Loss Of Libido In Men: 7 Hidden Reasons Why Men Don't Want Sex

What Is Low Libido (Low Sex Drive in Men)

Why do men lose interest in sex? Ever wondered why sometimes the spark in the bedroom seems to fizzle out for men?

Well, Low sex drive in men, commonly known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), is influenced by a variety of physical and psychological variables. Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone levels, certain drugs, or underlying health issues, such as diabetes or obesity, can all be physical causes. Stress, worry, melancholy, or relationship problems can all contribute to a loss of interest in sex.

Low libido, also known as low sex drive, is a common sexual health issue that can have a significant impact on one's overall well-being and relationships. It refers to a decrease in sexual desire and interest in sexual activity, which can leave individuals feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from their partners. Low libido can affect both men and women of any age, but it is more prevalent in older adults. 

Low libido can be one of the biggest roadblocks in your way of developing and sustaining a healthy romantic relationship.From inducing stress in your relationship to disturbing your communication, a poor sex drive or a reduced sex drive can inflict a lot of damage. This is why it’s crucial to focus on your libido health and work towards improving it.

Causes Of Low Libido In Men

Wondering about what causes a man to not be sexually active? Well, There can be a number of reasons for men losing libido (low libido in men). Let’s discuss some of the primary causes of decreased libido in men.

Low Testosterone (Low T)

Testosterone is one of the primary male hormones that drive various functions in both male and female bodies. However, in males, one of the primary functions of testosterone is to build muscles and mass and facilitate sperm count and health.

Additionally, the testosterone levels in your body also determine your sex drive. In that manner, low T in the male body can lead to a poor sex drive and is a main reasons for low libido in men. Testosterone therapy has been demonstrated in studies to boost libido and sex drive in men with low testosterone levels. [1]

What does it mean to have low T, and what defines a healthy standard? Generally, adults with testosterone levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter are considered to have low T, though normal levels can vary among individuals.

Depression

Depression is linked to a decrease in libido in men [2] and is one of the major causes of low libido in males, according to research that shows 33% to 45% of males suffering from depression have a decrease in sexual desire, with 29% to 33% experiencing erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, antidepressants, a frequent treatment for depression, may contribute to sexual dysfunction. Neurotransmitters in the brain, which are responsible for improving communication between brain cells and stimulating increased blood flow to the sex organs, may not operate properly in those who suffer from depression or mood disorders, resulting in nonexistent or low sexual desire.

Stress And Anxiety

Statistics pertaining to stress, anxiety, and decreased libido in men reveal interesting findings:

• A study found that 12.5% of men experiencing sexual dysfunction had concurrent depressive disorders, while 23.4% had anxiety disorders. [3]
• Approximately 37% of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) also reported being diagnosed with anxiety disorders.
• A correlation was observed between daily stressors, depression, and anxiety in a study exploring their impact on sexual function. [4]

Stress can be the root cause of various health concerns, loss of libido in men is one of them. Whether you are too nervous about getting intimate with your partner or are managing traumas or other mental health concerns from other experiences, the stress of different types can lead to the loss of libido in men. Also, at times, you may fail to identify depression or stress as the reasons for libido problems in men. To improve general arousal levels and sexual functioning, it is critical to treat stress and anxiety, If you are repeatedly facing low libido symptoms in bed, get a libido test done in consultation with your doctor.

Certain Medications

Various medications have the potential to impact libido negatively in men. Among these, specific classes of medications include:

• Antidepressants: Notably, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) within the antidepressant category have been linked to decreased libido in men by influencing serotonin levels. [5]
• Benzodiazepines: Medications used to address anxiety, panic disorders, and epilepsy, such as benzodiazepines, can contribute to a reduction in libido.
• Opioids: Opioid medications like Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet have been associated with lower testosterone levels, potentially affecting libido.
• Medications for High Blood Pressure: Certain medications prescribed for high blood pressure, including diuretics, may sometimes lead to a decrease in libido. [6]

It is crucial to emphasize that if there are concerns about medication-related low libido, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential. Discontinuing any medication without medical guidance is not advisable. A healthcare provider can explore alternative medications or treatments that may address the issue while ensuring overall health and well-being.

Diabetes

Diabetes can play a role in causing low libido in men, and this effect is not limited to a specific gender, as poorly managed diabetes can impact both men and women [7]. The primary factor contributing to sexual problems in individuals with diabetes is chronic elevation of blood glucose levels, and the initial step to address this issue involves improving glucose control. Men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often exhibit lower serum testosterone levels compared to healthy individuals, leading to a decrease in sex drive and an increased likelihood of experiencing erectile dysfunction [8]. Complications such as erectile dysfunction, reduced sexual desire, orgasmic disorder, and retrograde ejaculation are variably observed in men with diabetes [9]. Additionally, diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage associated with diabetes, can further contribute to sexual issues, including erectile dysfunction.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Low libido or Decreased Libido in men has been linked to alcohol and drug abuse. Notably, alcohol misuse has a significant role in sexual dysfunction, with 72% of men suffering from alcoholism reporting one or more sexual dysfunctions, including premature ejaculation, diminished sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction. The amount of alcohol drank appears as a critical element, being recognized as the most significant predictor of the development of sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, certain substances, such as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol, are strongly linked to an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. [10]

Disturbed Sleep Cycle

The number of health concerns that arise from the lack of proper sleep could surprise you. From loss of metabolism to loss of libido and decline in visionary strength, all of this can happen due to lack of sleep. Various studies have concluded that one-third of the men dealing with severe sleep apnea and similar concerns had low testosterone levels. 

