LOW LIBIDO (MALE & FEMALE)

What is Low Libido Libido?

Low libido also referred to as low sexdrive, low libido describes a lack of interest in sexual activities. Both men and women have the potential to be affected at any age, and for a variety of reasons. It is normal for an individual to undergo changes over time. Differently, If the lack of interest is persistent, causes distress, or has negative social impacts, then it needs attention and intervention.

Symptoms of Low Sex Drive

  • Apathy towards sexual activity.
  • Reduced sexual fantasies or thoughts.
  • Difficulty in achieving excitement and arousal.
  • Intimacy or sexual contact avoidance.
  • Low desire may provoke emotional distress or relationship discord.

Low Libido: Common causes

Physical health, mental health challenges, hormonal issues, and lifestyle choices can all lead to a low libido. And the low libido causes in women and men tend to differ.

Physical Causes

In Men

  • Low testosterone levels.
  • Chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Medications like antidepressants or blood pressure medication with unwanted side effects.
  • Substance misuse.
  • Sleep-related disorders and fatigue.
  • Overweight and obesity.

In Women

  • Shifts in hormones such as menopause, postpartum, and perimenopause.
  • Anemia or imbalance of thyroid glands   
  • Vaginal pain or dryness of the vagina during coitus   
  • Some medications, including contraceptives 
  • Chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and other chronic diseases   
  • Both males and females may suffer from these emotional and psychological issues. 
  • Stress due to work, relationships, or changes in life. 
  • Anxiety or depression. 
  • Drop in self-worth or body image concerns 
  • Unresolved emotional conflicts in intimacy or partnership 
  • Fatigue associated with caregiving roles for children or aging parents 
  • Experiencing grief or going through changes in life roles  

Libido and Aging

Sexual desire naturally change with aging but does not necessarily decrease. Testosterone deficiency in older men may contribute to reduced sexual interest. During menopause and other hormonal shifts, some women may experience a drop in desire or even discomfort during intercourse. The following of proper care allows for many people to retain an active sexual life well into older age.

Strategies for not caring about low libido If:

  • Disinterest is persistent in sexual activity and it can be bothersome.  
  • Relationship is affected due to disinterest towards sex.  
  • There are some physical complaints like pain or erectile disorder.  
  • Change in libido and mood tends to go hand in hand with anxiety or low energy.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

  • A healthcare practitioner can do the following: 
  • Ask about the patient’s medical histories, including the sexual history.   
  • Check for hypothyroidism and other hormones by conducting blood tests.  
  • Review the patient’s medications and their lifestyle. 
  • Assess for possible emotional or mental health issues. 

Treatment options for low sexual drive

Medical Therapy

* Hormone therapy (testosterone for males; estrogen or other hormones for females)

* Treatment of other co-morbid conditions.

* Side effects from medications may be managed by changing the prescription.

* Utilization of prescription medication aimed at sexual desire disorders.

Lifestyle Changes and Self Help

* Balanced diet and physical activity.

* Reduction in stress and better sleep.

* Reduced alcohol intake and smoking cessation.

* Reconnect and relax with a significant other.

Therapeutic and counseling interventions

* Sex therapy and couples or individual counseling sessions.

* Stress, anxiety, and trauma can be managed with talk therapy.

* Facilitating emotional connectedness with communication skills.

Libido Boosting Tips: Easy Ways to Increase Libido

* Focus on emotional closeness first.

* Schedule regular date nights or allocate one-on-one time.

* Explore new methods of showing affection and engaging.

* Shift focus from pressure to ease and connection.

Conclusions

Decreased sexual interest can affect both men and women, but can be effectively treated. It is completely normal to have such responses, and does not indicate one is “wrong” in any meaningful way. With the right medical assistance, changes to one’s way of living, and transparent dialogues, most people can access a healthy level of libido.