What is low libido?
Low libido, also known as decreased sex drive or inhibited sexual desire, refers to a decrease in interest in sexual activity. It is a common condition that can affect both men and women. Some key points about low libido:
- It can be caused by a variety of physical and psychological factors including hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, stress, depression, relationship issues, and prior negative sexual experiences.
- Low libido should not be confused with erectile dysfunction or inability to orgasm. Those are separate sexual health issues.
- Frequency of sexual desire varies significantly between individuals. There is no "normal" amount of libido. It only becomes a problem if it causes distress.
- Low libido is treatable in many cases. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, counseling, hormone therapy, medications, use of medical devices, and treatment of underlying medical conditions.
What causes low libido?
There are many potential causes of decreased libido, including:
- Hormonal changes - Low testosterone in men, and low estrogen and high prolactin levels in women can dampen libido. Menopause in women also decreases estrogen.
- Medical conditions - Chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and heart disease can interfere with sexual function.
- Medications - Many prescription drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and other conditions can inhibit desire.
- Mental health issues - Stress, depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship problems can reduce interest in sex.
- Low self-esteem - Feeling insecure in your body or sexuality can diminish libido.
- History of trauma or abuse - Past negative sexual experiences can sometimes lead to low libido.
- Poor lifestyle habits - Lack of sleep, alcohol abuse, and little physical activity can all affect sexual drive.
If you've noticed a persistent decrease in your interest in sex, consult a doctor or hormonal specialist like the experts at Vitality Hormone Clinic. They can help determine the underlying cause and craft an integrated treatment plan tailored to your needs. Reclaiming your sex life is possible!
How is low libido treated?
Depending on the cause, low libido can often be effectively treated. Some treatment options include:
- Counseling or psychotherapy - Helps address any mental health or relationship issues contributing to low desire. Can provide coping strategies.
- Medications - Prescription medications like Viagra, hormone therapy, or bremelanotide can help increase sexual drive.
- Medical devices - Devices like the vacuum erectile device help treat physical causes of low libido.
- Testosterone therapy - Doctor-prescribed testosterone supplements can increase libido in men with low testosterone.
- Estrogen therapy - Supplements like estradiol can improve libido in postmenopausal women.
- Treating underlying conditions - Managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease through lifestyle changes and medications.
- Improving relationship - Couples counseling to address intimacy issues, rebuild trust, and improve communication.
- Lifestyle changes - Improving sleep quality, exercise, nutrition, lowering stress and moderating alcohol intake.
The first step is identifying the root cause of low libido through testing hormone levels, medical exams and assessment by a doctor. Once the underlying reason is found, an integrated treatment approach can be created. Have patience, it may take some time to find the ideal solutions to restore your sex drive. Consider contacting our hormonal health experts at Vitality Hormone Clinic to start your journey today.