It’s well documented that a man’s sex drive can diminish over time. It can be embarrassing, humiliating and frustrating, not just for you, but for your lover, too. Low libido happens, but it’s not necessarily your fault. Studies have shown that men’s testosterone levels fall by as much as 40% after age 45. It can be a real bummer. But new research has shown that doesn’t have to be.

According to an article posted in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology this week, help is on the way in the form of Testosterone Replacement therapy. While there has been a long history of testosterone replacement therapy, it has mostly targeted younger men with health issues like low androgen levels caused by problems with the testes, hypothalamus, or pituitary, while ignoring the issues men over 40 are having.

But help is on the way!

In the largest study ever conducted, new research focuses on men over 40 with falling testosterone issues, highlighted (or lowlighted as the case may be) by diminishing sex drive. It’s an embarrassing ailment, but science is working on it.

The latest study, focused on men between ages 40 and 65, the results showed conclusively that testosterone therapy improved sex drive and lowered erectile dysfunction. In the placebo vs. testosterone studies, the placebo recipients showed no improvement in sex drive or E.D. symptoms, while the testosterone therapy recipients showed “a clear pattern of improvement, almost across the entire study” according to Doctor John Hilgers, whose Penn State team headed the research.

Knowing help is out there, the question now, for men who want to experience fireworks, and not just on the fourth of July, is how soon can they participate? “Within one year we expect there to be a widespread use of this therapy among men, for those properly diagnosed, of course. For some, it will not make a difference, and we don’t want to be needlessly medicating them,” Hilgers emphasized. “Get tested, know your options, and let your Doctor guide you.”

The research is ongoing with even more concise results expected soon. “We’ve really made some significant breakthroughs that’ll mean a better quality of life for so many men and, of course, for their significant other,” Hilgers added.

For men over 40, and especially for those over 50 and 60, time is ticking. It’s good to know there are options so you can still enjoy those romantic moments. See your doctor to find out if testosterone therapy is right for you.