5 Reasons Your Sex Drive Is Low

Possible Reasons For Low Libido

1. Hormonal Imbalance

   Sex hormones control secondary sexual characteristics and sex drive. In males, testosterone is responsible for sperm production and libido. It is also very important for building mass.

   Lower testosterone levels may be observed^[1] in the form of a scanty beard, shrill voice, or low sperm count.

   Not only this, it was depicted in a study^[2] that men with a lower testosterone level have less sex drive.

   They lack stamina, experience fatigue, and their sexual desires decline. On the other hand, it was found that men with higher testosterone levels have more stamina and sexual desire.

   In females, sex drive is controlled by estrogen. A lack of the hormone leads to numerous unhealthy changes in the body.

   The healthy vaginal discharge decreases causing dryness in the genital area. This leads to decreased lube and even painful intercourse with your partner.

   Females with low estrogen seem to have a less pleasant experience and arousal. Moreover, their energy is too drained to make time for romance.

   Another way hormones affect women is during childbirth and menopause. Both periods experience a drastic change in estrogen levels.

   One more way hormonal imbalance affects your sex drive is low self-confidence. You gradually start losing interest when you do not experience the same puberty symptoms as others.

   Small breasts and fatigue in women; erectile dysfunction, and low sperm count in men are signs of hormonal imbalance.

   They further psychologically affect sex drive. Both male and female sex hormones control mood.

   So if you feel a lack of arousal or disinterest in making love, you should consult a doctor.

   You are likely to undergo a hormonal test followed by medication and therapies as suggested by your doctor.

2. Illness

   Illness for a prolonged period affects the body in many ways. One way it hampers normal functioning is by reducing sex drive. There are several ways in which illness affects libido.

   To name a few-

   • Mental Problems

     Stress, depression, and lack of proper^[3] cognitive function might be responsible for lost sex drive.

     They drain energy and you might not feel like even leaving your bed. Such a feeling of detachment creates a space in a healthy relationship.

     Moreover, antidepressants or regular treatment further reduce libido.

   • Injury

     Injuries are a common reason for decreased stamina and sexual desires. Injury to reproductive organs or even nerves disrupts normal blood flow.

     In case of inappropriate blood flow^[4] to the genital area, the sensation of arousal reduces.

     The postpartum period is hard for the mother to deal with. Any incidence of injury during childbirth reduces physical desires.

   • Chronic Illness

     A long-term illness is always accompanied by several side problems along with the main one.

     Long treatment, medications, energy drain, and depression leave no space for healthy sex life.

     Otherwise, it could prove to be fatal. A few examples of this category are type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure, as per this review^[5].

3. Stress

   Stress is one prime reason for countless health problems. It affects the person[4] emotionally, physically, and psychologically.

   Stress could be financial, work pressure, or any short/long-term problem. The hormone cortisol is also related to stress.

   A study^[6] on couples proved stress management programs are effective in reducing stress-related loss of sex drive.

4. Medications

   Some medications might cure one problem and lead to another simultaneously. Many instances of low sex drive are reported after the use of certain medications.

   Some of them are-

   • Chemotherapy And Radiation Therapy For Cancer

     Cancer already weakens the body of a person. Radiations and chemotherapy affect the reproductive system even more.

     Women might experience^[7] symptoms like dryness of vaginal tissue, infertility, and hot flashes.

     On the other hand, men experience^[8] a low sperm count. Such treatments reduce the desire for sex.

   • High Blood Pressure Medications

     Beta-blockers and diuretics are associated with low libido. Diuretics decrease the blood flow to the genital area.

     It may cause erectile dysfunction in males and a lack of vaginal sensation in females. As a result, libido decreases.

     Beta-blockers like Propranolol have been accused of causing sexual dysfunction, as per this study^[9].

   • Antidepressants

     Most antidepressants are linked with a negative impact on libido. Higher doses of these medicines further increase the risk.

     The names of a few such medicines are citalopram,  sertraline,  paroxetine, and fluvoxamine.

     A study^[10] including men taking these medications concluded that there is a loss of libido caused by the medicines.

   • Anabolic Steroids

     Steroids are highly popular among athletes for building muscle mass and looking big. According to the study^[11], a big side effect of steroids is reduced sex drive.

5. Lack Of Sleep

   6-8 hours of sleep is very important for giving the body a much-needed break. Sleep also helps control the healthy release of hormones.

   Sleep deprivation might affect libido and arousal in females. Insomnia is one such sleep disorder linked with sexual dysfunction.

   A syndrome called restless legs syndrome affects libido. It is characterized as a continuous urge to move your legs while sleeping.

   The sensation of restlessness may be caused due to increased Dopamine levels. According to a study^[12], men with restless leg syndrome fail to get an erection or maintain one.

   All such sleep-related issues gradually decrease sex drive. The best way to avoid it is to get enough sleep. In case of insomnia or trouble falling asleep, seek advice from your doctor.