What is a Low Sex Drive?
Decreased interest in any sexual activity is known as low sex drive or low libido. It’s a common issue and it can be long-term and temporary too. Low libido varies from person to person and can have several lifestyle and medical reasons.
Symptoms of Low Sex Drive
Physical Symptoms: Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, Psychological Symptoms: Mood swings, bad temperament, irritation, and low-confidence, and Lifestyle Symptoms: Lack of interest in sexual activities, sexual thoughts, and initial sex
Causes of Low Sex Drive
Relationship issues, stress, anxiety, ED, PE, testosterone hormone imbalances, medications for high blood pressure and antidepressants, excessive alcohol consumption, low confidence, ageing, sleeping problems and chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart issues.
How Common is it?
of men are not even aware of low sex drive
of men experience low sex drive or lack of sexual desire
of men nearly the age of 55 go through low sex drive
of men seek certified treatment for low sex drive
Want to find out more? We worked with our doctors to create this Ultimate Guide to LSD
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Physical Symptoms:
Sexual Dysfunction: Problems like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can lower your sexual drive.
Low Physical Activity: Low physical activity and lethargy can lead to low libido.
Problems with a partner: Low libido is not always linked to problems associated with your personal life. It may also be related to problems that you may be facing with your partner leading to low libido. One may not always have highs in a relationship, there can be gaps in communication, lack of trust and least intimacy. Such problems all together lead to decreased sex drive. With the passing of time, the relationship can become monotonous leading to low sex drive.
Depression: A person may not always have highs. There can be days when you may not be doing the best in life and may experience low self-esteem and lack of energy. Depression can directly hamper neurotransmitters that play an important role in libido.
Anxiety: Anxiety triggers the production of cortisol (a hormone responsible for inducing stress). High levels of cortisol may result in low libido.
Trauma: Not all people have good experiences with past sexual partners, especially those exposed to the darker sides of it. People carrying trauma such as sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation are usually the ones commonly experiencing low libido.
Myth 1: Ageing is the main factor responsible for low libido It is not possible to maintain a high sex drive over the course of time. It may degrade with age but there are other physical and psychological factors that are responsible for low libido. Habits such as excess smoking, drinking, doing drugs and mental distractions can be responsible for low sex drive. All of the habits are not linked to age and are common among youngsters.
Myth 2: All males have high libido at all stages of life Although male and female hormones vary, sex drive has nothing to do with gender. It is very common for males aged 20 to 80 to have low libido. There can be various underlying causes for low sex drive in males including work pressure, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. Expecting men to have a never-ending high sex drive is also not good as it raises unrealistic expectations from males and may put unnecessary pressure on them.
Myth 3: Males suffering from diseases or disabilities always have a low sex drive One of the most common misconceptions that men face is that illness leads to low sex drive. Males suffering from any kind of chronic illness and disability have low sex drive throughout the year. But this is not the case, intimacy and sexual intercourse are two different things and have different definitions for varying individuals. Regardless of the illness, unless it is something affecting testosterone levels or neurotransmitters, one can have a normal sex drive.
Myth 4: You should indulge in frequent sexual activities to maintain your sex drive Although frequent involvement in sexual activities can seriously increase your libido, it is not a necessity to maintain sexual desire. Males can have a perfectly high libido even after they have abstained from sexual intercourse for a very long time.
Myth 5: It is not normal to have a low sex drive Not everyone shows similar libido patterns and it can never be identical between two different men. It is also completely normal to have a relatively low sexual drive during a phase. However, if it is something that is seriously bothering you and affecting your relationship then you need to get a doctor for low sex drive consultation.
Educating about the sexual drive: If the patient seems to have anxiety about his performance in bed which is a cause for low sex drive then the physician may direct him to a counsellor. The counsellor will help the patient to learn more about sexual drive and also that it is normal to have low libido in men. It is also important for the person to discuss the issues with his partner since creating a comfortable space between them can also reduce anxiety due to constant pressure to perform well in bed.
Managing stress: In case the person is constantly taking workload, social anxiety or stress related to various other reasons then it’s best for him to learn stress management. Some main activities include exercising, meditation and other self-care techniques.
Change in medications: Some medications might unknowingly suppress your sexual desire. Your physician will check if there is any medication with possible sex drive-suppressing side effects and will look for alternatives that can best suit you.
