Loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem that affects many men and women at some point in their life.
It is often linked to relationship issues, stress or fatigue, but can be a sign of an underlying medical problem, such as reduced hormone levels. If you find yourself having less or no interest in sex, the following could be the reasons behind that.
Symptoms associated with low libido
- Little to no interest in sexual activity.
- Few to no sexual thoughts or fantasies.
- Disinterest in initiating sex.
- Difficulty getting pleasure from sex.
- Lack of pleasurable sensations when the genitals are stimulated.
1. Emotional causes of low libido
Our interactions with other people can affect our productivity, relationships and sensations. Listed beloww are emotional issues linked to low libido.
- Relationship problems
- Being in a long-term relationship and becoming overfamiliar with your partner
- Loss of sexual attraction
- Unresolved conflict and frequent arguments
- Poor communication
- Difficulty trusting each other
- Physical sexual problems
2. Sexual problems associated with low libido
- Ejaculation problems
- Erectile dysfunction
- Vaginal dryness
- Painful sex
- Inability to orgasm
- Involuntary tightening of the vagina (vaginismus)
- Stress, anxiety and exhaustion
3. Aging and menopause
A reduced sex drive is not an inevitable part of ageing, but it is something many men and women experience as they get older.
There can be many reasons for this, including the following.
- Lower levels of sex hormones (oestrogen 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 medicine
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 the menopause.
4. 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 different reasons including
- 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
5. Underlying health problems
Long-term medical conditions have been proven to affect 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 and medication.
Medicine and contraception – Certain medicines can sometimes reduce libido, including medicine for high blood pressure and many types of antidepressants
6. Alcohol and drugs
Excessive consumption of alcohol and other drugs over a long period can reduce your sex drive. It is therefore advisable to not indulge in heavy drinking of alcohol.
Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 alcohol units a week on a regular basis.
