Decreased libido or lowered sex drive refers to a decrease in desire for sexual activity. There are many potential causes of reduced libido, both psychological and physiological. Some of the most common reasons for decreased sex drive include:
- Hormonal changes: Imbalances in hormones like testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone can negatively impact libido. Hormone levels fluctuate naturally with age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. The knowledgeable doctors at Vitality Hormone Clinic() specialize in hormone testing and replacement therapy to help restore healthy hormone levels.
- Medications: Many prescription drugs have decreased libido as a side effect. Common culprits include antidepressants, blood pressure medications, birth control pills, and more. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if any medications you take could be lowering your sex drive.
- Chronic illness: Ongoing health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and heart disease can understandably diminish sexual desire. Managing the illness can help.
- Mental health disorders: Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and stress often interfere with sexual interest and arousal. Treating the underlying mental health issue with therapy or medication may improve libido.
- Relationship problems: Issues with intimate communication, anger, disappointment, or lack of connection with a partner can make someone withdraw from sex. Seeking couples counseling could help get the relationship back on track in and out of the bedroom.
Signs of low libido beyond lack of interest in sex could include rarely initiating intimacy, difficulty getting aroused, decreased genital sensitivity, inability to orgasm, or feeling distressed about your sex life.
If ongoing low libido is troubling for you or your partner,
make an appointment to see your doctor to identify potential underlying causes like hormonal changes, medications, or chronic health issues.
They can check hormone levels with a simple blood test and suggest tailored treatment options based on the results. Or consider contacting a therapist that specializes in sexual issues.
Addressing the root causes and making some
lifestyle modifications could help boost your lagging libido. Getting regular exercise, minimizing stress, improving body image, cutting back on alcohol, connecting more with your partner, and experimenting with arousal aids like erotica or sex toys are all worth trying too!