Hormonal Therapy: Males who are experiencing low libido due to low levels of testosterone may possibly be suffering from hypogonadism. Due to testosterone replacement therapy, this complication can be treated. The testosterone can be incorporated inside the body by different means including medications, creams, direct injections or epidermal patches.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy or simple therapy sessions in which the male can openly talk about the problems he is facing. People suffering from some kind of mental ailments like anxiety and depression can go for this therapy. It not only helps in figuring out but even dealing with unnecessary and unhealthy behaviours, emotions and thoughts.
Sex Education: It is one of the most important steps to take with regard to society to eradicate taboos related to sex. It is a proven fact that sex therapists can help the person understand things in a better way and focus on concerns that need to be addressed. It can eventually help the person cope with sexual desire. You can also look for low-sex drive treatment online.
Counselling for relationship management: For couples facing issues like low sex drive and lack of intimacy, it is best to reach out to a counsellor who can help you understand each other better. It is okay to not be the best every day and face such problems. Also having monotonous relations can also lead to a lack of interest in indulging in sexual activities. To help a person understand and cope with such problems, a counsellor is the best option as they even aid you in building healthy relationships.
Regular exercises: Indulging exercise and constantly working to improve the stamina of your body can help in weight loss, improving mood and enhancing sex drive.
Stressing Less: Although one may not have complete control over their ability to take stress, it is always best to consider taking as much less stress as possible. It will eventually improve your sex life and reduce symptoms of low libido.
Communication is the key: People have past experiences and some have unforgettable and traumatic experiences resulting in a low urge to indulge in sexual activities. You can simply take the help of your partner and be open with them by sharing what you feel. They will understand and it may even boost your self-confidence and libido.
Prioritise intimacy: It may sound a little weird but spending some intimate moments with your partner is also important. Try seeking separate times for you and your partner to have some good moments together.
Reduce and then quit: In many cases, men facing low sex drive are also the ones consuming alcohol and smoking in high doses, it’s best to reduce and start to quit them with time.
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7851481/ https://ugatl.com/blog/causes-of-low-sex-drive-in-men/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374561 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/basics/sexual-health-basics/hlv-20049432 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15216-low-libido-low-sex-drive https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/conditions-that-cause-low-libido#sleep-problems https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/loss-of-libido-in-men
Low Sex Drive: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Almost 32% of men experience low sex drive or lack of sexual desire. It is not necessary that you always have to be up for it. Some days you can say no to indulging in sexual activities, which is completely okay. However, it can become a serious issue if the feeling stays for a longer time. Suffering from a low sex drive for a noticeable time period can effectively affect your life’s and relationship’s quality. Low sex drive is nothing but decreased interest in indulging in sexual intercourse. It can vary in terms of duration. It can occur for a short duration and can stay for a very long duration. The extent of low libido can vary from person to person and may require assistance if it seriously affects your quality of life.What is a Low Sex Drive?
Low sex drive or low libido in men is decreased sexual drive over a long period of time, especially when it starts affecting your relationships and causes mental distress. The urge or desire to get involved in sexual activities is known as libido. It can persist for a short term and can stay for a comparatively longer duration. Low sex drive can be affected by numerous factors, such as your mental health, psychological issues, relationships, and complications related to hormones such as testosterone. Low libido's potency can vary from person to person and can fluctuate with time. It is important to even figure out the intensity of libido. A person with a relatively high sex drive may sense slightly low libido which may not be a real problem and may not require any medical assistance. The problem arises when a person who once used to indulge in constant sexual activities, now does not feel like having it at all during a span of a year. It is crucial to reach out to a doctor if the lack of sexual desire is causing problems and stress.How common is Low Sex Drive?
Almost 38% of men near the age of 55 experience low libido. The complication may be mild to severe but it is very common. It affects at least one in 5 males at some point in their life. It is quite common to have low libido for a very long duration more than once in your life. Most of the males are not open about the issue and therefore, almost 55% of the men consider low libido as a serious problem and reach out to a doctor for help.Symptoms of Low Sex Drive
The most obvious and common symptom of low sex drive is experiencing desired interest in indulging in sexual activities. Other symptoms of low sex drive include:Physical Symptoms:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Premature Ejaculation
- Mood swings, bad temperament, irritation, and low confidence.
