Low libido: Why does it happen and how to treat it?

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Anxiety, unhappy relationships, health problems and age can all affect sex drive. While low libido usually doesn't cause many serious problems, it can affect a person's relationships and self-esteem. In this article, we will explain why some people experience a decrease in libido and current treatments.

1. Why does low sex drive happen?

Causes of low libido in men and women include:

1.1. Chronic diseases

Certain chronic diseases and conditions can affect sexual function. These include the following:
Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves. These effects can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and reduced blood flow to the genitals in women. Women with diabetes also have higher rates of fungal and bacterial bladder infections, which can lead to pain or discomfort during sex. Osteoarthritis: People with joint pain and stiffness may find it more difficult to perform sexual activities. Heart disease: Heart disease can lead to damaged blood vessels and reduced blood flow in the arteries. This damage can reduce blood flow to the genitals, reducing arousal or lubrication. High blood pressure: High blood pressure can also affect blood circulation. Cancer: Cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can all affect sex drive. Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Research shows that untreated sleep apnea can cause symptoms of low libido.

1.2. Medicine

Some drugs can cause sexual dysfunction or impaired sexual function. These medications include:
Antidepressants, due to serotonergic effects Antipsychotics that increase prolactin levels Medicines for prostate enlargement such as finasteride and dutasteride Hormonal contraceptives Medications high blood pressure Drug use or drinking too much alcohol can lead to decreased libido.

1.3. Emotional and psychological factors

Many emotional and psychological factors can affect the level of sexual desire.
Mental health problems due to anxiety, depression, fatigue, low self-esteem or previous sexual abuse can impair one's interest in sexual activity.
Relationship problems, including lack of trust, arguments and poor communication, can also reduce libido.

2. Causes of decreased libido in women

Causes of decreased sex drive in women can include:

2.1. Menopause

Sexual problems associated with menopause are often the result of a drop in estrogen levels.
Menopause also causes a drop in testosterone, but in women this hormone is produced in small amounts. Low testosterone levels may contribute to low sex drive in women.
After menopause, low estrogen levels can cause the vaginal wall to thin and dry, which in turn makes women experience discomfort and pain during intercourse.
If a person feels discomfort or pain during sex, they often feel scared and less interested in sex.

2.2. Pregnant

Hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy can affect a woman's sex drive. How these changes affect the body varies from person to person. Some women may have more libido, but while others may have decreased libido.
Female hormones continue to fluctuate during the postpartum months, which can also affect sex drive during this time.

3. Causes of decreased libido in men

Causes of low libido in men can include:

3.1. Low testosterone levels

Testosterone is a sex hormone that men produce in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for a wide range of bodily processes and body characteristics, including facial and body hair, muscle mass, sex drive, sperm production, and bone health.
Decreased testosterone in men can produce other symptoms, such as enlarged breasts and erectile dysfunction.

3.2. Other causes

Testicular trauma, chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, anabolic steroid use, certain medications, and chronic diseases can cause low testosterone.

4. How to treat low sex drive?

Treatment for low libido will usually depend on the cause of the problem. For example, your doctor may recommend that you change a medication that causes a side effect of your sex drive, or treat any underlying medical conditions that are lowering your sex drive.
Sometimes, just making lifestyle changes can help you regain your sex drive. Eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, reducing or not drinking alcohol, and losing weight can increase your interest in sex and improve your overall health.
For some people, counseling or sex therapy can help. Therapy can help you cope with life traumas, improve your self-esteem, and strengthen your relationship with your partner.
Research has found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness can be beneficial for some women with sexual dysfunction, such as decreased sex drive. These therapies can help you focus on pleasure and reduce negative thoughts about sex.
For women, doctors may prescribe estrogen pills to treat low libido caused by menopause or other hormonal causes, although research has not proven this therapy to be effective for women. this symptom.
Systemic estrogen therapy is a medication that increases estrogen levels throughout the body. Topical estrogens come in different forms, such as creams or vaginal rings, that work topically to help with vaginal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness. However, this drug can have side effects, so it is best to consult your doctor carefully about the risks of taking hormone therapy.

If a man has low testosterone and causes bothersome symptoms, a doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy. This medication may be in the form of a patch or an injection.
Although a decrease in sex drive does not cause many serious problems, it can affect the quality of life as well as the happiness of the couple. Therefore, if you see symptoms of the disease, do not hesitate to go to the doctor to receive advice and improve the above situation.
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Reference sources: webmd.com, .medicalnewstoday.com