- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
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Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd B. 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.
Dr. Nippoldt is 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 also is involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and sexual dysfunction and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM and the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of 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 for MayoClinic.com, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
Men's sexual health (4)
- Penis fracture: Is this possible?
- Loss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging?
- Vasectomy reversal: What if it doesn't work?
- see all in Men's sexual health
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Question
Loss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging?
My 51-year-old husband recently told me that he's lost the desire to have sex. He said it's normal for men his age to lose their sex drive. Is this true?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
It's natural for men to notice a gradual decline in sex drive as they age. The degree of this decline varies with the individual. However, an abrupt loss of sex drive at the relatively young age of 51 isn't normal. Most men still maintain some sexual interest well into their 60s and 70s.
For men, the most likely treatable cause of loss of sex drive is depression. Less commonly, loss of sex drive may be related to stress, a medication side effect or a decrease in male sex hormones due to an endocrine disorder.
Encourage your husband to talk to his doctor. A medical evaluation by a family practitioner, internist or urologist can help determine the cause of decreased sex drive. Treatment of the underlying problem may help.
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