So, if you, too, have an irregular sleep cycle and have been facing problems in your sex life, this may be the right time to switch to a healthy sleep cycle.

Lack of Nutrition

Every biological event in the human body is administered by the food that the body consumes. For maintaining a healthy body, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet rich in vital nutrients and vitamins such as Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 etc.

Consider booking a comprehensive vitamin test package that includes tests for these specific vitamin deficiencies. These tests provide valuable insights into your nutrient levels and help identify any deficiencies that may be contributing to loss of libido in men

A vitamin D deficiency test measures the levels of vitamin D in your blood. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in hormone production, including testosterone, and low levels of vitamin D have been associated with decreased libido in men

A zinc blood test measures the levels of zinc in your blood, Zinc is essential for testosterone production and plays a key role in maintaining a healthy sex drive.

A vitamin B12 test measures the levels of vitamin B12 in your blood. Vitamin B12 is important for nerve function, including the nerves involved in sexual arousal and response. Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue and decreased libido in men

While the lack of nutrition or most common vitamin deficiencies may not show severe health issues at young age, as you grow old, the results will become more prominent, directly impacting various health aspects, including hair, skin, libido, etc.

Relationship issues

Relationship issues are frequently identified as a primary cause of low libido in men. Relationship problems such as communication issues, lack of intimacy, and unresolved conflicts can affect sexual desire. Unresolved conflicts in a relationship can also affect a man's sexual desire. When there are unresolved issues between partners, it can create stress and tension, which can decrease libido. Couples therapy or relationship counseling may be beneficial in resolving these issues and improving sexual desire. This could be a great psychological treatment for low libido in males.

Signs Of Low Libido In Males

Symptoms of low libido in males can vary from individual to individual, but common indicators may include:

• Decreased Interest in Sex: A noticeable decline in sexual desire or interest in engaging in sexual activities.
• Reduced Sexual Thoughts or Fantasies: Fewer spontaneous sexual thoughts or reduced frequency of sexual fantasies.
• Difficulty Achieving or Maintaining Erections: Problems with achieving or sustaining firm erections necessary for sexual intercourse.
• Lack of Initiation: Decreased initiation of sexual activities or reluctance to engage in sexual encounters.
• Reduced Sensitivity to Sexual Stimuli: Decreased arousal or diminished response to sexual stimuli, such as touch, visual cues, or erotic materials.
• Absence of Morning Erections: A noticeable decrease or absence of morning erections, which are considered a normal physiological response in men.
• Emotional and Psychological Factors: Feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, or a decline in overall emotional well-being that may impact sexual desire.
• Relationship Issues: Strained or unsatisfying relationships, conflicts, or unresolved issues with a partner that can affect sexual desire.

Treatment for low libido in males 

• Address underlying medical conditions: Treating medical conditions like hormonal imbalances, diabetes, or thyroid disorders can improve sexual desire.

• Thyroid Profile Test assesses thyroid hormone levels to determine if thyroid imbalances are contributing to low libido.
• Fasting Blood Sugar Test assesses blood sugar levels to identify any diabetes or high blood sugar-related issues impacting libido.
• Hormone Imbalance Panel evaluates hormone levels, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, to assess any imbalances impacting sexual health.
• PSA Test evaluates prostate health by measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
• Medication management: Adjusting or changing medications that contribute to low libido as a side effect may be necessary.
• Counseling or therapy: Individual or couples therapy can address psychological factors, and relationship issues, and improve self-esteem.
• Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, stress reduction techniques, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet, can positively impact libido.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended for individuals with hormonal imbalances affecting sexual desire.
• Sex therapy: Specialized therapy can provide guidance on sexual techniques, intimacy, and communication to reignite desire.
• Relationship interventions: Couples therapy or counseling can address relationship issues, improve emotional connection, and enhance sexual satisfaction

A Note From HealthcareOnTime

Loss of libido is one of the common men’s problems that people shy away from discussing. The reason is also understandable; however, when not attended to correctly, it may worsen. Don't let low libido hold you back from enjoying a healthy and fulfilling sex life. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to overcome low libido and improve your overall sexual health and well-being. So, take control of your sexual health today and talk to your healthcare provider about your options.

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