Low Libido - Causes, Symptoms, and Simple Ways to Improve It

Introduction:

Libido describes the level of sexual desire and motivation of an individual. A person with decreased interest in sex is known to have lower libido. Low libido belongs to the medical category of sexual dysfunction. It also includes physical loss of sexual function but is not as exact as libido.

What Is a Low Sex Drive or Low Libido?

A decline in the number of instances and depth of previous sexual desire is known as low libido, also known as low sex drive. It might be short-term or long-term. The total desire for sexual activity, such as having sexual activity with a partner and masturbating, is known as libido. Libido is biologically regulated by neurotransmitters like oxytocin and dopamine, as well as sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Naturally, libido differs greatly between individuals. There is no ideal or inappropriate libido level.

What Are the Causes of Low Libido?

The most common cause of this condition is hormonal imbalance. Changes in the below-mentioned hormone levels can lead to decreased libido:

• Testosterone Deficiency: Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a significant role in the sex drive of both men and women.

• Levels of Estradiol: Estradiol is the main type of estrogen in women. It helps in maintaining the health and function of sexual organs in females. The level of this hormone decreases in women during menopause postmenopausal period. Thus, it can cause a loss of libido.

• Chronic Stress: Cortisol, the body's stress hormone, can get elevated during chronic stress. This can lead to an increase in inflammatory reactions, thus decreasing the libido. Increased cortisol levels can also cause disturbed sleep, which harms libido.

• Certain Health Conditions: Certain health conditions that can lead to decreased libido in men are erectile dysfunction, risk factors such as aging, high blood pressure, obesity, elevated cholesterol, cigarette smoking, thyroid conditions, diabetes, restless leg syndrome, prostate cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea, and heart disease. Female sexual dysfunction can also lead to decreased libido. It can be associated with conditions like uterine fibroids, obesity, endometriosis, high blood pressure, or menopause. Also, the intake of certain medications like hormonal birth control pills and women consuming medicines for mood disorders may experience low libido.

Is Low Libido Common?

Up to one in five men or those classified as male at birth (AMAB) and an even greater number of women or those classified as female at birth (AFAB) will at some time in their lives experience it. It is also typical to have multiple periods of decreased sexual desire throughout one's life.

What Are the Symptoms?

Although there are no definite criteria to describe the symptoms, as every couple has their way of physical connection, the following symptoms may indicate low libido:

• No or decreased interest in any type of sexual activity, including masturbation.

• Never or decreased sexual fantasies.

• Concerned about the lack of sexual activity or fantasies.

How Can It Be Diagnosed?

The physician will ask specific questions about the signs and symptoms. The physician will suspect lowered libido if individuals have decreased sexual desire or thoughts. Along with these questions, certain laboratory tests and physical examinations will help diagnose the condition and confirm the cause.

The following will be done:

• A pelvic examination.

• Certain laboratory testing. A physician may ask individuals to get some blood tests to analyze hormone levels and check for thyroid disorders, diabetes, high cholesterol, and liver disorders.

• Referral to a specialist. The physician will refer to a specialized counselor or sex therapist. These specialists will be able to evaluate the emotional and relationship factors causing low sex drive.

How Can It Be Treated?

Most people benefit from a treatment approach that aims to manage the condition's causes. They are sex education, counseling, medication, if required, and hormone therapy.

1. Sex Education and Counseling: Individuals should consult a sex therapist or counselor trained in addressing sexual concerns to get help with low sex drive. Therapy includes educating the patient about sexual response and techniques. The therapist or counselor will also recommend reading materials and performing exercises. Also, couples counseling may help. This counseling addresses the related issues and, thus, helps in increasing the feelings of intimacy and desire.

2. Medications: Initially, the doctor will ask individuals about the medicines they are taking, and if required, those medicines will be stopped or altered. Also, with counseling, the physician may prescribe some medication to boost libido, like Flibanserin and Bremelanotide. Consult the physician before taking this.

3. Hormone Therapy: The following are the hormone therapies that may be suggested:

• Estrogen is available in various forms, like pills, patches, sprays, and gels. Smaller doses of estrogen are also available in vaginal creams and a suppository or ring, which is slow-releasing.

• Testosterone is a male hormone that plays an essential role in sexual function.

How to Improve Low Libido?

Healthy lifestyle changes can help in improving the desire for sex. They are as follows:

• Exercise: Perform aerobic exercise regularly along with strength training. This can increase stamina, improve body image, lift mood, and, thus, boost libido.

• Decrease Stress: Individuals should find a better way to face or decrease stress.

• Communication With the Partner: Couples who learn to communicate openly and honestly usually succeed in maintaining a stronger emotional connection. This can help them experience better sex. Sex communication is also important. One should talk to the partner about likes and dislikes for better sexual intimacy.

• Make Time for Intimacy: This will help in improving sex.

• Addition of Spice to Sex Life: Try a different sexual position, a different time of day, or a different location for sex. One can ask the partner to focus more time on foreplay. Foreplay also improves intimacy. If both are open to experimentation, they can also take the help of sex toys and fantasy. This can help in enhancing sexual desire.

• Avoid Bad Habits: Habits such as smoking, illegal drugs, and consumption of excess alcohol can affect sex drive. Avoiding these bad habits can help in boosting the sex drive and improve overall health.

• Walking: Go for a long walk.

• Medical Conditions: Taking the best possible care of any current medical issues, such as diabetes or heart disease.

• Improving Knowledge: Gaining additional knowledge about sex and sexual response from reliable educational sources.

When to Consult a Doctor About Low Libido?

Speak with a medical professional or mental health specialist if the diminished libido is causing one to feel distressed personally or causing problems in the relationship. They may provide some helpful relationship advice and lifestyle adjustments. Medication may be provided if a more serious illness is the cause.

Conclusion:

Lowered libido can affect an individual both physically and emotionally. It is crucial to diagnose the cause and manage it to improve sexual life and overall health. Individuals can consult their physician or a specialist online through medical platforms to learn more about improving their libido.