Occasional loss of interest in sex is normal, but Plano low libido for an extended period may be a cause of concern. Women, too, experience a decrease in their sex drive and sexual satisfaction during menopause. Fortunately, there are effective treatments that have been shown to improve sex drive during menopause and also alleviate other bothersome symptoms. Below are some reasons that may account for low libido in men.
Depression
Depression affects all parts of an individual’s life, including sex. During a depressive episode, you lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. Worse, some antidepressants, like serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), also cause low libido. However, some antidepressants have been shown to reduce the low sex drive. If you are taking antidepressants and have a low libido, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dose to address the side effects or recommend another medication.
Chronic illness
Sex is likely to last on your list of priorities when you are not feeling well due to the effects of a chronic illness like chronic pain. Certain health problems like cancer can lower your sperm production count. Besides chronic pain, other long-term health problems that can affect your libido include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver failure, and lung problems. Talking with your partner about ways to be intimate may help improve your sex life. Consider seeking help from professionals like a sex therapist or a marriage counselor.
Low testosterone
Testosterone is an important male hormone which is mostly produced in the testicles. The levels of testosterone hormones also factor into your sex drive; low testosterone levels mean a decrease in your desire for sex. Besides factoring into your sex drive, testosterone is also responsible for building muscles and bone mass and stimulating sperm production. Normal testosterone levels vary, but levels below 300 ng/dL are considered low for adult men.
It is normal for testosterone levels to decrease as you age, but a drastic drop in this hormone level results in decreased libido.
Stress
Stress is a normal part of life that can be hard to avoid due to its numerous potential causes. For example, you may be stressed due to financial difficulties, a busy work environment, relationship problems, divorce, a new baby, or the death of a loved one; these life events can significantly affect your desire for sex.
Stress disrupts your hormone levels, causing a decrease in your sexual desire. Your arteries can also narrow in times of stress, restricting blood flow and potentially causing erectile dysfunction.
Medications
Certain medications interfere with testosterone levels, which in turn causes low libido. For example, hypertension medications, like beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, may hinder erections and ejaculation. Other medications associated with reduced testosterone levels include chemotherapy, radiation treatments, corticosteroids, hormones used to treat prostate cancer, opioid pain relievers, certain antidepressants, and anabolic steroids. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any of these medications and are experiencing low libido.
If you are experiencing low libido, help is available. Contact The Riegel Center to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider.
