Men’s clinic Low Libido Treatment: Why it Happens

Men's Clinic Low Libido Treatment

Low Libido or Low Sex Drive

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.

Loss of libido (reduced sex drive)

Loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem that affects many men and women at some point in their life.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.

The difference between weak erections or impotence and 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.

Causes of low libido:

There are two broad categories of causes. The categories are physical and psychological.

Physical causes

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.

Psychological causes

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.

Treatment options for low libido

Depending on the cause there are various treatment options are available to assist patients suffering from this problem.

Physical causes: Generally speaking the treatment of the underlying physical condition will alleviate low sex drive for patients suffering from physically induced low libido. For example, if the patient’s loss of libido is attributable to a decrease in the level of testosterone in the body going on to a course of hormone replacement therapy will assist with this problem. The certain prescription medication causes the loss of libido The patient should consult with his doctor about the possibility of swapping the medication with a similar one that does not have the side effect of loss of libido.
Psychological causes: Psychologically based low libido is generally treated with a combination of counseling and lifestyle modification. The duration of the treatment is dependent on the severity of the problem.
How Is It Treated Naturally?

Depending on the cause, possible treatments include:
- Healthier lifestyle choices. Improve your diet, get regular exercise and enough sleep, cut down on alcohol, and reduce stress.
- Change to a new medication, if the one you’re on is affecting your libido
- Testosterone replacement therapy
- Counseling
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.
What about the meds you may have seen in TV and magazine ads, like Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra? These don’t boost libido. They help you get and keep erections.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.

Sexual problems

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:

ejaculation problems
erectile dysfunction
vaginal dryness
painful sex
an inability to orgasm
involuntary tightening of the vagina (vaginismus)

Stress, anxiety, and exhaustion

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:

Why am I tired all the time?
Getting help with anxiety, fear or panic
Self-help tips to fight tiredness
10 ways to reduce stress
Breathing exercises for stress

Depression

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:

feelings of extreme sadness that don’t go away
feeling low or hopeless
losing interest or pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy

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.

Getting older and the menopause

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:

lower levels of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) just before, during, and after menopause in women
lower levels of sex hormone (testosterone) in men
age-related health problems, including mobility problems
side effects of the medicine

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.

Pregnancy, giving birth, and breastfeeding

Loss of interest in sex is common during pregnancy, after giving birth, and while breastfeeding.

This can be because of:

changes to your hormone levels
changes to your body and issues with your body image
exhaustion
painful sex caused by an injury, such as a cut or tear, during childbirth
changed priorities, such as focusing on looking after your baby

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.

Underlying health problems

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:

heart disease
diabetes
an underactive thyroid – where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones
cancer
major surgery – for example, surgery to remove the ovaries and womb in women

Speak to a GP or specialist if you think your low libido may be the result of an underlying medical condition or treatment.

Medicine and contraception

Certain medicines can sometimes reduce libido, including:

medicine for high blood pressure
many types of antidepressants
medicine for seizures (fits), such as topiramate
medicines called antipsychotics, such as haloperidol
medicine for an enlarged prostate, such as finasteride
medicine for prostate cancer, such as cyproterone
hormonal contraception, such as the combined hormonal contraception pill, patch or ring, the progestogen-only pill, the contraceptive implant, and the contraceptive injection

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.

Alcohol and drugs

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.