Causes and Treatment of Low Sexual Drive: Low libido is a term that refers to a diminished interest in sexual engagement.
It’s natural to lose interest in sex at times, and libido levels fluctuate throughout life. It’s also natural for your interests to diverge from those of your partner at times.
However, persistently decreased libido may cause concern for certain people. It can occasionally be a sign of an underlying health problem.
The following are a few possible causes of decreased libido in males:
1. Medications: Male libido, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm, as well as fertility, may be harmed by drugs, and study into these impacts is rising. Libido can be lowered by medications that inhibit dopamine or testosterone production, or by drugs that promote dysphoria. Erections can be diminished by treatments that redirect blood away from the penis or by medications that disrupt spinal reflexes. Erections may also be inhibited by ganglion blockers. Ejaculation can be decreased or inhibited by medications that influence spinal reflexes or by ganglion blockade. Enervation of the vas deferens and epididymis may be inhibited, resulting in a reduction in emission. Retrograde ejaculation can occur when the internal urethral sphincter is obstructed. Orgasm is typically reduced by ejaculatory medications. Drugs that impede sexual function or spermatogenesis diminish fertility. Medications of abuse, central nervous system depressants, antihypertensives, anticholinergics, psychotherapeutics, hormones, and cancer treatments are the major classes of drugs that may impair male sexual performance, in addition to a variety of additional substances.
2. Depression: Depression affects all aspect of a person’s life. Individuals suffering from depression exhibit a diminished or complete lack of interest in previously rewarding activities, including sex.
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Low libido is also a common side effect of certain antidepressants, including the following:
- SNRIs, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)
3. Chronic illness: Numerous chronic illnesses and chronic pain can also result in a decrease in sexual drive, most likely as a result of the disease’s physical symptoms and the psychological stress connected with the sickness.
Certain disorders, such as cancer, can also cause a decrease in sperm production.
Other chronic conditions that can impair your libido include the following:
- Obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- hypertension
- hypercholesterolemia
- chronic condition that results in lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure.
If you’re dealing with a chronic disease, discuss with your partner how you can maintain intimacy throughout this time. You may also like to consult a marriage counselor or sex therapist regarding your concerns.
4. Aging: Many people experience a loss of sexual desire or a diminishing of it as they age. Numerous aging-related issues might contribute to decreased libido.
Testosterone levels, which are associated with desire, are maximum in late adolescence.
It may take longer to have orgasms, ejaculate, and feel aroused as you age. Your erections may be less difficult, and your penis may take longer to become erect.
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However, drugs are available to assist in the treatment of these conditions.
5. Stress: Chronic stress, in particular, can disrupt your body’s hormone balance, resulting in a decreased libido. Additionally, the arteries might constrict and restrict blood flow in reaction to stress, resulting in erectile dysfunction. Stress can also deplete your libido by diverting your attention away from sexual desire.
Stress is difficult to avoid. Relationship difficulties, divorce, facing the death of a loved one, financial concerns, the birth of a child, or a hectic work environment are just a few of the life events that can have a significant impact on the desire for sex.
Techniques for managing stress, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and counseling, may be beneficial.
Men newly diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, for example, demonstrated significant improvement in erectile function scores after engaging in an eight-week stress management program.
6. Low self-esteem: Self-esteem is described as a person’s general impression of themselves. Low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and an unflattering body image can all have a detrimental effect on your emotional health and well-being.
If you believe that you are unattractive or unappealing, sexual encounters are likely to suffer. Not liking what you see in the mirror can even lead to a desire to abstain from sex entirely.
Low self-esteem may also contribute to concern over sexual performance, resulting in ED and decreased sexual desire.
Self-esteem concerns can eventually develop into more serious mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and substance or alcohol misuse – all of which have been related to reduced libido.
7. Alcohol: Alcohol use enables some people to unwind, socialize, and celebrate. Although alcohol and sex are frequently combined, alcohol can have a substantial effect on sexual activity.
Many people use alcohol to assist them overcome their inhibitions in the intention of alleviating anxiety and facilitating better sex.
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While one or two drinks may be useful, excessive alcohol consumption can alter how a person’s body responds to sexual activity, resulting in less enjoyable sex.
Consumption of a large amount of alcohol over an extended period of time can result in a decreased sex drive (libido). This is because it decreases your testosterone levels.
8. Low testosterone: It frequently remains undiagnosed.
Low testosterone levels might have an effect on your energy level and mood. The majority of men who have low testosterone also experience decreased sexual desire and difficulty obtaining and maintaining an erection, which is referred to as erectile dysfunction.
Low testosterone is a common illness that is sometimes missed due to the similarity of its symptoms to those of a variety of other health problems. Despite the negative impact on their lives and sexual relationships, the majority of men with low testosterone do not seek treatment.
When testosterone levels fall, so does your desire for sex.
Reduced testosterone levels are a natural aspect of aging. However, a significant decrease in testosterone levels can result in diminished libido.
Consult your physician if you believe this may be a concern for you. You may be able to boost your testosterone levels with pills or gels.
