However, low sex drive can often be treated successfully if the underlying cause is identified.
What Is Low Libido?
It’s essential for couples to communicate honestly with each other while identifying possible causes.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Treatments can vary and may involve psychotherapy, hormone replacement, lifestyle changes, and/or adjustment of medications.
These might include:
What Is Libido?
Libido is a person’s desire for sex.
It is influenced by a variety of factors including learned behaviors, hormones, and brain function.
Age, medications, fluctuating hormone levels, and illness can all affect a person’s libido.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Low Testosterone
Testosterone is an important sex hormone.
Its responsible for typical male physical characteristics, such as facial hair and body muscle.
This hormone also helps maintain sex drive and sperm production.
Low testerone is common in older men, but it can occur in younger men as well.
Some men with low testosterone experience a drop in libido, while others lose interest in sex completely.
Though effective, TRT can come with potential risks.
Some of these include acne, blood clots, prostate growth, and worsening sleep apnea.
Additionally, TRT may put some older men at an increased risk for heart problems.
If you suspect your testosterone levels are low, discuss your concerns with a healthcare provider.
A diagnosis of hypogonadism will only be made after your testosterone levels are checked on two separate occasions.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications may cause low sex drive in men.
These may include entire classes of drugs that can affect a man’s sex drive to varying degrees.
A dose adjustment may also help.
As always, do not change medication or dosage without first talking to your physician.
Recap
A low sex drive in men can sometimes be a side effect of certain medications.
Depression
Depression and low libido may go hand in hand.
Furthermore, while antidepressants can effectively treat depression, they can exacerbate problems with sexual desire.
On the one hand, chronic illness is associated with an increased risk of depression.
In some cases, multiple doctors may be needed.
Chronic health conditions can lead to low sex drive in men for a variety of reasons.
Some conditions may directly impact libido.
Certain medications to treat health conditions can decrease sex drive.
Stress triggers the production of cortisol, a hormone that functions like built-in alarm system.
If the stress is associated with an anxiety disorder, medications may be needed.
But this can be challenging, because someanti-anxiety medicationscan lower libido even more.
Lifestyle Factors
Several lifestyle factors may contribute significantly to low libido in men.
These tend to be more readily remedied by changing or stopping the behavior.
How to Improve a Low Libido
Improving sex drive typically begins with identifying the underlying cause.
In some cases, making certain lifestyle changes may help boost sex drive.
Effective treatments are available that can improve your mental well-being.
Relationship counseling may also be beneficial.
Summary
Low libido in men can have a number of different causes.
While libido problems can contribute to stress in relationships, treatments are available.
Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your sex drive.
If low libido is affecting your relationship, avoid directly blaming yourself or your partner.
Instead, have an open and honest conversation about how you’re feeling.
If you’re concerned by your low libido, talk to your doctor.
There are lifestyle changes that mayput you in the moodmore often.
The solution may even be as simple as changing a medication you are taking.
Even when struggling with sexual dysfunction, make every effort toconnect emotionallyandphysically.
Depression, as well as certain antidepressant medications, can also contribute to low libido.
Building greater intimacy and communicating with your partner can also be helpful.
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