Low Libido In Men - The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever heard about low libido in men? Believe it or not, men can experience issues associated with low libidos and want to know how to overcome them. But worry no more because we have created an ultimate guide to help men improve low libido.

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What Is Libido?

Libido is the desire to perform a sex act. Sex instinct in humans slightly mimics that in animals.

But unlike animals with the desire to engage in sexual activities solely for procreation, humans can engage in sex for multiple reasons.

The first is biological factors. Biology regulates a person's instinct to have sex. For men, it's triggered by testosterone and dopamine hormones.

Here, the urge intensifies through visual, audio, or written media.

Psychiatrists define libido as mental energy triggered by desires that go beyond sexual. While psychoanalysis also defines libido as psychic appetite in its raw and total form.

Unlike animals that have specific seasons that represent heightened libido, humans can desire sex as therapy. This is both induced by emotions and nature.

Thus, affection, psychological factors, and even social issues could cause a spike in libido.

Libido can also happen involuntarily at night when you get aroused without any specific sex trigger.


What Is A 'Normal' Sex Drive?

People are different, and so is their desire to engage in sex.  Sexual instinct is natural, and so a passion for sex is usual.

But this doesn't mean that the level of your sex need stays constant throughout your life.

You may experience drastic changes in sex urges. Some seasons may trigger a higher than average or lower than regular sexual activity.

Even for two different men, regular sex drive can also differ significantly. One may consider a particular sex drive as low while the other sees it as abnormally high.

For couples, one partner may desire sex but is unable to get it from the other. And if this level of dissatisfaction is continuous, then the situation qualifies as a low sex drive.

But when both couples are content with twice-a-month sex, then they have an ordinary sex drive.

The desire for sex could also vary between couples. Provided that the pair are happy with their sexual activities, this is a typical sex drive.


What Is Low Libido?

Low libido is a symptom that prevents you from experience a normal sex urge.

When you desire sex and all factors are present for the act to commence, then natural intercourse occurs.

But in some situations, you may still be unable to garner the drive to participate in this act. If the symptoms occur most of the time, then you face a genuine low libido.

Sex is, after all, two-way traffic. Most studies even state that men have a higher sex drive. But as a couple, the chances are that the other partner could also hint at sexual advances at times.

The move is healthy and normal. It could be due to affection, closeness, or raw biology.

But whatever the case, a move often gets a positive response. This gesture culminates in a fulfilling sexual activity.

At times, though, your partner may initiate a sex move, but you are unable or unwilling to reciprocate this gesture.

But when it's usually your partner who demands sex, and you continuously turn the offer down, then you may have some underlying problems.

These problems manifest as low libido or reduced sex urge.


Low Libido And Erectile Dysfunction

Low libido and erectile dysfunctions have always been confused as meaning the same thing.

As such, the two disorders have been confused and used interchangeably to indicate the other.

But these are two different sicknesses. Low libido refers to the inability to rise to the occasion when required, provided that all factors support it.

On the other hand, erectile dysfunction refers to all other problems caused by a lack of satisfying and rewarding sex.

Low libido is also a part of erectile dysfunction. Thus a man who has erectile dysfunction can garner a strong enough erection to complete a sex act.

But the same person can cite low libido as the cause of erectile dysfunction. Besides, he may even enjoy sex but not be able to conceive due to low sperm count.

Erectile dysfunction can arise due to psychological and physical factors such as stress, medications, and marital acrimonies.

In contrast, low libido occurs mainly due to a lack of closer connection with your partner. 


Does Sex Drive Decrease With Age?

Your natural testosterone production peaks up at 15 years. Afterward, its production starts dwindling.

But it's after fifty years that you notice a marked reduction in sex drive.

Although the natural aging process takes a toll on the sex urge, other factors also contribute to this situation.

As you age, you may abscond from exercises and healthy meals. This negligence cause your muscles to slacken and become weak.

You also lack the stamina to perform any vigorous activity.

What's more, a sedentary lifestyle and poor foods contribute to low libido and less testosterone production.

Further, you may undergo high-stress levels. These anxious situations result in the secretion of hormones that prevents sexual urge.

And if you are unlucky, you could suffer from congenital diseases. You may also undergo some medical procedures that impact your ability to engage in sex.

All these factors result in decreased sex drive in one way or another.


