Date night comes. The moment arrives. And your partner is ready. However, you’re just not in the mood, and neither of you can’t quite figure out what’s changed.
What is it that leads to sexual dysfunction and low sex drive in men? Various possible causes can lead to decreased libido or low libido, such as medications, sleep problems, and low self-esteem. Thankfully, if you’re finding you have trouble getting aroused, we’re here to help.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover the reasons behind low libido in men, so you can figure out the next best steps to help get your sex life back on track. If you don’t know the answer to “What is libido?” we have you covered! Keep in mind, when it comes to sex and desire, life fluctuates (and so does libido). It’s completely normal to move through times of high sexual energy and times where you’re just not that interested. Often, the cause can be attributed to a simple lifestyle change, like getting more exercise. Other times, it might be more difficult to pinpoint, like the medicine you’re taking for high blood pressure.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes low sex drive in men, so you can figure out where your own unique emotional and physical characteristics come into play so you can discover how to increase sex drive in men.
Low Testosterone
Testosterone plays a large role in male health and is the hormone that fuels sex drive. One of the causes of low libido in men has to do with a drop in testosterone levels. Not only can low levels of this hormone lead to reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction, but they can also cause mood changes, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass. It’s natural for testosterone and hormone levels to decrease with age. Levels peak by early adulthood then drop around 1% per year, beginning around age 40. If you’re an older man who’s found your sexual desire waning, a low testosterone level might be the culprit to your sexual problem of reduced sex drive.
Medications
Certain medications can also lead to low testosterone and low sex drive in men. If you’re taking any medications or undergoing treatment, talk to your healthcare professional about options for combatting low testosterone.
Here are some of the medications that can lower your testosterone levels:
- Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
- Hormones used for treating prostate cancer
- Opioid pain relievers (like morphine) and oxycodone
- Ketoconazole, which is an antifungal medication
- Corticosteroids
- Cimetidine, which is used for heartburn and GERD
- Anabolic steroids often used to increase muscle mass
- Some antidepressants
Relationship Problems
When discussing what causes low sex drive in men, relationship problems can often be overlooked. Not only can low male libido cause relationship issues, but vice versa. Communication issues, power struggles, resentment, and lack of trust can decrease sex drive. Many couples use counseling or therapy—whether individually, together, or both—to address emotional and physical relationships. Once the connection is established or re-established, men may find their desire for sexual intimacy with their partner increases.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Excessive alcohol drinking has been linked to a decrease in testosterone over time, which can reduce your sex drive. Tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs like opiates have also been linked to decreased testosterone production. Although a drink before sexual intercourse can loosen you up and help to alleviate performance anxiety, if you’re suffering from low sex drive, you may want to think twice before you indulge.
Depression
Depression can cause a wide range of symptoms and can impact all aspects of your daily life (including sex). Individuals who are depressed tend to lose interest in activities that once gave them pleasure. Low sex drive in men can be caused by depression and associated feelings, but also by antidepressants. If you’re feeling persistent sadness, guilt, fatigue, and anxiety, along with your sexual dysfunction, it may be a good idea to seek professional help.
Stress
Stress wreaks havoc on your bodily systems and can be a primary reason for low libido in men. Chronic stress over a period of time can affect your testosterone production, which can lead to a decrease in sex drive. It can also cause erectile dysfunction and impotence. If you’re feeling stressed, there are a variety of stress management techniques you can practice. Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or walking. Cooking a good meal with your partner or connecting over a good conversation can also help to decrease stress. Once you’re able to combat the stress, you may find your sexual arousal increases.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a common condition that causes the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. It’s also been associated with erectile dysfunction and low sex drive in men. Studies have shown that men who suffer from RLS 15 times a month or more are twice as likely to have ED. The symptoms can appear simultaneously and can make it difficult to sleep or have sex. A good place to start is to incorporate a wholesome diet with the right nutrients into your lifestyle. Warm baths, a magnesium supplement, and leg stretches may also help.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to get and keep an erection for sexual intercourse. Studies show that about half of men over the age of 40 are affected by erectile dysfunction. ED can be caused by a variety of factors, such as diseases that affect blood flow, nerve disorders, stress, injury to the penis, chronic illness (like diabetes and high blood pressure), and unhealthy habits like lack of exercise, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, and overeating. Because ED can lead to feelings of shame or anxiety and impotence, it’s one of the common causes of low libido in men. There are, however, different ED products&andED devices that could help!
Aging
Decreased libido in men becomes more common with age. As men get older, a decrease in testosterone can lead to decreased sex drive. Health problems and mobility issues can also affect the desire for sexual activity. Side effects from certain drugs can also impact sex drive.
Sleep Issues
Sleep is a necessary component of good health—including sexual health. Not only can sleep issues lead to lethargy and fatigue, which can cause feelings of low libido, but they can also lead to sleep disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome are all related to ED or other urological disorders. As more research is done on exactly what causes low sex drive in men, sleep is becoming an increasingly studied topic. If you find your sexual fantasies and sexual interest aren’t what they used to be, consider your sleep schedule. Sleep is a critical component of what goes on in the bedroom and out of the bedroom. Start by creating a schedule you can adhere to. This will help your body regulate its rhythm of when it’s time to rest and when it’s time to wake up. It’s also a good idea to decrease your use of electronics before bed. Instead, take a warm bath and unwind with a book. Once you fine-tune your sleep habits, you may find your energy increases, and your sexual desire does, too.
Low Self-Esteem
Whether you’ve experienced weight gain, lost a job, or are feeling depressed or “in a funk,” — low self-esteem can negatively impact your sex life and lead to low libido in men. If you’re feeling signs of low self-esteem, acknowledge where you need to change. What is it that’s leading to feelings of doubt and negativity? From there, you can work toward taking care of yourself and surrounding yourself with people and sexual partners who make you feel worthy.
Sexual dysfunction is a common issue among both men and women. In fact, the NCBI reported that a survey in the United States showed that 30% of men suffered from some sort of sexual dysfunction.
Whether you’re experiencing low libido and a reduced sexual desire due to stress, exhaustion, or ED, know that you aren’t alone. Low sex drive in men is incredibly common, especially as you age. The good news is that innovative treatment options and lifestyle changes can kickstart your arousal and leave you feeling good from the inside out.
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Sources:
- Common Causes of Low Libido and No Sex Drive. Healthline. Accessed November 5, 2020.
- How to Have a Better Sex Life. OnHealth. Accessed November 5, 2020.
- Is Loss of Sex Drive Normal As Men Get Older? Mayo Clinic. Accessed November 5, 2020.
- The Facts About Testosterone and Sex. Harvard Health Publishing. Accessed November 5, 2020.
- Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Alcohol and Opioid Dependence. NCBI. Accessed November 5, 2020.
- Depression and Sexual Health. Healthline. Accessed November 5, 2020.
- The Link Between Restless Legs Syndrome and ED. Men’s T Clinic. Accessed November 5, 2020.
- Sleep, Sleep Disorders, and Sexual Dysfunction. NCBI. Accessed November 5, 2020.