Low libido (low sex drive) is a decrease in the frequency and/or intensity of sexual desire that you once had. It can be temporary or long-term. Libido is your overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity, which includes sex with a partner and masturbation. Libido is complex and is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors. Biologically, sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) and neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and oxytocin) regulate libido.
Libido naturally varies significantly from person to person. Your sex drive can also change throughout your life. There’s no right or wrong level of libido. Some people have sex or feel like having sex every day, while others may feel like having sex a few times a year or not at all. The “right” or “normal” libido for you depends on your preferences and life circumstances.
If you are worried or know anyone facing such problems, consult Dr.Veerendar or visit Dr.VRU Clinic in Hyderabad.
Symptoms:
The main symptom of low libido is a decrease in sexual desire compared to your regular interest in sex.
Other symptoms include:
- Having no interest or a decrease in interest in any type of sex, including masturbation.
- Having a decrease in sexual fantasies or thoughts of sex.
- Feeling unhappy or distressed about having a low desire for sexual activity.
Causes of Libido:
Psychological and social factors that can lead to a decrease in sex drive in anyone include:
- Relationship problems with your partner: Relationship issues, such as problems with communication, trust or intimacy, are among the most common causes of a decrease in sex drive. A couple’s desire for sex also tends to decrease over the course of their relationship.
- Stress and exhaustion: Stress, including stress from work, family or life in general, can reduce your sex drive by taking your mind off of sexual desire. Chronic stress can also interfere with your hormone levels, resulting in lower libido.
- Depression: Low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness and physical fatigue can lower your libido. Depression also causes an imbalance of the neurotransmitters that help regulate libido.
- Anxiety disorders: Anxiety can cause increased levels of the hormone cortisol (the “stress hormone”). High levels of cortisol can suppress the sex hormones that impact your sex drive.
- History of sexual trauma: Experiencing trauma such as sexual harassment, sexual abuse or rape can impact your sexual desire.
Treatment of ED:
Types of treatment for low libido include:
- Education and communication: Education about sex, sexual behaviors and sexual responses may help you overcome anxieties about sexual function. Open dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns also helps overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.
- Stress management: Stress management involves using techniques to improve how you respond to life stressors. These techniques can prevent or ease stress-induced symptoms, such as low libido. Stress management may involve journaling, exercise, meditation and other forms of self-care.
- Medication change: When a medication is the cause of low libido, your healthcare provider may recommend changing the medication.
- Hormone therapy for menopause: Hormone therapy (HT) boosts your hormone levels and relieves some of the symptoms of menopause, including low libido. The two main types of HT are estrogen therapy and estrogen-progesterone/progestin hormone therapy (EPT).
- Hormone therapy for low testosterone: Providers treat low testosterone (male hypogonadism) with testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy has several different forms, including pills, creams, injections and patches.
- Individual psychotherapy: Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Therapy with a mental health professional can help you address medical conditions, mental health conditions or situations that may be contributing to a decrease in libido.
- Couples therapy: In couples therapy, you and your partner work with a mental health professional to improve the overall quality of your relationship, work on resolving underlying problems and learn how to increase intimacy and physical affection. This can help with issues related to libido.
- Sex therapy: Sex therapists are qualified psychologists, doctors or healthcare professionals who have specialized training in helping people with problems relating to sex, including a loss of sexual desire.
For more information on Erectile Dysfunction consult Dr.Veerendar or Visit Dr.VRU clinic.