in sex drive (libido) as they age. The degree of this decline varies, and most men maintain at least some amount of sexual interest well into their 60s and 70s.
Sometimes, however, loss of sex drive is related to an underlying condition. For men, depression and stress often contribute to loss of sex drive. Sometimes the culprit is a decrease in male sex hormones due to an endocrine disorder. In other cases, loss of sex drive may be a medication side effect.
If you're concerned about loss of sex drive — especially if the loss happened abruptly — consult your doctor. He or she will likely do a physical exam and lab tests to help determine what's causing the loss of sex drive. Once any underlying factors are identified, your doctor can suggest appropriate treatment options. For example:
- If loss of sex drive is related to depression, psychotherapy alone or in combination with antidepressant medication may help.
- If you're diagnosed with an unusually low testosterone level, treatment options may include testosterone replacement therapy.
- If a certain medication is contributing to loss of sex drive, your doctor may suggest an alternate drug.
Remember to be open and honest with your doctor. The more you can tell him or her about your loss of sex drive, the more effective treatment is likely to be.
Next questionTestosterone therapy in women: Does it boost sex drive?
- Cunningham RG, et al. Overview of male sexual dysfunction. http://www.uptodate.com/index/home.html. Accessed Jan. 19, 2012.
- Martin KA. Evaluation of male sexual dysfunction. http://www.uptodate.com/index/home.html. Accessed Jan. 19, 2012.
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