10 Common Causes Of Low Libido And No Sex Drive In Men

Low libido is quite common in men.

However, not many men want to talk about it.

They hide behind the concept that male prowess in bed defines a man.

The truth is, many individuals are battling low sex drive due to various reasons including lack of sleep, stress, relationship problems, a disruption in hormone levels, and alcohol.

Libido levels can keep fluctuating in different times; this is perfectly normal.

Aging also causes a slight decline in your sexual desire.

Despite the slight changes, a sudden decline in libido can be a point of concern.

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Causes Of Low Libido In Men

Here are possible causes of low libido ¹.

Stress

Stressful events or high-pressure environments may zap your libido levels.

Stress stimulates the release of cortisol hormone, which not only lowers testosterone, but it also constricts blood vessels, which results in erectile dysfunction.

Low testosterone and erectile dysfunction lower your sexual desire.

Also, stress causes obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, which causes fatigue and lower T-levels.

A 2014 study ² showed that sleep disorders lower testosterone levels, hence decreasing libido.

Better still, another study ³ published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine involving veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder show a direct correlation between stress and sexual dysfunction.

Practice proper sleep hygiene and stress management methods such as yoga classes, deep breathing, getting social support, simple physical activities, and meditation.

Low testosterone

Testosterone is responsible for muscle development, libido, and strength; however as men age, their T levels decline.

When T-levels fall below 300 ng/Dl, men are considered to have male hypogonadism, which lowers sex drive.

Visit your doctor to ascertain if you have low T levels.

It can be treated through testosterone replacement therapy, eating testosterone boosting foods, and exercising regularly. Taking a libido booster for men can help too.

Underlying medical conditions

Chronic medical conditions affect sex drive due to the emotional and physical strain they impose on an individual.

Also, their treatment can decrease sex drive.

Some of these conditions include.

• Obesity.
• Cancer.
• Underactive thyroid.
• Diabetes.
• HIV.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Pituitary diseases.

Lifestyle factors

Your way of life could also zap sex drive.

Overindulgence in alcohol may decrease your testosterone levels, hence indirectly lower sex drive.

Also, alcohol may cause mental fatigue, which makes it hard to get aroused.

Smoking narrows blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the penile tissues.

This causes erectile dysfunction that affects your interest in sex.

Eating those junkies could result in overweight issues.

Experts say that obesity disrupts normal hormone levels resulting in low T-levels, which causes low libido.

Obesity also causes low self-esteem, which affects your desire to have sex.

Self-image is significant when it comes to libido.

Men are recommended to have two or fewer alcoholic drinks daily, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy weight to boost their libido.

Depression

Low libido and depression have a twisted relationship; it can be both the cause and outcome of low sex drive.

Studies show that individuals suffering from depression often display little to no interest in sex or their partners.

It can deplete one’s energy causing fatigue and poor self-esteem.

Besides, some medications used to treat depressive symptoms can cause low sex drive.

This is seen more as a side effect of the medication.

Some of these antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft and Prozac and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as cymbatia.

Howver,studies ⁴ show that norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NRDI)-wellbutrin does not affect libido.

Talk to a therapist if you have depression.

Also, if you are experiencing low libido from antidepressants, talk to your doctor.

Poor body image and self-esteem

Individuals who feel insecure about how they look have low confidence, which may lower their desire to have sex.

Those who feel less attractive may want to keep away from their partners and avoid sex altogether.

Additionally, poor self-esteem can result in anxiety and depression, which have been associated with erectile dysfunction and low sex drive.

Learn to appreciate yourself and find inner happiness.

You can also see a counselor for guidance.

Relationship issues

Lack of closeness and frequent arguments in the relationship may take a toll on your interest in sex.

Lack of intimacy and time for each other makes sex desire a thing of the past.

Spend more time together with your partner, massage each other, watch a late-night movie together and tease one another to ignite back the spark.

Visit a couple’s therapist if you have issues in your relationship.

Alternately, you can try communicating with your partner about how you feel and your sex drive.

Medications

Some medications throw your hormones off balance, often causing low testosterone.

A decline in T-levels results in a decrease in libido.

These medications have been seen to lower testosterone in men.

• Corticosteroids.
• Some antidepressants –SSRIs and SNRIs.
• High blood pressure medications-beta blockers and ACE inhibitors.
• Prostate cancer medication-cyproterone.
• Opioid- oxycodone and morphine.
• Antipsychotics- haloperidol.
• Seizure medications-topiramate.
• Chemotherapy and radiation.
• Enlarged prostrate medications-finasteride.

Visit a physician if your medications are causing low libido.

The doctor may give alternatives or reduce your daily dosage.

Exercise

Exercise has an intriguing effect on your libido.

Research shows that inactive men have low libido and poor stamina.

Moreover, excessive training may suppress testosterone production, thus lowering your libido.

It is recommended that men should train moderately to boost T levels and sex drive.

Strength training and moderate cardio exercises will get back your mood.

Sleep deprivation

Lack of quality sleep can cause low libido.

Experts show that lack of sleep increases cortisol levels, which have a detrimental effect on your sex drive.

Interestingly, research ⁵ found out that sleep has a close relation to erectile dysfunction.  Men with restless legs syndrome (RLS)- a common sleep disorder, had an increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction affects pour libido and overall sexual performance.

Yet, another study showed that men with RLS had a double risk of reduced libido compared to men without the condition.

Aim to have 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep daily to keep your libido in check. Use quality organic latex mattress.

Additionally, see a physician if you have sleep disorders.

Conclusion

Low libido is common among men.

As discussed above, various physical and psychological factors can negatively affect your libido.

If you have a sudden dip in your normal libido levels, see a physician and communicate with your partner about how you feel.

Often, low sex drive may cause low self-confidence and relationship problems.

The best solution is to communicate and lead a healthy lifestyle.

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