Sign In
Join Now

Low Sex Drive in Men. Causes and What You Can Do

Men are often stereotyped for having high sex drives and thinking about ‘one thing’. We all know the image, but what about those men who do not relate to that sentiment? Are there men who have a difficult time getting aroused or being ‘in the mood’?

Low libido is a decrease in sex drive that can adversely affect sexual activity. While it may cause tension in a relationship or produce feelings of guilt or shame, it can often be treated if the underlying cause can be identified. However, low libido should not be confused with erectile dysfunction (although the two can happen in tandem). Communication and honesty with your physician are crucial to identifying possible causes.

When figuring out the causes of low libido, it is important to pay attention to sex life, as well as other aspects of health. It sometimes can be caused by one factor but is more often multiple. Some of the most common include low testosterone, side effects from medications, stress, and chronic illnesses. Treatment options exist and they are effective, but it all starts with identifying the problem.

Low Testosterone

The most important sex hormone in males is testosterone. It is responsible for traditionally male physical and emotional characteristics (facial hair, muscle, aggression, lower voice, and more). It is also the hormone that maintains sex drive and sperm production.

Testosterone levels are highest during the adolescent and early adult years, then decline 1-2% every year starting in a man’s 30s. If your levels are below a certain amount, you may have hypogonadism or low testosterone.

Low testosterone levels are defined as less than 300 nanograms of the hormone per deciliter of blood (according to the American Urology Association). While low testosterone is more common in older men, it can occur at any age. Young men may experience a drop in testosterone if they are diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes.

Low testosterone can affect your sex life in many ways. Some may experience a drop in libido while others lose interest in sex entirely. Some additional symptoms include:

  • Body and facial hair loss;
  • Fatigue;
  • Depression;
  • Loss of muscle tone.

Testosterone replacement therapy is the most common treatment method. While it is effective for most men, it has risks. Some of the most common are blood clots, prostate growth, acne, and worsening sleep apnea. In older men, heart problems are more common. If you think you are experiencing low testosterone, consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

Side Effects of Medications

Certain medications are known to lower testosterone levels. This can result in low libido. Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors) and beta-blockers could prevent erections and ejaculation. Other medications to look out for include:

  • Hormones (like those used to treat prostate cancer),
  • Chemotherapy or radiation,
  • Opioid pain relievers,
  • Corticosteroids,
  • Antifungal medications (ketoconazole),
  • Certain antidepressants,
  • Anabolic steroids,
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet) and other medications for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

If you are on one or more of these medications and are concerned about your testosterone levels, consult your doctor. Switching medications may help.

Chronic Illnesses

Chronic illnesses can take a toll on your sex life for several reasons. Pain and fatigue can be very difficult to manage. This is especially true for the following conditions:

  • Kidney failure,
  • Heart disease,
  • Arthritis,
  • Cancer,
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome,
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Diabetes.

There is rarely an easy line between cause and treatment when it comes to chronic illness and loss of sexual function. Chronic illnesses are associated with an increased risk of depression, and they also directly interfere with hormonal, vascular, and neurological functions central to the male sex drive.

The medications used to treat these chronic conditions may directly impair the male libido. So, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the low sex drive and find a solution. For some, multiple specialists may need to be consulted.

Stress

If you are in situations where you experience high stress, your sex drive may suffer. Stress disrupts your hormone levels and causes your arteries to narrow. The narrowing restricts blood flow and can result in ED.

Several studies have been conducted on stress and sexual problems in men and women. Stress is impossible to avoid. Financial worries, new babies, busy work environments, death, and divorce are just a few examples of life events that can really impact our sexual desire. The best way to conquer this? Stress management.

Check out these articles from our blog on how to better manage stress and find some peace:

Other Factors to Pay Attention to

There are many lifestyle factors that contribute to low libido in men. These are more common and tend to be remedied by changing or stopping the behavior.

  • Alcohol or drug use. This causes reduced testosterone levels.
  • Obesity. Extra weight will affect your metabolism and hormone function.
  • Too much or too little exercise. Frequent high-intensity exercise can lead to a lower libido. Too little exercise is also known to decrease your libido.
  • Smoking. This directly affects your risk of developing ED and level of sexual arousal.

Even though there are links to these behaviors and low libido, you cannot often attribute it to one lifestyle factor. Contact your doctor to explore all possible causes.

A Word From Mental Treat

Low libido can be caused by a variety of factors. If it is affecting your relationship, do not blame yourself or your partner. Have an open conversation with them about how you are feeling.

Talk to your doctor about your concerns. There are many lifestyle changes you can make to put yourself in the mood more often. These solutions may be as simple as switching a medication or stopping it altogether.

Remind yourself that the loss of sexual desire is not the loss of desire for intimacy. Make an effort to connect emotionally and physically with your partner during this time. By doing this, you create a stronger connection and may see improvements in other aspects of your relationship.

If you are interested in learning more about sex and relationships, we have more on our blog! Low sex drive in women, sex therapist 101, and how to find a sex therapist are all great places to start. Check out our blog for more.

Looking for a therapist to talk to? Our platform has licensed specialists ready to talk. Apply our intelligent filters to find the right match for you. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it is to cope with the situation. Simply click here to get started.

Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Pinterest
WhatsApp
Email

Read more interesting stories

Uncategorized
Sean McCormick

Make ADHD Your Superpower

This article aims to teach you how to utilize a practical framework to advocate for the support you need from coaches and other support providers; 

January 30, 2022