Key Takeaways
Low libido is more common than you think and can be caused by multiple factors, including hormones, medications, mental health, and lifestyle choices.
Testosterone replacement therapy can be a solution for men with low testosterone.
Psychological factors affecting libido, such as stress and depression, can have a major impact.
Relationship counseling for low sex drive can help couples dealing with mismatched libidos.
Lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and better sleep, can naturally improve libido.
Been feeling a little low lately? For men, low libido is much more common than you might think. As many as one in five men experience low sexual desire, so it’s important to know that you’re not alone. If you just read that and breathed a deep sigh of relief, please keep reading—because there’s more where that came from.
Low libido is common, but it can be complicated. Society feeds the narrative that men want one thing and one thing only: SEX! So when men aren’t in the mood, it can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, sadness, and self-loathing. Because of those feelings, many men don’t talk about their libido with their healthcare providers or partners.
A man might have no problem discussing other sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction, but he might shudder at the thought of bringing up his levels of desire to his doctor. However, working with your physician to figure out what’s causing your lack of interest in sex is the first step to getting your sex drive back up to healthy levels. The good news? Once diagnosed, there are treatments for low libido in men that can help.
What is Low Libido?
Even the most virile young bucks among us may not feel up to doing the deed from time to time, and that’s totally normal. It’s also normal to have a sex drive that’s higher or lower than your partner’s or to experience a lessening of sexual desire the longer you’ve been together. And let’s not forget: it’s normal for aging and sex drive to go hand in hand (or, rather, for drive to take a little dip over time).
What’s not normal is if your low sex drive has lasted for six months or longer and is causing personal distress or problems in your relationship. This is the criteria that doctors use for diagnosing a clinical dysfunction. In order to get a correct diagnosis, it’s important for your doctor to know if you’ve experienced this problem your whole life or if your loss of sexual desire has had an abrupt onset.
You might find yourself surprised at how many seemingly unrelated factors affect your desire (or lack thereof) to have sex. When it comes to libido, there can be situational, emotional, physical, and psychological factors at play. Everything from the medications you take to your religious upbringing can impact your sex drive.
So, what’s causing your low libido? Let’s dive in.
The Causes of Low Libido in Men
1. Low T (Testosterone, That Is)
Let’s start with one of the more well-known causes of low libido in men: low testosterone. As men age, they experience decreased testosterone levels. Testosterone in men increases significantly during puberty but can start to dip as early as age 30. Normal testosterone levels can vary, but according to the American Urological Association (AUA), low testosterone, or “Low T,” occurs when levels of the hormone fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
As testosterone decreases, so does sexual desire. A simple blood test can show whether your testosterone levels are within a normal range. If they’re low, testosterone replacement therapy may help. This can be administered orally, intranasally, through injections, patches, or even as slow-release pellets implanted under the skin.
Hormonal imbalance in men doesn’t stop at testosterone. Elevated prolactin and estradiol levels or hypothyroidism can also affect sexual desire. Your doctor can determine if these hormone levels are out of whack and help you find a solution.
2. Overall Health and Wellness
Low libido doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Many health issues can affect your sexual desire. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and even obesity can impact libido. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are also known culprits.
Speaking of mental health, stress and sexual desire are more connected than you might think. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can lower testosterone and, in turn, your sex drive. And let’s not forget depression and libido—it’s common for men experiencing depression to report lower sexual desire, making it a double whammy.
Luckily, lifestyle changes to improve libido can make a significant difference. Simple steps like getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and reducing stress can improve your overall health—and your sex life.
3. Medications
Some medications causing low libido include antidepressants (especially SSRIs), blood pressure medications, opioids, and even certain allergy medications. If you’ve noticed a drop in your sex drive after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor. There may be alternative options that won’t put your libido on ice.
4. Relationship Issues
It’s common for couples to have mismatched sexual desire. However, unresolved conflicts, lack of communication, or feeling disconnected from your partner can contribute to low libido. If relationship struggles are affecting your sex life, relationship counseling for low sex drive could help. A sex therapist or couples counselor can give you the tools to improve communication and intimacy.
5. Diet, Exercise, and Sleep
Exercise and libido go hand in hand—physical activity boosts blood flow, increases energy levels, and can even improve body confidence. Diet and sexual health are also linked, as certain foods (like those rich in zinc and omega-3s) can support healthy testosterone levels. And don’t underestimate sleep and testosterone levels: poor sleep can lower testosterone, leading to decreased desire.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Libido
Looking for a natural pick-me-up? Natural aphrodisiacs like maca root, ginseng, and even dark chocolate have been linked to increased sexual desire. Incorporating these into your diet could give your libido a little nudge in the right direction.
Conclusion
Low libido isn’t something you just have to live with. If you’re struggling, make that doctor’s appointment today—you’ll be glad you did. And if you’re looking for a little extra boost, Popstar Volume + Taste Supplement is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can aging affect my sex drive?
A: Yes, aging and sex drive are closely related. As men age, testosterone levels decline, which can lead to low libido.
Q: Are there medications that can help improve low libido?
A: Yes, depending on the cause, testosterone replacement therapy or other treatments may help. Talk to your doctor to find the best option for you.
Q: What natural aphrodisiacs actually work for low libido?
A: Maca root, ginseng, and dark chocolate have been linked to increased sexual desire.
Dr. Joshua Gonzalez
Dr. Joshua Gonzalez is a board-certified urologist who is fellowship-trained in Sexual Medicine and specializes in the management of male and female sexual dysfunctions. He completed his medical education at Columbia University and his urological residency at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Gonzalez has focused on advocating for sexual health and providing improved healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community.
Dr. Brian Steixner
Dr. Brian Steixner is a board-certified urologist and an expert in men’s sexual medicine. He completed his General Surgery and Urology training at The University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the busiest and most comprehensive programs in the nation. During his career, Brian has treated thousands of men with sexual health issues including male factor infertility.
