Sex drive (libido) is the desire to engage in sexual activity, fantasies, and pleasures.
A decreased sex drive has several causes and solutions.
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Common Causes
There are several causes of alow sex drive.
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A combination of them or just one may be causing the problem.
If you want to understand how to increase your sex drive, understanding why it is low may help.
A person can be satisfied with a libido that may seem higher or lower than that of others.
Instead, look more holistically at how your life and sex drive are related.
Here are some life challenges and changes that may impact your libido.
Terminology
Verywell Health uses inclusive terminology for sex or gender.
When citing research or health authorities, the terms for sex or gender from the source are used.
People may identify with a different gender or genders than those assigned at birth.
Age: Hormonal Changes and Lifestyle
Sexual desireebbs and flows with agein all individuals and genders.
People with ovaries experience several hormonal changes during their lifetime, such asmenstruation, pregnancy, andmenopause.
Many females report an increase in sexual activity during their 30s.
But it’s not all about how old you are.
A healthy lifestyle, mindset, and diet at any age can lead to a healthy libido.
Life Changes
Consider your recent life changes, big or small.
Start a job or lose a job?
Are you grieving a loss?
Are you a new parent?
These life changes affect yourstress levelsand can impact your natural libido.
The physical and psychological stress of medical issues can affect your body and relationship.
Give yourself time to heal and rest.
Pain medications, likeopioids, can decrease sexual desire.
Other common medications, like hormonal birth control, can lead to lower libido.
Mental Health
Clinical depression and anxiety have been linked to a loss of sexual desire.
One study found that 62.5% of mild to moderately depressed males saw increased sexual dysfunction.
Another study found that women think mental health is more important for their sexual desire than physical health.
Poor mental health can impact body image and confidence in the bedroom.
It can cause sexual dysfunction or pain based on past trauma.
Physiologically,depressionand anxiety impact hormones, which play a significant role in a healthy sex drive.
Quality of Relationship
Thefrequency of sexdoes not define your relationship.
Some couples are evensex-freeand enjoy life together just the same.
But if your sex life is a point of tension, look deeper into the relationship.
It is characterized by an absence or decrease in sexual arousal or interest, along with several additional symptoms.
There are several causes of the condition, and treatments are available.
Treatments range frompsychological counselingto various prescription medication options.
Considerations for Males
Males experience stress and hormone fluctuations too.
Summary
Everyone experiences highs and lows in their sex drive for several reasons.
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