Low libido (low sex drive) refers to a decline in sexual desire. It is common and can be short- or long-term. Libido varies from person to person and can fluctuate over one's lifetime. However, if a drop in libido is giving you concern, you should consult a healthcare specialist.
Low libido (low sex drive) is a decrease in the frequency and/or intensity of sexual desire that you previously experienced. It might be either transitory or long-term.
Libido is your general sexual drive or urge to engage in sexual activities, such as sex with a partner or masturbation. Libido is a complicated phenomenon that is influenced by biological, psychological, and social variables. Sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) and neurotransmitters (dopamine and oxytocin) influence libido.
Libido naturally differs greatly from person to person. Your sexual urge can also fluctuate during your life. There is no right or incorrect degree of desire. Some people have sex or want to have sex every day, while others may only have sex once or twice a year, if at all. The "right" or "normal" libido is determined by your personal tastes and life circumstances.
However, if a drop in libido causes you distress, you should consult a healthcare physician or mental health expert.
Low libido can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Relationship issues.
Medical conditions.
Mental health conditions.
Certain medications.
Stress.
Aging.
Low libido (or sex drive) is prevalent. It affects up to one in every five males or persons assigned male at birth (AMAB), and even more women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB), at some time in their life. It is also common to suffer a decline in sex drive more than once in one's life.
The primary symptom of low libido is a decrease in sexual desire as compared to your normal interest in sex.
Other symptoms include:
Having no or decreased desire in any sort of sex, even masturbation.
A decrease in sexual fantasies or thoughts about sex.
Feeling dissatisfied or upset because you have a low desire for sexual activity.
Many biological, psychological, and social factors can contribute to reduced libido.
Some health issues that can cause a decrease in sex drive in anyone include, but are not limited to:
Cancer.
Chronic kidney disease.
Chronic pain.
Diabetes.
Headaches.
Heart disease.
Hyperprolactinemia.
Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Hypothyroidism.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Psychological and social factors that can lead to a decrease in sex drive in anyone include:
Relationship troubles with your partner: Communication, trust, and intimacy issues are among the most typical causes of sex drive decline. A couple's desire for sex typically decreases during the duration of their relationship.
Stress and exhaustion: Stress, whether from work, family, or life in general, can lower your sex drive by diverting your attention away from sexual desire. Chronic stress can also disrupt hormone levels, resulting in reduced libido.
Depression: Low self-esteem, depression, and physical exhaustion can all reduce your libido. Depression also produces an imbalance in the neurotransmitters that govern desire.
Anxiety disorders can lead to elevated levels of cortisol (the "stress hormone"). High cortisol levels can inhibit the sex chemicals that influence your sex drive.
History of sexual trauma: Trauma such as sexual harassment, abuse, or rape can have an affect on sexual desire.
Other causes of low libido include:
Certain medications can reduce your sex drive. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics, chemotherapy treatments, and blood pressure meds.
Alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs: Excessive alcohol consumption and incorrect drug use can also result in a lack of sexual desire. Smoking can diminish testosterone levels, which can lead to a decreased libido.
Physical exercise: Excessive or insufficient physical activity might reduce sex drive.
There are also various illnesses and settings that affect libido that are unique to those assigned female or male at birth.
Medical illnesses that can cause a decrease in sexual desire in women or AFAB include:
Perimenopause and menopause: Your ovaries produce less estrogen, which might impair your libido.
Sexual dysfunction is a condition that can occur at any stage of the sexual response cycle. Painful sex (dyspareunia), vaginal dryness, vaginismus, or difficulty attaining orgasm can all cause anxiety and a decline in sexual desire.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing (chestfeeding): These events cause significant variations in hormone levels, which might decrease sex drive. Uncomfortable health symptoms and stress from these life conditions might also reduce your libido.
Infections: Temporary disorders such as vaginal yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause a decrease in libido.
Reproductive health conditions: Endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can all have a negative affect on libido.
Certain hormonal birth control (contraception) can also cause a decrease in sex drive, including:
Combined hormonal contraception, such as the combined pill, vaginal ring, or birth control patch.
Progestogen-only birth control pill.
A contraceptive implant.
Depo-provera injection.
The following medical problems might cause a decrease in sexual desire in males or people with AMAB:
Low testosterone (male hypogonadism): This is a condition in which your testicles produce insufficient testosterone (a sex hormone). Male hypogonadism can occur at any age, however testosterone levels naturally decline as an individual AMAB ages.
Sexual dysfunction: Conditions such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation can cause anxiety about sex and reduce sexual desire.
Because a decrease in sex drive has various probable causes, a healthcare provider will ask you:
Symptoms.
Medical history.
Medication history.
Sexual history.
Relationships.
Stress level.
Thoughts about sex.
If they feel a physical condition is causing a low libido, they may perform or prescribe the following tests to assist discover the cause:
Physical exam.
Pelvic exam.
Blood tests, such as hormone level tests.
Imaging tests.
Treatment for low libido (low sex drive) is determined on the underlying cause. There are several therapy methods available.
Depending on the cause, it may be best to see one or more of the following medical specialists:
Primary care physician (PCP).
Sex therapist.
Psychologist.
Gynecologist.
Urologist.
Endocrinologist.
Types of treatment for low libido include:
Education and communication: Education on sex, sexual behaviors, and sexual responses might help you overcome your concerns about sexual function. An open communication with your partner about your needs and worries can also help you overcome many of the hurdles to a good sex life.
Stress management: Stress management entails applying ways to improve your response to life challenges. These approaches can help avoid or alleviate stress-related symptoms like reduced libido. Stress management techniques may include journaling, exercise, meditation, and other forms of self-care.
Medication change: If your low libido is caused by a medicine, your doctor may advise you to change it.
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