What Causes Low Sex Drive in Men?

Low sexual interest, or low libido, is a fairly common concern with many men, regardless of age. The reasons behind this should be of concern to the treatment and management plan. Discover what causes low sex drive in men, from hormonal imbalances to lifestyle factors, and explore effective solutions to boost libido naturally.

Sexual interests are motivated by different factors that include one’s physiology, psyche, or society. Thanks to ebb and tide of sexual desire, the level of libido can fall as a result of changes in any of the aspects stated above. It would be essential to mention here that while changes in sexual interest are normal, if the changes persist for time, there could be some problems that require intervention and management.

Prevalence of Low Libido in Men

It has been documented that some men are less likely to want to engage in sexual activities. For example, a recent study that involved more than 12,000 French middle-aged men aged 45 years indicated that approximately one in twenty men had low sexual desire.

According to a systematic review published in March 2012, men in the world have a low sexual desire between 3% to 28% which correlates with several parameters including age and their health.

What Causes Low Sex Drive in Men

Hormonal Imbalances

• Since testosterone is an integral part of a man’s desire to engage in sexual activities, emaciation of testosterone levels is going to affect sexual aggressiveness. Of course, aging, diseases as well as any negative lifestyle habits contribute to this phenomenon.

Psychological Factors

• Both chronic cases of stress and anxiety tend to have an adverse effect on the desire to have sex as they alter various hormones as well as cause the brain to think more about other things rather than sexual activities.
• Depression has a considerable correlation with reduced sexual appetite. Every person dealing with depression suffers from self-deprecating feelings or fatigue making sexual appeal less likely to be noticeable.

Medical Conditions

• Kidney-related ailments, heart complications, and diabetes are diabetes that leads to impaired blood and nerve circulation which are a cause of lowered sexual desire (erectile dysfunction).
• There is a strong correlation between increased body mass index and decreased libido and sexual energy which is caused by hormonal imbalance that over weight also cause.

Medications Conditions

• There are a number of medications available such as Babtril, Plegridy, Modafinil or Brystol major antidepressants that have a secondary side effect of lowering one’s libido levels. One should, however, inform themselves about potential sexual side effects of the drugs with their healthcare advisor.

Lifestyle Factors

• Alcohol and drug abuse on the contrary tend to slow down body metabolism increasing a person’s sexual appetite.
• People that do not engage much in physical activities are at the risk of an impaired cardiac muscle and vascular system, which are important for sexual performance, stimulation and activity. Regular workouts Life style changes such as exercising on a daily basis can considerably enhance one’s libido, mood and energy levels.

Relationship issues

• When a person feels that they are emotionally secure with one another the chances of sex or the urge both significantly increase. A lack of communication and dissatisfaction in a relationship due to unforeseen circumstances or arguments do diminish the sexual appeal.

Aging

• It is expected of men to have lower libido and sexual interest as they get older however, for some men even in their elderly years, sexual interest remains intact. Although Natural Aging does come with many health issues along with the alternating hormone levels which lowers a man’s desire/ libido.

Statistical Insights

Higher percentages of older men reported low sexual desire in a published study in the Journal of the American Medical Association where it was found out that around 5% of men are affected with low sexual drive.

Studies have shown that, the number of 45 year old men affected by low sexual desire is high with 5% claiming it to be their reason for sexual disfunction. Low sexual desire amongst men in this age bracket is further fueled by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Addressing Low Sex Drive

Medical Evaluation

• To establish the cause behind low libido, the average man is encouraged to consider seeking assistance from a medical expert so that any potential medical concerns or hormonal disturbances are evaluated and treated. Hormonal changes, for instance testosterone level, can be measured with blood tests, while ongoing illnesses can be evaluated via overall health assessments.

Psychological Support

• In addition to stress management, other psychological problems that may be related to sexual dysfunction such as anxiety and depression can also be treated through therapy or counseling. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is yet another successful method that can be used for women who become sexually dysfunctional for psychological reasons.

Lifestyle Modifications

Regular Exercise : One’s mood, energy level, and cardiovascular health can improve as a result of exercising, simmering the blood which in turn can elevate ones’ sexual urge.

Balanced Diet : Aiming to consume nutritious food goes hand in hand with boosting libido. Particular food e.g. zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are said to improve sexual health.

Limit Alcohol and Avoid Substance Abuse: It is advisable to limit alcohol consummation and avoidance of illicit drugs to avoid their adverse effects on sexual drive.

Open Communication

• The input of the partner when having sexual difficulties assists in relieving anxieties, increasing closeness, and creating good surroundings to deal with issues pertaining to hypolibido.

Review Medications

• If medications are suspected to affect sexual desire, consulting with a healthcare provider about possible alternatives or adjustments can be beneficial.

Final Words

Men’s low libido can be considered as a complex issue stemming from various hormones, psychology, medicine and even lifestyle. Knowing what these causes are would help in first understanding how best to address the issue. Making medical appointments, changing the way one lives and how one engages with their partners may help men with low sexual drive, enhancing the general quality of life.