Libido is a desire to indulge in sexual activity, including sexual intercourse and masturbation.
Low libido or low sex drive is a sexual dysfunction that refers to a decreased desire to indulge in sexual activities.
It is a very common sexual condition. Both men and women may experience decreased sex drive.
It is vital to look out for the symptoms of low libido. Decreased sexual desire is the most common symptom of low libido in men and women.
Let’s move with this article to understand more about the symptoms of low libido in men and women and how to treat them effectively.
Symptoms of low libido to look out for in men and women
There are several symptoms of low libido in men and women. It is essential to look out for the symptoms of low libido for an effective diagnosis and treatment.
There are various common symptoms of low libido in both men and women.
The main symptom of low libido is decreased sexual desires or low sex drive.
Other common symptoms of low libido are-
- Decreased interest in sexual activity, including masturbation
- Decreased frequency of sexual thoughts or fantasies
- Feeling stressed and unhappy due to low sexual desires
- Relationship issues and less sexual intimacy due to low libido
Apart from these common symptoms, there are various other symptoms that are unique to men and women.
Symptoms of low libido in men
Source: Nes_from_Getty_ImagesThe following are the symptoms of low libido in men,
- No interest in sex life
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Infertility due to low sperm count
Symptoms of low libido in women
The following are the symptoms of low libido in women,
- Difficulty getting aroused or feeling pleasure during sex
- Pain during sex
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Vaginal dryness
Factors that might lead to low libido
Several factors, such as an unhealthy lifestyle, might lead to low sex drive in men and women.
Age is a common cause of low libido in both men and women. Aging can cause losing interest in sexual activities, which might lead to low libido.
It is vital to diagnose these factors for effective treatment.
Let us look at the common factors that cause low libido in men and women.
Medications
Consuming antidepressants and high blood pressure medicines such as alpha-blockers and ace inhibitors might lead to low libido in men and women.
Medical conditions
Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, Depression, performance anxiety, and cancer might lead to low libido in men and women.
You may want to read the following article to overcome the anxiety: “How to Overcome Performance Anxiety ED: Causes and Treatment“.
Relation problems
Relationship problems may also affect sex drive. It is a common cause of a low sex drive in men and women. Trust issues, lack of communication, and fights can affect a relationship, leading to low libido.
Unhealthy lifestyle
An unhealthy lifestyle might affect your sex drive. Smoking and drinking daily may cause low libido in men and women.
Smoking and drinking affect Testosterone levels, a hormone essential for sexual function in men.
Besides these causes, hormonal changes due to Menopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding might cause a lower sex drive in females.
Erectile Dysfunction in men might also be a reason for low libido. A person with ED may experience performance anxiety which may affect their sex drive.
Can you treat low libido
Low libido is a treatable condition. The treatment of low libido depends on its causes.
The following treatments might help treat low sex drive by managing its causes.
Changing Medication and medical conditions
If the low libido is caused due to consuming certain medications, changing the dosage or replacing the medicine might help to increase the sex drive.
If you are experiencing low libido due to certain medical conditions, treating them might help to manage low libido.
Therapy
Source: mixetto_from_Getty_ImagesDepression, Anxiety, and relationship issues might also cause low libido. Therapy might help manage Depression and Anxiety and may also help increase sexual intimacy by improving the relationship.
Lifestyle Changes
An unhealthy lifestyle may also cause low libido.
Exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, and avoiding smoking and drinking may help to manage low libido in men and women.
Consuming medicines
Doctors may prescribe FDA-approved medicine such as Viagra to men if low libido is caused due to Erectile Dysfunction.
They may also prescribe Flibanserin and Bremelanotide to women. These medicines are approved by FDA to increase the libido in women.
It is vital to seek a medical professional to treat low libido effectively.
When to seek medical help
Low libido or low sex drive is a not severe sexual condition and does not require any immediate treatment.
It is completely normal to feel a lower sex drive occasionally, but if it happens frequently and is affecting your relationship and your mental health, it would be beneficial to visit healthcare personnel for effective treatment.
A doctor can help diagnose the underlying causes to manage and treat your libido.
Key Notes
Low libido is a sexual dysfunction that might lead to a low desire to indulge in sexual activity.
It is a common sexual condition and can affect both men and women.
Low sex drive and decreased sexual fantasies and thoughts are some common symptoms of low libido in men and women.
It can be caused due to consuming certain medicines and unhealthy lifestyles. Medical factors such as depression and stress may also lead to low libido.
However, it can be treated by managing its causes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, therapy, and taking medicines might help to manage low libido.
It is essential to visit a doctor if you are experiencing a low sex drive. They may prescribe an effective treatment option after diagnosing the cause of low libido.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can low libido be a sign of an underlying health problem?
Yes, low libido might be a sign of underlying health conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction and hormonal imbalances. Seek a medical expert if you are experiencing the symptoms of low libido.
Are there any differences in the symptoms of low libido between men and women?
Yes, some symptoms of low libido are different in men and women. Men may experience difficulties in achieving and maintaining erection. And women may experience vaginal dryness due to low libido. It is advised to consult a doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Can hormonal imbalances affect libido, and how to treat them?
Yes, hormonal imbalances can affect libido in both men and women. Low levels of Testosterone or Estrogen can contribute to decreased sexual desire. Hormonal imbalances can be treated through Testosterone therapy and Estrogen therapy.
Is low libido serious?
No, low libido is not a severe condition. In fact, it is pretty common that 1 in 5 men might experience low libido, and it is even more for women. However, it would be best to visit a doctor if low libido affects your relationship and mental health.
At what age does an individual start experiencing low libido?
The age at which an individual starts experiencing decreased sexual desire depends on several factors and varies in individuals. Women may experience low sexual desires in their late 40s and 50s. Men may begin to experience low sexual desire in their late 30s and 40s due to decreased Testosterone levels.
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
