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Most of us have had occasional moments where we are simply “not feeling it”. And there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you regain your libido over the next several days. Experiencing an aversion to sex from time to time is completely normal.
However, some of us may be a victim of prolonged low sex drives. Although many cases of low libido can be reversed with time, having prolonged low libido could indicate underlying health conditions that’ll need appropriate treatment.
Today, we’ll discuss six probable causes behind a low sex drive in men, and what they can do about it.
What Is Low Sex Drive?
Low sex drive, low libido or hypoactive sexual desire, refers to a reduced or decreased interest or desire for sexual activity. It’s common and can affect both men and women in the short term and the long term.
That said, it’s important to mention that sex drive can vary from person to person. Some may have a lower sex drive than average, and as long as it does not cause distress or affect their relationships, it may not be a cause for concern.
Causes of a Low Sex Drive
Sexual arousal is dictated by brain signals, blood vessels, and the penis itself. If there’s a functional problem in these areas, it can cause diminished libido.
In fact, sexual disinterest can be influenced by physical, psychological, and emotional factors or a combination of these factors.
While having an occasional low sex drive is normal, prolonged ones need to be observed and brought up by a doctor when you feel that it’s adversely impacting your life.
Here are some of the reasons why men experience long-term low sex drive.
1. Age-Related Factors
Aging results in various physical changes in the body. This also impacts sexual desire, causing a reduction in sexual response and lower blood flow efficiency.
Chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are also more likely to occur among older men, which can contribute to reduced sex drive.
Studies also show that testosterone levels in males tend to decrease after the age of 35, thereby affecting the libido of older men.
On that note, older adults tend to take more medications for various health conditions.
Some medications, such as SSRI antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or medications for chronic pain, may also cause a reduction in libido.
2. Fatigue and Insufficient Sleep
Having insufficient sleep and chronic fatigue can weaken muscles and disrupt healthy hormonal production. When the body’s tired due to overwork and a lack of sleep, cortisol ramps up and the body won’t have enough time to repair itself, leading to a decrease in libido.
Furthermore, fatigue also impacts physical performance and stamina during sex. Feeling tired or weak reduces the appeal of sexual intercourse. Fatigue can affect our mood and emotional well-being as we feel irritable, stressed, or anxious, reducing our interest in sex and intimacy.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Testosterone is vital in regulating sexual desire. When testosterone is low due to various factors such as aging, certain medical conditions, or hormonal disorders, it can lead to a decreased sex drive.
At the same time, thyroid hormones, particularly thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), help regulate metabolism and energy levels. An imbalance in thyroid hormone production, such as hypothyroidism, can cause fatigue, low energy levels, and decreased interest in sex.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Several lifestyle factors can contribute to a low sex drive.
- Stress: When individuals are overwhelmed with work, responsibilities, or personal challenges, it can leave them feeling mentally and physically drained, making it difficult to maintain interest in sex.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle can negatively affect overall well-being, including sexual desire.
- Poor diet and nutrition: A diet lacking essential nutrients can contribute to low energy levels, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances, all of which can cause decreased libido.
- Excessive alcohol use: Excessive alcohol consumption can impair sexual function and affect sex drive negatively.
5. Medical Conditions and Medication
It’s not hard to imagine how medical conditions can impact sexual function. This is because they affect the body parts, such as the blood vessels and the brain, responsible for sustaining an erection and getting men in the mood.
But in some cases, the medication used to treat these conditions may also inadvertently cause a low sex drive.
For example, some antidepressant medications can reduce sexual desire, inhibit arousal, delay orgasm, and cause erectile dysfunction or difficulty achieving orgasm.
Similarly, certain blood pressure medications may cause sexual side effects, including reduced libido.
6. Psychological Factors
Several psychological factors can result in low sexual desire.
When the mind is preoccupied with worries and stressful thoughts, focusing on and engaging in sexual thoughts becomes a challenge.
Furthermore, relationship problems, such as unresolved conflicts, communication difficulties, or lack of emotional connection, can impact sexual desire. This causes reduced emotional intimacy, leading to a decreased interest in engaging in sexual activities with one’s partner.
Individuals who have experienced past trauma or abuse may also develop psychological barriers that affect their sexual desire. These can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), possibly diminishing sexual interest.
4 Ways to Treat Low Libido
The good news is that low libido isn’t a permanent problem. Here are some ways to regain sexual desires.
1. Seek Mental Therapy
If low libido is a direct result of stress, anxiety, or depression, seeking sex-based therapy from a mental health professional may be the cure you need to regain a healthy sex life. You can do it on an individual basis and get your problems sorted out in a safe setting.
Alternatively, if you have sexual intimacy problems with your partner, you can talk it out in couples therapy.
2. Get a Medical Diagnosis
Low libido is often not a standalone condition. This is why it’s important to seek medical help so that doctors can evaluate and diagnose the underlying cause of your dysfunction.
A local men’s health professional can review your medical history to help determine the root problem. Then your doctor can provide appropriate treatment options, such as low T therapy, to support resolving the sexual problems you may have.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can positively impact your overall well-being and sexual health. Eating a balanced diet and going out on a run are great ways to get your body in shape.
You’d also want to sleep well and manage your stressors to avoid your stress hormones from going haywire.
4. Review Medications
If you’re on medications at the moment, review them with your doctor. If they find it to be causing your libido problems, ask them if there are alternatives. Your doctor may adjust the dosage or treat you with another medication altogether.
Rediscover Your Libido with The Help of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida’s Top Male Clinic, Preferred Men’s Medical Center
There are many reasons causing men to experience a low sex drive.
Having low libido may be indicative of a possible health issue, and you consider consulting a medical professional if the problem persists for longer than a few days.
Need medical assistance for your low sex drive? Consider our friendly professionals at Preferred Men’s Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale to help fix the root causes of your low libido.
Besides that, we also offer treatment for erectile dysfunction, weight loss, and premature ejaculation specially personalized for you.