- Persistent stress and anxiety.
- Lack of sexual thoughts.
- Decreased interest in indulging in sexual activity including the urge to get intimate with your partner.
Causes of Low Sex Drive
The less urge to indulge in sexual intercourse may have several underlying causes including biological, psychological and social factors.Physical Factors
Low Testosterone Production: Male gonads are responsible for the production of testosterone. Hypogonadism can lead to low production of testosterone which eventually affects the sexual drive. Hypogonadism can happen regardless of age and seriously affects libido.Sexual Dysfunction: Problems like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can lower your sexual drive.
Low Physical Activity: Low physical activity and lethargy can lead to low libido.
Psychological and social problems leading to low sex drive:
Stress: We as humans are born with the tendency to experience stress and anxiety as soon as we sense danger. The danger can be in various forms including work stress, pressure from family and friends, and stress related to various other events. Such events all together can lead to a lack of interest in sexual activities and eventually trigger low libido.Problems with a partner: Low libido is not always linked to problems associated with your personal life. It may also be related to problems that you may be facing with your partner leading to low libido. One may not always have highs in a relationship, there can be gaps in communication, lack of trust and least intimacy. Such problems all together lead to decreased sex drive. With the passing of time, the relationship can become monotonous leading to low sex drive.
Depression: A person may not always have highs. There can be days when you may not be doing the best in life and may experience low self-esteem and lack of energy. Depression can directly hamper neurotransmitters that play an important role in libido.
Anxiety: Anxiety triggers the production of cortisol (a hormone responsible for inducing stress). High levels of cortisol may result in low libido.
Trauma: Not all people have good experiences with past sexual partners, especially those exposed to the darker sides of it. People carrying trauma such as sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation are usually the ones commonly experiencing low libido.
Medicines:
Some medications may have certain side effects. These side effects may include a lack of sexual drive. The medications that have been shown to affect sexual drive include:- Antidepressants
- Anti-psychotics
- Chemo-drugs
- Anti-hypertensives
Myths and Facts Related to Low Sex Drive
Myth 1: Ageing is the main factor responsible for low libido It is not possible to maintain a high sex drive over the course of time. It may degrade with age but there are other physical and psychological factors that are responsible for low libido. Habits such as excess smoking, drinking, doing drugs and mental distractions can be responsible for low sex drive. All of the habits are not linked to age and are common among youngsters.
Myth 2: All males have high libido at all stages of life Although male and female hormones vary, sex drive has nothing to do with gender. It is very common for males aged 20 to 80 to have low libido. There can be various underlying causes for low sex drive in males including work pressure, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. Expecting men to have a never-ending high sex drive is also not good as it raises unrealistic expectations from males and may put unnecessary pressure on them.
Myth 3: Males suffering from diseases or disabilities always have a low sex drive One of the most common misconceptions that men face is that illness leads to low sex drive. Males suffering from any kind of chronic illness and disability have low sex drive throughout the year. But this is not the case, intimacy and sexual intercourse are two different things and have different definitions for varying individuals. Regardless of the illness, unless it is something affecting testosterone levels or neurotransmitters, one can have a normal sex drive.
Myth 4: You should indulge in frequent sexual activities to maintain your sex drive Although frequent involvement in sexual activities can seriously increase your libido, it is not a necessity to maintain sexual desire. Males can have a perfectly high libido even after they have abstained from sexual intercourse for a very long time.
Myth 5: It is not normal to have a low sex drive Not everyone shows similar libido patterns and it can never be identical between two different men. It is also completely normal to have a relatively low sexual drive during a phase. However, if it is something that is seriously bothering you and affecting your relationship then you need to get a doctor for low sex drive consultation.
Diagnosing Low Sex Drive
Diagnosing low libido in males is quite easy and can be figured out by spotting several signs and also if the concerned person has been experiencing low sex drive for a very long time now. One can book an appointment with a counsellor who can help in providing the right solutions. Your counsellor may ask you some questions such as:- Symptoms that you are facing for a long duration. Medical history including the medicines that you commonly consume.
- History of relationships including the ones in which you were sexually active.
