Low libido is a big problem right now amongst men. It can be described as a decreased interest in sexual activity. It’s common to lose interest in Sex from time to time, and Libido levels vary throughout your life. However, Low Libido for a long period of time can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying health condition.
Here are a few potential causes of Low libido in Males: Low Testosterone. Testosterone is an important male hormone that’s mostly produced in the testicles. It plays a key role in: Sperm production, Sex drive, Puberty, Muscle building, Bone health, Cognition.
When your Testosterone levels decrease, your desire for sex also decreases. Decreasing testosterone is a normal part of aging. But a drastic drop can lead to decreased libido. Speak with a healthcare professional if you think this might be an issue for you. They could provide a proper diagnosis and recommend supplements or gels to increase your testosterone levels.
Taking certain medications could lower your testosterone levels, which in turn could lead to low libido. According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, these may include: High blood pressure medications, Certain antidepressants, Chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer, Opioid pain relievers, An antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
Cimetidine (Tagamet), which is used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
If you’re experiencing the effects of Low Testosterone and take any of these medications, speak with a doctor. They may advise you to switch medications.
Depression may lead to a reduced or complete lack of interest in activities you once found pleasurable, such as sex. Low libido is also a side effect of some antidepressants.
Speak with a doctor if you’re taking antidepressants and experience low libido. They might address your side effects by adjusting your dose or having you switch to another medication.
Research suggests that chronic conditions in males most commonly affect two aspects Trusted Source of sexual function: libido and erectile function. Chronic conditions that may affect sexual desire include: Heart disease,
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Type 2 diabetes, Chronic pain, Cancer, Obesity, High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Chronic lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure.
If you’re living with a chronic condition and are sexually active, it’s important to be open about ways to be intimate and supportive. You may also consider speaking with a Sex Therapist.
Several sleeping disorders and conditions that could affect your sleep are associated with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and low testosterone levels. These may include: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Insomnia.
Circadian rhythm sleep disorder, Periodic limb movement disorder, Narcolepsy, Frequent urination at night (nocturia).
If you experience decreased libido and sleep disturbances, speak with a healthcare professional. They may recommend a treatment plan that could include home remedies to sleep better and medication.
Testosterone levels, which are linked to libido, are at their highest during adolescence and gradually decrease as you age. This could lowerTrusted Source your sex drive, and you may find it more difficult to: Orgasm, Ejaculate, Become aroused, Have or maintain erections.
If you’re distracted by situations or periods of high pressure, sexual desire may decrease. Research suggests that an increase in Cortisol, also called the “stress hormone,” could disrupt hormone levels, lower libido, and increase your risk of erectile dysfunction. Similarly, a 2019 study found that stress and personal burnout were associated with lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and decreased sexual satisfaction in males. Some stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and talking with a therapist, may help improve libido.
Self-esteem is defined as a person’s general opinion about their own self. Low self-esteem could take a toll on your sexual, emotional, and physical well-being. It may also cause anxiety about sexual performance, which could lead to issues with erectile dysfunction, reduced sexual desire, and avoiding sex altogether. Over time, self-esteem issues can result in larger mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and drug or alcohol misuse — all of which have been linked to low libido.
Too little or too much exercise can also be responsible for low sex drive in males. For instance, too little exercise (or none at all) can lead to a range of health problems that can affect sexual desire and arousal, such as: Obesity, High blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, Stroke, High cholesterol, Mental health disorders.
On the other hand, over-exercising has also been shown to affect sexual health. In a 2017 study, higher levels of intense and lengthy endurance training on a regular basis were strongly associated with decreased libido scores in males. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of high intensity exercise weekly.
Heavy alcohol drinking, or more than 15 drinksTrusted Source in a week, is associated with a decrease in testosterone. Over a long period of time, excessive amounts of alcohol can reduce your sex drive and lead to erectile dysfunction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that males drink two or fewer alcoholic beverages daily. Any more than this can lead to long-term health issues. However, it’s important to note that even drinking one or two drinks daily doesn’t provideTrusted Source benefits to health and longevity, as has been believed for years.
In addition to alcohol, the use of some substances and illegal drugs may lower your testosterone levels and affect sexual desire. These may include: Anabolic steroids, Cannabis, Nicotine, Amphetamines.
A decreased sex drive can be very unsettling. Low libido can lead to a vicious cycle of physical and emotional side effects, such as: Stress, Low self-esteem, Erectile dysfunction, Anxiety around sex.
If you experience low libido and it’s affecting your daily activities and mental well-being, speak with a healthcare professional. They could help develop a plan to increase your sex drive, which may include: Lifestyle and dietary changes, Therapy, counseling, and group support, Medications, such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Low libido is when you experience a low sex drive. Several causes may be attributed to low libido, such as taking certain medications, low testosterone levels, and being stressed. Speak with a healthcare professional if your sex drive is low. They could help develop a treatment plan for you.
Healthline.com
