Low libido has a great effect on both men and women. Having your sex interest fluctuate due to hormonal changes, stress, and age once in a while can be normal. However, it gets alarming if the problem affects your overall well-being and leads to stress and anxiety in your relationship. Different factors can cause low libidos, such as a change in lifestyle or a medical condition. This article will outline the potential causes of low libido.
Major Causes of Low Libido in Both Males and Females
Low libido can affect both males and females due to various reasons. The common causes are:
Medications
Different medications can cause sexual dysfunction. Some of these drugs are:
- Antipsychotics that increase prolactin levels
- High blood pressure, medications
- Contraceptives hormonal
- Medications for an enlarged prostate, including finasteride and dutasteride
- Antidepressants that have serotonergic effects
Chronic Condition
One of the common causes of low libido for males and females is chronic diseases. Some of the chronic diseases include:
Heart Disease
During sex, the blood flow is increased. However, when you have a heart disease that leads to damaged blood vessels, it will decrease your blood circulation. When the blood flow is decreased, especially to the genitals, it will lead to decreased lubrication and arousal.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can affect blood circulation, leading to low libido.
Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to nerve and vascular damage. This has a great effect in reducing the blood flow to the genitalia in women. Additionally, it can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Women who have diabetes often experience uncomfortable and painful sex due to the formation of yeast and bladder infections.
Osteoarthritis
When you have osteoarthritis, you often experience stiffness and joint pains. This will make it uncomfortable and painful when participating in sexual activity.
Cancer
The major cause of low libido when you have cancer is the treatments which include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Emotional and Psychological Factors
Sex drives are often affected by emotional and psychological factors. If you are experiencing fatigue, depression, poor self-esteemed, and anxiety, your sexual desire can be suppressed. Additionally, low libido can be a result of prior sexual abuse. Additionally, many relationship problems can lead to low libidos, such as conflict and poor communication.
Low Libido in Men
Low libido in men can be generated by various problems, such as hormonal changes. Below are some of the specific causes of low libido in men.
Low Testosterone
The sexual drive-in men are caused by testosterone produced in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for various processes such as muscle mall, sperm production, and bone health. However, before proceeding to any treatment, you must take a testosterone test to confirm if you have low T-levels. One of the symptoms of low T-level is enlarged breasts and erectile dysfunction. Further, testicular trauma, use of steroids, and chronic illness can lead to low T-levels.
Low Libido in Women
Some of the major causes of low libido in women include
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman undergoes many hormonal changes that can affect their sexual drive. However, the sexual drive-in women differ from one person to another. Some women will have increased interest in sex, while others might have low libido.
Menopause
During menopause, the production of estrogen hormone is lowered, which can lead to sexual problems. Even though women produce low T-levels during menopause, the production drops more. This can often lead to low sexual desire. Additionally, low estrogen during menopause can lead to dryness and thing of the vagina, which can lead to painful intercourse. When the discomfort persists during intercourse can lead to low sexual drive.
Treatments
The treatment of low sexual drive will depend on the problem. It’s important to consult a doctor to help locate the source and help you in recommending better treatment. Suppose the cause is f medications, the doctor can recommend a change in medication. You can also try a change in lifestyle, such as eating a nutritious diet, alcohol intake, losing weight, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, you can consider talking to a therapist who can help you deal with trauma and anxiety. A therapist can also help improve your relationship with your partner. Try cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and mindfulness which is beneficial to women with sexual dysfunction. This is a great practice to help you focus more on engagement which will help boost your sexual interest.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy can be recommended to help in boosting the libido. Women can be recommended to try estrogen therapy, especially when low libido is due to menopause. For men, the doctor can recommend testosterone replacement therapy.
Wrapping Up:
The above are the major causes of low libido. Establishing the cause is important to effectively make the treatment and practices you choose. Always consult with a doctor when you have low testosterone.
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