How Common Is A Low Libido?

Low libido is a common occurrence. There is an episode when either of the partner's sex drive takes a deep dive at any time in a couple's life.

It could be due to work pressure and exhaustion. You could be busy with work and travel that when you arrive home, you have no emotional and physical energy left.

The only thing you need is to sleep. This isn't a unique situation. But it becomes problematic when you can't fulfill or shy away from your conjugal responsibilities.

And this situation is not uncommon. Records state that as many as 20% of men would rather engage in other activities than sex. This percentage is significant.

The challenge is that society expects all men to be hardwired to need sex all the time, any time. And so this silent minority face stigma talking about their situation.

Yet this proportion could be higher. Low testosterone is a leading cause of low libido.

And more than 40% of men suffer from low testosterone levels, which means that low libido amongst men is prevalent. 


Common Causes Of A Low Libido

Menopause/Andropause

Menopause refers to the phase in life when the secretion of testosterone comes to a grinding halt.

The male sex hormone is responsible for initiating sexual desire as well as building muscles.

The beginning of this phase varies amongst men.

But it's usually in play from sixty years and is characterized by reduced muscle mass, dwindling body frame, and diminished energy levels.

But the most common feature of this decline is non-visual. When this hormone quantity drops, so does the urge to engage in sex.

Lack of exercises

Exercises and flexing of muscles are necessary for a healthy mind and body. But as more men cut down on non-essential time consumers, they skip this vital chore.

Yet exercises are believed to strengthen your tissues, nerves, and bones. They also grow your tendons and muscle, hence helps to improve stability and balance.

Besides, exercises secrete oxytocin, which is a feel-good enzyme necessary to boost your wellbeing and mood.

An active lifestyle helps produce more testosterone, which is an instrument in your sex drive.

Yet, when you avoid exercises, you lose all these rewards. Ultimately, your libido also dwindles.

Cultural beliefs

Some cultures instill stereotypes on how men should perceive sex. These societies consider some sexual orientation as foreign and wicked.

These communities also punish the alleged sexual offenders by banishing them from their communities. These punishments force the men to suppress the sex urge voluntarily.

And as these men try to conform to their societal doctrines, they end up losing their libido.

Religious taboos

Some religions punish sex out of wedlock. They proclaim that any such action would get severe punishment in the heavens.

Besides, the preachers claim that you could get mental illnesses if you engage in certain sex acts. 

Since these religious leaders command respect, many young men heed these teachings. But they don't pause to confirm if the doctrines are accurate.

As such, men who desire sex tend to abide by these taboos. Hence, they shut their sexual urges by suppressing their intimate needs. As a result, they end up stuck with low libido.

Poor mental state

Sex requires a conducive environment to thrive. This includes the right mental state to complete the act.

If you are tense in any way due to some factors, your mind won't zero in on the task at hand. Instead, it will wonder and deviate from the moment.

Another reason why mental stability is necessary for sex urge is neurochemicals. An unstable mind produces cortisol to calm down frayed nerves and a depressed mind.

Even as this secretion puts your nerves to rest, it also shuts down the release of chemicals necessary to perform sex. As such, your libido fizzles, leading to the low drive.  

Old Age

Age plays an essential role in causing low libido. First, as you grow old, your sexual drive wanes.

Coupled with this is the reduced male sex hormones. This limited amount prevents you from growing muscles and body mass.

Without the built and aggression, your sex craving also declines.   

Obesity

Being overweight has many adverse effects. But its impact on stifling sex drive is well known.

How then does obesity contribute to low libido? The desire for sex is both a physical and mental catalyst.

Yet if you are fat, the fatty fold prevents an adequate blood supply to your sex orgasm. Besides, you also suffer from insufficient energy levels.

These factors prevent you from stimulating the necessary sex drive. Hence your libido subsides.

Chronic health situations

Health conditions could hurt your sexuality. Conditions such as insulin resistance and heart diseases are particularly invasive in this aspect.

Other diseases such as bone density shrinkage, liver, and nerve damage may prevent you from enjoying sex.

When the body is fighting infections, it gives little attention to non-essential functions such as boosting libido.  

Another area that leads to low libido is kidney complications.

The ailment could lead to persistent tiredness and a wacky mood. These factors can also dissuade you from engaging in sex.

Again, the outcome of these conditions could cause pain and mobility restrictions.