- Any signs of stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Physical examination
- Blood tests to check hormonal levels
- Imaging tests such as Ultrasound
Treatments for Low Sex Drive
Your cause for low libido may determine which treatment your physician will suggest. A number of treatment options are available in the market including:Educating about the sexual drive: If the patient seems to have anxiety about his performance in bed which is a cause for low sex drive then the physician may direct him to a counsellor. The counsellor will help the patient to learn more about sexual drive and also that it is normal to have low libido in men. It is also important for the person to discuss the issues with his partner since creating a comfortable space between them can also reduce anxiety due to constant pressure to perform well in bed.
Managing stress: In case the person is constantly taking workload, social anxiety or stress related to various other reasons then it’s best for him to learn stress management. Some main activities include exercising, meditation and other self-care techniques.
Change in medications: Some medications might unknowingly suppress your sexual desire. Your physician will check if there is any medication with possible sex drive-suppressing side effects and will look for alternatives that can best suit you.
Hormonal Therapy: Males who are experiencing low libido due to low levels of testosterone may possibly be suffering from hypogonadism. Due to testosterone replacement therapy, this complication can be treated. The testosterone can be incorporated inside the body by different means including medications, creams, direct injections or epidermal patches.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy or simple therapy sessions in which the male can openly talk about the problems he is facing. People suffering from some kind of mental ailments like anxiety and depression can go for this therapy. It not only helps in figuring out but even dealing with unnecessary and unhealthy behaviours, emotions and thoughts.
Sex Education: It is one of the most important steps to take with regard to society to eradicate taboos related to sex. It is a proven fact that sex therapists can help the person understand things in a better way and focus on concerns that need to be addressed. It can eventually help the person cope with sexual desire. You can also look for low-sex drive treatment online.
Counselling for relationship management: For couples facing issues like low sex drive and lack of intimacy, it is best to reach out to a counsellor who can help you understand each other better. It is okay to not be the best every day and face such problems. Also having monotonous relations can also lead to a lack of interest in indulging in sexual activities. To help a person understand and cope with such problems, a counsellor is the best option as they even aid you in building healthy relationships.
Prevention of Low Libido
If occasional low libido is severely affecting the quality of life and you are worried that this problem can become permanent over time then it’s best to first start focusing on your body and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Starting to eat healthy and indulging in maximum physical movements in your routine can magically improve the symptoms. Some ways that can help you cope with the problem include:Regular exercises: Indulging exercise and constantly working to improve the stamina of your body can help in weight loss, improving mood and enhancing sex drive.
Stressing Less: Although one may not have complete control over their ability to take stress, it is always best to consider taking as much less stress as possible. It will eventually improve your sex life and reduce symptoms of low libido.
Communication is the key: People have past experiences and some have unforgettable and traumatic experiences resulting in a low urge to indulge in sexual activities. You can simply take the help of your partner and be open with them by sharing what you feel. They will understand and it may even boost your self-confidence and libido.
Prioritise intimacy: It may sound a little weird but spending some intimate moments with your partner is also important. Try seeking separate times for you and your partner to have some good moments together.
Reduce and then quit: In many cases, men facing low sex drive are also the ones consuming alcohol and smoking in high doses, it’s best to reduce and start to quit them with time.
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7851481/ https://ugatl.com/blog/causes-of-low-sex-drive-in-men/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374561 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/basics/sexual-health-basics/hlv-20049432 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15216-low-libido-low-sex-drive https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/conditions-that-cause-low-libido#sleep-problems https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/loss-of-libido-in-men
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Can age be the factor of reduced sexual desire and arousal, and even hamper the frequency of sexual activity?
Yes, age can be a factor in the decline of sexual desire and arousal. Hormonal changes associated with aging can affect the frequency of sexual activity, which may vary from person to person. While some individuals might experience a decrease in sexual activity as they age, others may continue to have an active sex life well into their later years.
How effective is sexual wellness treatment for low sex drive?
A sexual wellness treatment plan can be highly effective in addressing low libido or low sexual desire when it includes proper counseling, appropriate medications, lifestyle changes, and a personalized diet plan.
Are there any side effects of medications included in the sexual wellness treatment?
There may be some side effects associated with the medications and modifications in the diet plan. If you experience any issues with the diet, medications, or lifestyle changes, it's important to consult a doctor before continuing with the treatment.
Can erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation affect my relationship?
Low sexual desire is common among older men, but it is not solely dependent on age. Other contributing factors can include certain medical conditions, low testosterone levels, and some medications.