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Low sex drive: why it happens and what you can do about it

By Joe Young | Medically reviewed by Hassan Thwaini
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Men are obsessed with sex. Or so they say. What if we told you that 1 in 5 men have a loss of libido?1 It’s easy to dismiss as trivial, but a diminished sex drive can lead to anxiety, depression, and relationship stress. 

Let’s take a closer look. 

What’s the impact of a lowered sex drive?

A decline in libido can have significant health consequences beyond simply reducing bedtime action. It can be a symptom of hormonal imbalances, psychological stress, or even certain medical conditions. The knock-on effect of losing sexual desire can also cause stresses and strains that affect your relationships, self-esteem, and quality of life.

It might even have an impact on your length of life. A study looked at more than 20,000 people for over a decade to examine links between sexual interest and mortality, including heart disease and cancer.2 They found that men with low libido are almost twice (1.82 times) as likely to experience a shorter lifespan. However, it's important to note that correlation doesn't necessarily imply causation. More research is needed to understand the reasons behind this relationship.

What can cause you to lose your libido?

Numerous factors can wreak havoc on your sex drive. These include:

1. Lifestyle habits 

If you don't respect your body, it won't reciprocate with sexual desire. Poor lifestyle choices, such as a sedentary routine, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of quality sleep, can contribute to hitting the brakes in the bedroom. 

2. Relationship issues

Arguments over who will empty the dishwasher or take the bins out can spiral into sexual problems. In some of these cases, performance issues like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation can occur. Being anxious about sex is not going to fuel your appetite for more of it. 

3. Low testosterone 

When testosterone levels go down, sex drive goes with it.3 And there's a lot of scientific proof that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help boost it.4 Men usually lose 1-2% of their testosterone each year from around age 40 - a primary reason for men losing their mojo as they age.5

4. Stress and mental health

The pressures of daily life can take a toll on your interest in sex. It’s hard to get down to it when your mind is elsewhere. A 2017 review of erectile dysfunction in young men suggests that depression and anxiety can result in reduced desire and increased sexual dysfunction.6

5. Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and heart disease, have all been linked to losing your mojo. 

6. Medications

Some medications, like antidepressants and blood pressure drugs, may have side effects that affect your interest in sex. If you suspect your medications are dampening your drive, consult your healthcare provider for advice and support.

How can I improve my sex drive?

Now that you understand the problems it can cause and why it can happen, you’re probably hoping for some guidance on how to fix it. 

To discover if you have any of the common causes of loss of libido, such as low testosterone or high cholesterol, it’s worth taking a blood test. You can take a test that specifically analyses these biomarkers or a more comprehensive test that looks at several key health indicators, including your risk of diabetes. If you have low testosterone, several treatments, including TRT, are known to be safe and effective. 

You can also access treatments designed to combat erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation if clinically appropriate.

In the meantime, here are some other changes to consider:

Revamp your diet: Boosting your nutritional intake can put you in the right frame of mind. Amp up your meals with a mix of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and good fats to support hormonal balance and overall sexual health. Just be careful what you do with that banana. 

Get regular exercise: Engaging in consistent physical activity can boost blood circulation, enhance mood, and increase energy levels - all of which get the blood pumping, in more ways than one. Aim for a mix of aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Or try something a bit more out of the box. 

Prioritise sleep: The bed is meant for sex and sleep so it’s no shock that they’re intertwined. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support your body's natural rhythms and rejuvenation processes. If you struggle to sleep regularly - it’s worth taking action. 

Communicate better: It’s tempting to keep feelings to yourself, but unresolved issues with your partner aren’t exactly an aphrodisiac. Talk to your partner about concerns - addressing the issue together can bring you closer and ease stress.

The numan take

Reignite your desire. Low sex drive is a common problem, but it doesn't have to be a permanent one. Make your health a priority and enjoy sex again. 

References

  1. NHS Inform. (2023, January 20). Loss of libido. NHS Inform. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/loss-of-libido

  2. Sakurada, K., Konta, T., Murakami, N., Kosugi, N., Saito, T., Watanabe, M., Ishizawa, K., Ueno, Y., & Kayama, T. (2022). Association between lack of sexual interest and all-cause mortality in a Japanese general population: The Yamagata prospective observational study. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0277967. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277967

  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 91, Issue 7, 1 July 2006, Pages 2509–2513, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2005-2508

  4. Rizk, P. J., Kohn, T. P., Pastuszak, A. W., & Khera, M. (2017). Testosterone therapy improves erectile function and libido in hypogonadal men. Current Opinion in Urology, 27(6), 511–515. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOU.0000000000000442

  5. Miah, S., Tharakan, T., Gallagher, K. A., Shah, T. T., Winkler, M., Jayasena, C. N., Ahmed, H. U., & Minhas, S. (2019). The effects of testosterone replacement therapy on the prostate: a clinical perspective. F1000Research, 8, F1000 Faculty Rev-217. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.16497.1

  6. Nguyen, H. M. T., Gabrielson, A. T., & Hellstrom, W. J. G. (2017). Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men-A Review of the Prevalence and Risk Factors. Sexual medicine reviews, 5(4), 508–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004

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