Men’s clinic Low Libido Treatment: Why it Happens. Low libido can loosely be defined as a lack of sexual desire. Low sex drive for an individual is a very personal issue and depends on many variables including age. It is the second most common sexual dysfunction in men after premature ejaculation. A recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reported this. The loss of sexual appetite is also very difficult for men to discuss. However, there is help available from health professionals such as Men’s Clinic International.
It’s often linked to relationship issues, stress, or tiredness, but can be a sign of an underlying medical problem, such as reduced hormone levels.
Everyone’s sex drive is different and there’s no such thing as a “normal” libido. But if you find your lack of desire for sex is distressing or it’s affecting your relationship, it’s a good idea to get help.
This page explains where you can get help and some common causes of low libido.
It is important to note that impotence and loss of libido are two separate issues. Impotence refers to the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Low libido is a lack of desire. In other words, a man suffering from low libido is able to achieve and maintain an erection but does not have the desire to do so. However, men who experience impotence, initially retain the desire for sexual intercourse but start to avoid intercourse to save themselves from the embarrassment of not being able to perform satisfactorily.
There are two broad categories of causes. The categories are physical and psychological.
Any medical problem or chronic physical condition can cause a reduction in one’s sex drive. Sex may be the furthest thing from his mind when a man is diagnosed with cancer. Even minor illnesses can diminish a man’s sexual interest. Conversely, when men improve their health — through exercise, a low-fat diet or, if necessary, medical treatment — their libido is likely to increase. Conditions such as thyroid disease can cause low libido. Tumors of the pituitary gland (which controls most hormone production, including sex hormones) and depression are also causes. Similarly, insufficient amounts of the male sex hormone testosterone may cause low libido, though such a condition is unlikely to affect erectile function. Certain prescription medications and other drugs can also decrease your sex drive. Many, though not all, antidepressants can diminish sex drive. Other medications with this side effect include tranquilizers and antihypertensive medications. Illicit drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, when used heavily and chronically, may lower libido.
Any kind of stress — whether related to work, relationships, or any other area of life — that preoccupies someone is going to diminish that person’s sex drive. For a healthy sex drive, a man has to be engaged at the moment. For example, if you’re having shouting matches with your partner, your libido is nearly certain to take a nosedive. Sex drive will return to baseline levels once you resolve your differences. Some problems, however, such as depression or anxiety, intense job stress, family worries, serious marital conflicts, experiences of past abuse, or conflicts about sexual orientation may require professional assistance. It is essential to seek such help if negative feelings interfere with the rest of life, if they are overwhelming, or if you are no longer able to experience a pleasure.
Depending on the cause there are various treatment options are available to assist patients suffering from this problem.
Depending on the cause, possible treatments include:
Your doctor may recommend therapy if the issue is psychological. In many cases, a low libido points to a desire for a closer connection with your partner — one that isn’t sexual, but still intimate. It can help to talk through these issues with a therapist, either alone or with your partner. If the issue is depression, antidepressants can help. Some of them actually lower your sex drive, though.
The bottom line: Know your body and tell your doctor what you’re feeling. Don’t hold back. That’s the only way they’ll know whether the root of the problem is physical, psychological, or both.
And the sooner you know, the sooner you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
Finally, it is important that men suffering from low libido consult a physician bearing in mind it is sometimes the only recognizable symptom of a serious medical problem. Men’s Clinic
International deals with any sexual problems that are related to Weak Erections, Early Ejaculation, Low Libido, STIs, or Circumcision. Do get in touch with us to book a consultation with our professional doctors who specialize in Men’s Sexual Health. Contact us now to find out more about Men’s Clinic prices and the effects of low libido. Or click here to book an appointment with one of our friendly doctors in your area. To read more about low libido, click here.
Low libido describes a decreased interest in sexual activity. It’s common to lose interest in sex from time to time, and libido levels vary through life. It’s also normal for your interest not to match your partner’s at times. However, low libido for a long period of time may cause concern for some people.
Another thing to consider is whether the problem is a physical issue that makes sex difficult or unfulfilling.
For example, a low sex drive can be the result of:
Stress, anxiety, and exhaustion can be all-consuming and have a major impact on your happiness, including your sex drive.
If you feel you’re constantly tired, stressed, or anxious, you may need to make some lifestyle changes or speak to a GP for advice.
You may find some of the following information and advice useful:
Depression is very different from simply feeling unhappy, miserable or fed up for a short time. It’s a serious illness that interferes with all aspects of your life, including your sex life.
In addition to low libido, signs of depression can include:
It’s important to see a GP if you think you might be depressed. They can advise you about the main treatments for depression, such as talking therapies or antidepressants.
A low sex drive can also be a side effect of antidepressants. Speak to a GP if you think this may be causing your problems.
A reduced sex drive is not an inevitable part of aging, but it’s something many men and women experience as they get older.
There can be many reasons for this, including:
Speak to a GP if you’re concerned about this. They may ask about any other symptoms you have, and sometimes they may arrange for a blood test to check your hormone levels.
There are treatments to increase hormone levels if low levels are causing problems, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with or without testosterone treatment for women going through menopause.
Read more about sex as you get older.
Loss of interest in sex is common during pregnancy, after giving birth, and while breastfeeding.
This can be because of:
These issues may improve over time. Speak to a GP if your sex drive does not return and it’s a problem for you.
It may also help to read about sex in pregnancy and sex after giving birth.
Any long-term medical condition can affect your sex drive. This may be a result of the physical and emotional strain these conditions can cause, or it may be a side effect of treatment.
For example, a low libido can be associated with:
Speak to a GP or specialist if you think your low libido may be the result of an underlying medical condition or treatment.
Certain medicines can sometimes reduce libido, including:
Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if low libido is listed as a possible side effect.
See a GP if you think a medicine is affecting your sex drive. They may be able to switch you to a different medicine.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over a long period can reduce your sex drive, so it’s a good idea to not drink excessive amounts.
Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 alcohol units a week on a regular basis.
Read some tips on cutting down on alcohol and find out where to get support for a drinking problem if you think you need it.
Drug misuse is also linked to a loss of sex drive. Find out where to get help for drug addiction.
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