Low Libido (Low Sex Drive)

Low libido (low sex drive) is a common issue that can affect anyone temporarily or even for a long time in some cases.

Low libido (low sex drive)

Low libido (low sex drive) causes the person to not desire having intercourse like they used to. This means that the person may want it less than before or not feel it as strongly.

Loss of libido is a common condition in women more than men, and it can occur more than once throughout life.

Causes of low libido (low sex drive)

Causes of low libido in general:

• Health conditions: cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, increased prolactin, headaches, and chronic pain.
• Mental health issues: stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, and previous sexual trauma.
• Other causes: as a side effect of certain medications (like antidepressants, antipsychotics, chemotherapy, and blood pressure medications), excessive alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs, and exercising a lot or too little.

Causes of loss of sex drive in women:

• Using certain hormonal birth control methods, such as the progesterone-only birth control pill, contraceptive implants, a birth control shot that contains progesterone, and combined hormonal contraception that includes pills, a vaginal ring, or a birth control patch.
• Certain health conditions, such as PCOS, PMS, and endometriosis.
• Some infections, such as yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
• Sexual issues, like vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, or not reaching orgasm.
• During perimenopause and menopause.
• Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Causes of low libido in men:

• Decreased testosterone.
• Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction and premature or delayed ejaculation.

Symptoms of low libido (low sex drive)

• Now wanting to have intercourse as often as before.
• Not feeling the urge to have sex as before.
• Not feeling interested in having intercourse.
• Not thinking about intercourse like previously.
• Feeling worried or annoyed when thinking about the loss of interest in intercourse.

Diagnosis of low libido (low sex drive)

• Asking about the symptoms.
• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.
• A pelvic test for women.

Treatment of low libido (low sex drive)

• Managing other conditions, if any.
• Communication between the partners.
• Education about intercourse.
• Managing stress.
• Psychotherapy.
• Couples therapy.
• Following a healthy lifestyle.