As a result, they could prevent you from making love even if you want to. Hence they also contribute to low libido.   

Relationship crises

Intimacy and companionship are the cornerstones of a fulfilling love. But some factors can shake companionship.

For women, it's mainly on body image. But this also affects men now that models have created a wrong impression that attractive men should be chiseled and muscular.

Another stereotype is the economic hurdle. Couples compete with one another in economic achievement. So should one fail to attain their set goals, their self-esteem evaporates.

Unresolved marital demands and breach of trust also contribute to low libido.

Men who are less confident about themselves are unlikely to become satisfied in matters of intimacy. These pending issues create libido problems.

Certain Medication

Men suffer from a multitude of sicknesses. So it's only natural when these patients seek a medical solution.

But some of the medicines they receive end up blocking sex urges. Some medications contain compounds that prevent sexual pulses from triggering a desire.

Besides, other drugs numb the sensory system. Treatments that help alleviate depression, high blood pressure, and pituitary inflammation may also cause low libido.

Medical procedures

Likewise, several medical interventions and surgical procedures result in a reduced sex urge.

Treatment of chronic cases such as cancers through radiation and chemotherapy is one such situation.

Further, hormonal imbalance correction measures such as testosterone hormone implant also reduce libido.

Even as these processes help ease the pain associated with the diseases, they also lower your libido. 

Alcohol and drug abuse

The use of recreational drugs has increased significantly. But some men abuse easy access to these drugs.

Excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarettes can blur your mind. And the high concentration of alcohol in your system may cause mental and neuron complications.

But other drugs are even more damaging. The use of injectable and inhalable drugs saturates your nervous system quickly. Hence cocaine, heroin, and methane result in psychedelic conditions.

The feelings cloud your mental faculties and prevent optimum functions of the brain and reflexes. Hence they disrupt the proper functioning of the sex system.


Health Conditions Related To Low Libido

Prostate cancers

The prostate is instrumental in triggering and sustaining erections in men. But the cancer of the prostate can hinder its operations.

When this gland isn't working well, then it creates low libido. The complications arising from the disease prevent your reproductive system from function.

Besides, the ensuing stigma associated with inadequate sexual faculties makes it hard to respond to sexual stimuli. 

Thyroid infections

The inflammation of the thyroid can also result in a similar situation. Thyroid glands play a significant role in instigating sexual appetite.

But it can malfunction due to numerous factors. And when it stops producing the neurochemicals, your penis fails to rise to the occasion. This failure can cause a dive in your libido.

Peyronie's Syndrome

Some men are born with asymmetric penises. This means that their male members are skewed, instead of being straight.

The bent rod presents a problem when they want to have sex. In most cases, inserting it into a vagina is problematic. While in some instances, sustaining an erection is hard.

These men hence confront several challenges. They can't perform a penetration act properly.

And when they do, it's usually painful to either or both parties involved. Thus they shy away from intimacy. This also creates a low libido condition.


What Are The Symptoms Of Low Libido?

Anxiety

Men who can't respond to intimacy face both mental and physical challenges. When they can't fulfill their marital obligations, it could be traumatizing.

They become anxious every time their partners propose sex. And these performance anxieties result in a poor sex act.

Depression

Men suffering from low libido are constantly challenged. And continuously elevated levels of anxiety develops into stress, which leads to depression. 

Unfortunately, depression doesn't restrict itself to the bedroom of the affected person. It manifests in negative responses in all spheres of his personal and professional life.

Hence low libido turns a hitherto gentleman into an aggressive beast. He will shout and complain for no apparent reason. Besides, he could start imagining faults in his close friends and relatives.

Mentally, he may even blame his partner for his current sexual predicament. As a result, his marriage and career may take a beating.

Low self-esteem

With depression also comes with low self-esteem. The confidence of a man with low libido starts waning.

Instead of facing challenges and seeking amicable solutions to minor issues, he will start avoiding them entirely.

This avoidance could lead to more problems as he fails to fulfill even the basic responsibilities.


Physical And Emotional Side Effects Of Low Libido

Sex avoidance

The most obvious and probably the most devastating side effect of low libido is sex avoidance.

Since the man can't sustain an erection long enough to complete a rewarding sex act, he will avoid it altogether.

This avoidance will only make matters worse.

