Low Libido

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What is low libido and is it worth worrying about?

Low libido is when a person's sexual desire decreases or disappears. This condition can be temporary or last for an extended time — it all depends on what's causing it. It's not considered a diagnosis on its own, but rather a sign that something has shifted, whether in the body, mental state, or hormonal balance.

Physical fatigue, stress, relationship problems, medications, hormonal disruptions - all this can affect the libido. But it is important to remember: everyone has a different level of desire, and if a person themself does not feel discomfort from the fact that they “do not want”, and the partner is also OK with it - it is not a problem.

It is worth raising the alarm only when the decrease in libido begins to interfere with the quality of life or relationships. And to understand what is behind it, you can already with a doctor, sexologist or psychotherapist.

Low libido in women: what can affect it

Decreased sex drive in women is a fairly common thing, and there can be many reasons for this condition. It's not always something “wrong” with the body or psyche - sometimes it's just a reaction to what's going on in life or in the body.

Hormonal changes during menopause

When perimenopause and menopause begin, estrogen levels in the body drop. This can affect not only mood or well-being, but also libido - it simply “goes out”, and this is absolutely normal in such conditions.

Physical discomfort during sex

Sometimes the desire disappears, because sex itself ceases to be pleasant. Pain during penetration, vaginal dryness, difficulty with orgasm or muscle tension (such as in vaginismus) can make intimacy uncomfortable. As a result, the brain begins to perceive sex as stress rather than pleasure, and desire gradually decreases.

Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

All of these periods are a hormonal roller coaster. The body is recovering, the background is fatigue, stress, lack of sleep, pain, and it is absolutely logical that attraction takes a back seat.

Infections that almost everyone has to deal with.

Mildew, cystitis, inflammation - these are all temporary but unpleasant conditions that can affect the desire to have sex.

Gynecological and hormonal diseases

Endometriosis, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - all these conditions can not only cause physical discomfort, but also throw off the hormonal balance, which also affects libido.

Contraception and libido

Some types of hormonal contraceptives can reduce libido. This applies to both combined means (pills, patches, rings) and progestin-containing ones - for example, minipills or implants. For some people it goes without any changes, while for others the attraction may decrease noticeably. If you notice this, it makes sense to talk to your doctor about alternatives.

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Why might some men experience lower sexual desire?

Decreased sex drive in men is not a rare thing, and there are understandable reasons for it. It can be both a temporary history, related to fatigue or stress, and the result of specific medical conditions.

Testosterone problems

One of the most common causes is low testosterone levels. This hormone directly affects a man's libido, energy, and overall health. When it is lacking (a condition called hypogonadism), desire can decrease. This can happen at any age, but is especially common as men age and testosterone levels begin to naturally decline.

Sexual difficulties

Sexual dysfunctions of all kinds, such as erection difficulties, premature ejaculation or, conversely, delayed orgasm, can take a heavy toll on self-esteem. And if a man starts to worry about “whether it will work”, the desire may gradually fade - the brain simply associates sex with tension rather than pleasure.

Why libido decreases: the main causes in men and women

Sexual desire naturally varies over time, and that’s completely normal. Sometimes it is a temporary phenomenon, sometimes it is a signal that there are changes in the body or psyche. These are some of the most common reasons that may impact sexual desire.

Physiological causes

Hormonal influences:

Sexual desire is strongly influenced by hormones — primarily testosterone in men and estrogen in women. When levels of these hormones drop - for example, in women during menopause or in men as they age - desire can decline markedly.

Chronic diseases:

Diabetes mellitus, heart problems, being overweight and other conditions can reduce libido simply because the body is busy with other tasks. Constant discomfort, fatigue, and taking medications all affect your overall health and desire.

Medications:

Certain medications — particularly antidepressants, hormonal treatments, and drugs for high blood pressure — may lower libido as a common side effect.

Fatigue and lack of sleep:

When the body is constantly working to exhaustion, there is no time for sexual feats. Chronic fatigue and insomnia deplete the nervous system, lower energy levels and generally turn off “desire”.

Psychological causes

Stress and anxiety:

Problems at work, family, financial issues all take their toll on the overall background. In this sense, elevated cortisol levels, known as the stress hormone, can interfere with sexual function and decrease desire for intimacy.

Depression:

A decline in sexual interest is a common sign of depression and emotional exhaustion. Even if everything is fine physically, the psyche may simply be “dampening” the desire.

Relationship problems:

If there is no emotional intimacy between partners, a lot of conflict or dissatisfaction - libido may well suffer. Attraction is directly related to emotional comfort, especially in long-term relationships.

Hormonal changes

Age-related shifts:

Over the years, testosterone and estrogen levels drop - it's a natural process. For some this goes almost unnoticed, for others it causes a decrease in desire, especially if fatigue or health problems are added.

Pregnancy and recovery after childbirth:

Women undergo hormonal restructuring during this period, often accompanied by fatigue, stress and physical changes. All this quite logically affects sexual desire.

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Why sexual health is important

Sexual desire is an individual thing: for some it is bright and constant, for others it appears in waves or is almost absent, that's normal. But if your libido suddenly drops and you feel that it affects your mood, self-esteem or relationships - it is worth listening to it.

Low libido can really affect intimacy with your partner, cause misunderstandings or inner anxiety. In such a case, it is better not to save up questions inside, and discuss it - and with a partner, and if necessary with a specialist. A sexologist or a doctor can help you understand what the cause is and suggest what can be done.

How relationships can affect libido

Emotional distance

When intimacy is lost between partners - there are offenses, mistrust, irritation - it very often affects the sexual desire. It is difficult to want intimacy if tension has built up inside.

Pressure and expectations

Sometimes the attraction is influenced not so much by reality as by imposed “norms” - how often “should” be, who should take the initiative, how everything should happen. These expectations can cause stress or feelings of guilt, especially if one partner feels like they're “not conforming.”

Silence is the enemy of desire

When partners don't discuss their desires, fantasies, or even just discomfort, it starts to affect intimacy sooner or later. Without honest communication, it is difficult to be on the same wavelength - and libido simply “goes into the shadows”.

How low libido is treated nowadays: modern approaches and real solutions

Decreased sexual desire is not a reason to put up with it and think that “it will go away by itself”. Today there are many ways to gently and effectively affect libido, and everything depends on the cause. Below - options that really work and are selected individually.

Hormonal support

In men

If low testosterone is the issue, a doctor might recommend hormone replacement therapy. This helps restore hormone levels, improve overall health, and restore interest in sex.

In women

During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which affects both libido and comfort during intimacy. In such cases, estrogen therapy can help - it reduces unpleasant symptoms and makes intimate life easier and more pleasurable.

Medications

For men

If the cause is erection problems, drugs like Viagra or Sialis often help. They improve the physical response and, as a result, raise an interest in sex.

For women

There are drugs designed to increase female libido, such as flibanserin. Admittedly, their effectiveness is different for everyone, and it's important to discuss possible side effects with your doctor.

Psychotherapy and working with emotions

Sexual therapy

A sexologist can help to understand the causes of decreased attraction, relieve inner clamps, fears and connect with your partner. This works especially well if it's not about the body, but the head.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

If anxiety, self-esteem, or negative attitudes are the cause, CPT helps to change thinking and behavior related to sexuality and relationships.

Changes in daily life

Sometimes libido drops simply because the body is tired and the psyche is overwhelmed. What will help:

• Physical activity - improves circulation, energy levels and mood.
• Balanced nutrition - supports hormones and overall health.
• Stress management - yoga, meditation, breathing practices and just relaxing without guilt can work wonders.

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