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5 Reasons Your Sex Drive Is Low

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Intimacy with your partner is also important in a relationship. The sexual desires of both individuals matter for a healthy bond.

Libido is the master key to good sex life. It may be high or low from time to time. Sometimes due to temporary problems and stress, a low sex drive is fine.

However, if you continue to experience this for a long time, it could be a problem. Conflicting interests and desires of you and your partner might be responsible for it.

But if you think there is some other reason behind it, chances are you are right. This article covers 5 such possible reasons for your low sex drive.

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.

Conclusion

Libido may be low or high occasionally. It determines sexual desires and healthy relationships.

Several reasons like physical, emotional, and psychological elements affect sex drive. Most of these could be improved by consulting the doctor.

You may help yourself by indulging in stress management programs, yoga, and a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep.

Additionally, take care of little things like not doing too much or too few exercises. Talk to your partner to sort out differences.

Taking such small details into account could change the overall outlook for you.

References/Sources

Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.

  1. Ahmed AlAwlaqi, Houda Amor, and Mohamed E. Hammadeh. Role of hormones in hypoactive sexual desire disorder and current treatment. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2017 Dec; 18(4): 210–218. Published online 2017 Dec 15. doi: 10.4274/jtgga.2017.0071.
  2. Giulia Rastrelli, Giovanni Corona, Mario Maggi Testosterone and sexual function in men Maturitas. 2018 Jun;112:46-52. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.04.004. Epub 2018 Apr 6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29704917/
  3. Zvi Zemishlany, Abraham Weizman. The impact of mental illness on sexual dysfunction. Adv Psychosom Med. 2008;29:89-106. doi: 10.1159/000126626. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18391559/
  4. Kazem M. Azadzoi and Mike B. Siroky Neurologic Factors in Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction Korean J Urol. 2010 Jul; 51(7): 443–449.Published online 2010 Jul 20. doi: 10.4111/kju.2010.51.7.443
  5. Effat Merghati-Khoei, Arezoo Pirak, Mansoureh Yazdkhasti, et. al. Sexuality and elderly with chronic diseases: A review of the existing literature. J Res Med Sci. 2016; 21: 136. Published online 2016 Dec 26. doi: 10.4103/1735-1995.196618
  6. Lisa Dawn Hamilton, Alessandra H. Rellini, and Cindy M. Meston. Cortisol, Sexual Arousal, and Affect in Response to Sexual Stimuli. J Sex Med. 2008 Sep; 5(9): 2111–2118. Published online 2008 Jul 4. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00922.x.
  7. Abhishek Shankar, Neelam Prasad, Shubham Roy, et al. Sexual Dysfunction in Females after Cancer Treatment: an Unresolved Issue Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2017; 18(5): 1177–1182.doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2017.18.5.1177
  8. Sexual Health Issues in Men with Cancer. Date of Update: August 9, 2018. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/sexuality-men
  9. R C Rosen, J B Kostis, A W Jekelis Beta-blocker effects on sexual function in normal males Arch Sex Behav. 1988 Jun;17(3):241-55. doi: 10.1007/BF01541742. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2900627/
  10. Agnes Higgins, Michael Nash, and Aileen M Lynch Antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction: impact, effects, and treatment Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2010; 2: 141–150.Published online 2010 Sep 9. doi: 10.2147/DHPS.S7634
  11. Joseph Matthew Armstrong, Ross A. Avant, Cameron M. Charchenko, et. al. Impact of anabolic androgenic steroids on sexual function. Transl Androl Urol. 2018 Jun; 7(3): 483–489. doi: 10.21037/tau.2018.04.23.
  12. Rui Costa, David Costa, and José Pestana. Subjective sleep quality, unstimulated sexual arousal, and sexual frequency. Sleep Sci. 2017 Oct-Dec; 10(4): 147–153.doi: 10.5935/1984-0063.20170026

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