What is Low Libido?

It is not uncommon for someone to lose interest in sex, but long-term low libido might be just the reason why, and having low testosterone, getting poor sleep, depression, stress, and substance use are the possible causes. If you are concerned that this might be your case, we highly recommend you consult a professional near you.

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Causes of Low Libido

Low Testosterone

Testosterone is a crucial male hormone and is mostly produced in the testicles. It helps develop muscle and bone, stimulates sperm production, and influences sex drive.

Normal testosterone levels fluctuate. However, according to the American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines, adult males are deemed to have low testosterone or low T if their levels dip below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Therefore, as testosterone levels decrease, so does sexual desire.

If your testosterone is decreasing, it is a normal part of aging. However, a drastic testosterone drop is not normal, and your body might be signaling a health condition.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a method used to treat low testosterone, and testosterone injections are another option available for you.

Medications

Certain medications can reduce testosterone levels, potentially resulting in decreased libido. For example, blood pressure drugs like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers might prevent erections and ejaculation.

Other medications that can lower testosterone levels include:

• Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
• Prostate cancer hormone therapy
• Corticosteroids
• Opioid pain meds (e.g., morphine, oxycodone)
• Antifungal medication called Ketoconazole
• Cimetidine (Tagamet), is used to treat heartburn and GERD
• Anabolic steroids, used by athletes to increase muscle mass
• Specific antidepressants

If you are taking one or more of these medications and are experiencing the effects of low testosterone, you may need to consult a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a strong urge to move legs. Research shows men with RLS have higher chances of erectile dysfunction (ED). Those with frequent RLS episodes, especially, are at greater risk of impotence.

Depression

Depression alters every aspect of life, diminishing or eliminating interest in previously enjoyable activities, including sex. Experiencing low libido is also a side effect of taking antidepressants, including:

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)

However, bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL), a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NRDI), has not demonstrated a decrease in libido.

Consult your doctor if you are on antidepressants and experiencing low libido. They can manage side effects by adjusting their dosage or switching medications.

Chronic Illness

When dealing with the impact of a chronic health issue like chronic pain, sex often becomes less of a priority. Some conditions, like cancer, can also lower sperm production.

Additional chronic conditions that may affect your sex drive include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Chronic lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure

If you are dealing with a chronic illness, you should discuss intimacy options with your partner as well as seek support from a marriage counselor or a sex therapist that could be beneficial.

Sleeping Problems

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that non-obese males suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have reduced testosterone levels, resulting in diminished sexual activity and libido. The study also revealed that nearly one-third of men with severe sleep apnea experienced decreased testosterone levels.

Aging

Libido is typically highest in late teens when testosterone levels peak. As men age, reaching orgasm, ejaculation, and arousal might take longer. Erections may weaken, and arousal may be delayed. Medications can aid in addressing these concerns.

Stress

High-pressure situations or distractions can diminish sexual desire by disrupting hormone levels. Stress narrows arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to erectile dysfunction (ED).

A study in Scientific Research and Essays backed the idea that stress directly impacts sexual issues in both genders. Avoiding stress is challenging. Relationship conflicts, divorce, the death of a loved one, financial concerns, new parenthood, or a demanding work setting are among the life events that significantly impact sexual desire.

Methods for managing stress, like deep breathing, meditation, and therapy, could be beneficial.

For instance, in a study, men who were newly diagnosed with ED notably enhanced their erectile function scores following an 8-week stress management course.

Low Self-esteem

Low self-esteem, lacking confidence, and negative body image can negatively impact emotional health and well-being. If you are feeling unattractive or undesirable, it can dampen sexual experiences. Disliking your appearance in the mirror might even lead to avoiding sex entirely.

Low self-esteem can trigger anxiety about sexual performance, potentially causing erectile dysfunction (ED) and diminished sexual desire. Over time, self-esteem issues may escalate into more significant mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse — all associated with reduced libido.

Alcohol & Drug Use

Excessive alcohol consumption, defined as over 14 mixed drinks per week, has been associated with reduced testosterone production, which can diminish sex drive over time. The Cleveland Clinic suggests that men who drink more than three or more alcoholic beverages regularly should consider drinking less.

Apart from alcohol, the consumption of tobacco, marijuana, and illicit drugs like opiates has also been linked to decreased testosterone production, leading to a decrease in sexual desire. Moreover, smoking has been associated with adverse effects on sperm production and motility.

Side Effects of Low Libido

It can be very unsettling for men to experience a decreased sex drive. This condition can lead to a negative cycle of physical and emotional side effects, including ED — the incapacity to sustain an erection for a sufficient duration to engage in satisfactory sexual activity.

ED can cause a man anxiety around sex that can lead to serious tension between their partner getting less sexual encounters and more relationship problems. The inability to perform because of erectile dysfunction (ED) can evoke feelings of depression, low self-esteem, and negative body image.

Treating low libido typically involves treating the root cause. If an underlying health condition is to blame, medication adjustment may be necessary. Alternatively, if psychological factors are at play, seeking therapy, possibly relationship counseling, could be beneficial for you.

In the meantime, you can try natural ways to increase libido to get a better result during your treatment from your doctor.

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