Low libido. Lack of sexual appetite. Causes and treatments.

Loss of libido (sexual desire) is a common problem that affects many men and women at some point in their lives. Sexual desire varies from person to person, and there is no such thing as a “normal” libido. However, if you feel that a lack of sexual desire is affecting your relationship, do not hesitate to seek help from a psychiatrist, with whom you can discuss the following causes.

What is low libido?

Causes of low libido

Relationship problems

Sexual problems

Stress, anxiety and exhaustion

Depression

Ageing and menopause

Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

Medicines and contraceptives

Lifestyle

Treatments for low libido

Tips for increasing libido

Frequently asked questions

What is low libido?

Low libido is a loss of interest in sexual activity and can affect both men and women.

It is normal for a person’s interest in sexual activity to fluctuate at certain times in life due to factors such as:

stress;

age;

hormonal changes.

It is also normal for your interest not to always match your partner’s. However, low libido over a longer period of time may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Causes of low libido

Any long-term condition can affect your sex drive. This may be the result of the physical and emotional strain these conditions can cause, or a side effect of treatment.

Several chronic conditions can affect sexual function in both men and women, including:

Diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, which can lead to physical sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction in men or reduced blood flow to the genitals in women.

Osteoarthritis. People who suffer from joint pain and muscle stiffness, typical symptoms of osteoarthritis, may find it difficult to engage in sexual activity.

Heart disease. Heart disease can damage blood vessels and reduce circulation. This can reduce blood flow to the genitals, lowering arousal or lubrication.

High blood pressure. Hypertension can affect blood circulation and reduce sexual desire.

Cancer. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can affect libido.

Obstructive sleep apnoea. Untreated obstructive sleep apnoea can lead to reduced libido.

Relationship problems

One of the first things to consider is whether you are happy in your relationship.

Low libido can be the result of:

a long-term relationship in which you have become overly familiar with your partner;

loss of sexual attraction;

frequent conflicts and arguments;

poor communication between partners;

loss of mutual trust.

Sexual problems

Another thing to consider is whether there is a physical problem that makes sex difficult or unfulfilling, for example:

ejaculation problems;

erectile dysfunction;

vaginal dryness;

pain during intercourse;

difficulty reaching orgasm;

involuntary tightening of the vagina (vaginismus).

Stress, anxiety and exhaustion

Stress, anxiety and exhaustion can wear you down and have a major impact on your mood, including your sexual desire.

If you constantly feel tired, stressed or anxious, you may need to make some lifestyle changes or see a doctor.

Depression

Depression is different from simply feeling unhappy, sad or low. It is a serious illness that interferes with every aspect of life, including your sex life.

Besides low libido, signs of depression can include:

feelings of extreme sadness that do not go away;

feeling hopeless;

loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy.

It is important to see your doctor if you think you may be depressed. They can prescribe treatment for depression, such as different types of therapy or antidepressants.

Ageing and menopause

A decline in 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:

lower levels of sex hormones (oestrogen and testosterone) just before, during and after menopause in women;

lower levels of the sex hormone testosterone in men;

age-related health problems, including mobility problems;

side effects of certain medicines.

If low hormone levels are causing problems, treatments are available to raise them, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women going through menopause.

Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

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

This may be due to:

changes in hormone levels;

changes to the body and body image concerns;

exhaustion;

pain during sex caused by an injury, such as a cut or tear during childbirth;

tiredness from caring for the baby.

These problems often improve over time. See your doctor if your sex drive does not return after a while.

Medicines and contraceptives

Certain medicines can sometimes reduce sex drive, such as:

medicines for high blood pressure;

many types of antidepressants;

medicines for seizures;

medicines called antipsychotics, such as haloperidol;

medicines for an enlarged prostate;

medicines for prostate cancer, such as cyproterone;

hormonal contraceptives, according to some studies.

Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see whether low libido is listed as a possible side effect.

See your doctor if you think a particular medicine is affecting your sex drive. They may be able to switch you to a different one.

Lifestyle

Some lifestyle factors can contribute significantly to low libido. These are often easier to address by changing your habits.

Alcohol and drug use: excessive or long-term use can lower testosterone levels.

Too much (or too little) exercise: frequent, high-intensity exercise is associated with lower sex drive.

Obesity: excess weight directly affects metabolism and hormonal function. On the other hand, exercise and weight loss not only improve mood and energy levels, but also improve sexual function and self-image.

Smoking.

Treatments for low libido

Treatment for low libido often depends on the cause of the problem. For example, if you have a condition and its treatment has affected your sexual function, your doctor may recommend changing your treatment.

In some cases, certain lifestyle changes can help you regain your sex drive, for example:

eating a balanced diet;

getting restful sleep;

drinking less alcohol;

losing weight.

Certain therapies, such as talking therapy or sex therapy, can also help you deal with possible trauma, improve your self-esteem and strengthen your relationship with your partner. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for some women with low sexual desire.

Tips for increasing libido

Try foods that support sexual function. Figs, bananas and avocados are considered foods that may boost libido. These foods also contain important vitamins and minerals that increase blood flow to the genitals and may contribute to a healthy sex life. To boost libido, it is also a good idea to eat:

zinc-rich foods, which help regulate testosterone, such as oysters or red meat;

fresh vegetables and whole grains, which support blood circulation and sexual stamina;

flavonoid-rich foods, which help prevent sexual dysfunction, such as citrus fruits, peppers, tea or cocoa.

Add certain herbs to your diet. Add basil and garlic to your meals. Basil stimulates the senses, while garlic contains high levels of allicin, which increases blood flow. Ginkgo biloba, an extract from the leaves of the Chinese ginkgo tree, may also improve sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.

Improve the quality of your relationship. Many people experience a drop in sex drive at certain points in a relationship. This can happen in a long-term relationship or when problems arise. Improving the relationship can increase both partners’ sexual desire.

Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity helps increase libido.

Eat chocolate. Chocolate releases chemicals such as serotonin, which has some aphrodisiac effects. Serotonin is also involved in regulating blood flow to the genital tissues.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I regain my sex drive?

Both men and women can increase their sex drive by:

managing anxiety;

improving the quality of their relationship;

focusing on foreplay;

getting enough rest;

eating a healthy diet;

exercising regularly;

maintaining a healthy weight.

2. What are the most common causes of low sex drive?

The most common reasons for a low sex drive include:

medicines such as antidepressants;

alcohol;

depression;

tiredness;

drugs;

relationship problems;

sexual aversion disorder.