Marital strives

But avoiding sex just creates more hurdles in his married life. Instead of discussing and finding an amicable solution, his partner may misconstrue this avoidance as neglect.

She may feel emotionally and physically neglected. Besides, this change in tact could also create suspicion.

The partner may suspect that the man is cheating on her based on his sex avoidance.

It could lead to arguments and breach of trust. The aggrieved partner may feel that she is no longer valued in a relationship.

Poor communication

As once the trust and respect of marriage erode, several things may happen.

The mistrust could result in talk difficulties, and partners involved in the melee start withholding vital information from each other.

Frank and honest communication end. All that remains is suspicion and hate. And when they try to talk, it's more of a shouting match.

In some cases, men find it challenging to bring the situation in the open. So they will mostly keep mute to save their face and pretend that everything is okay.

Infidelity

Once mistrust takes root in a relationship, communication ends. And once a close companionship starts drifting, rage and revenge set in.

If the instinct to release the vent up pressure piles, then a hurt partner may seek a release outside the marital bed.

When stressed and one gets a shoulder to lean on, it's easy to fall into extramarital affairs.

When you feel neglected and unvalued in your relationship, you can quickly stray in a bitter fit to vent your frustrations. Thus leading to infidelity.


When Should You Talk To Your Doctor?

Know yourself

Libido is a highly personal situation, and its circumstances may change without notice. The best way to understand your sex drive is to know your body.

When you note any change in your sex life, you should discuss these changes with your partner and monitor the situation to improve.

If you notice no change in the situation, then consider talking to your doctor. But you must include your partner in the process. Otherwise, going there alone wouldn't resolve it.

Acknowledge the problem

In most situations, however, it's your partner who usually raises the alarm about low libido. She may bring legitimate issues and observations that are evident to her but are oblivious to you.

Instead of defending yourself, listen to the problem. Maybe you are facing subconscious mental challenges that you can't phantom.

Or you may be undergoing physical body changes due to medications or lifestyle issues.

Yet, whatever the cause of your waning libido, you need to identify and know how to deal with the situation.

Discuss

The next move is to acknowledge the low libido situation. This way, you can begin the journey of revamping your sex life.

Note down the changes in your sex life and possible symptoms of the same. As you continue to eliminate these triggers one by one, you may resolve the root causes.

It could be due to a medicine you are taking. And once you change the drug, the symptoms disappear. But the situation could persist. So what do you do? 

Talk to your doctor

The last approach is to book an appointment with your physician. By this time, you already have a list of the symptoms and history.

Besides, you will have the blessing of your partner to make this move.

After reviewing your condition, your doctor will decide the underlying factors causing your low libido.

Once diagnosed, he will provide appropriate medical intervention.  


How Is A Low Libido In Men Diagnosed?

Sperm count

Getting to pinpoint the real trigger to low libido is difficult. So many issues could combine to result in this situation.

Low sperm could be a result of previous sex. This means that your scrotum is empty. The best way to replenish it is to delay subsequent sex act to buy more time to increase supply.

Blood check

Taking blood samples can indicate the concentration of different compounds that regulate sex drive. Checking for progesterone, DHEA, and estrogen levels can establish a low libido syndrome.

Testosterone measure

This is the primary male hormone, and its volume dictates erection and libido.  Research has noted that men with free testosterone have a higher sex drive.

Free testosterone is that portion of male sex hormones not attached for sperm production and muscle building. An examination of 414 men aged from 40 to 79 confirms this situation.

Men who reported a strong sex urge also had a high concentration of free male hormones.

Fatigue

Fatigue could be due to several reasons. But if you are always tired, then it could cause a dip in libido.

People who get tired quickly may be suffering from some unknown medical conditions.

But whatever the cause, if you don't have enough energy throughout the day, then it's unlikely that you could get interested in a grueling sex act.


Things To Think About If You'd Like To Increase Your Libido

Cement relationship

Improving your libido may be challenging once it gets low. The mental stress associated with this situation may even prevent you from thinking well.

You could imagine all manner of revenge and hatred to get even.  But these desperate won't help. Instead, compose yourself and talk to your partner.

Setting time to talk with respect and openness can boost your relationship. Even with the ensuing challenges, remember that you still have a relationship to build and cherish.

So don't allow a temporary.

Seek Counseling

Once you have explained yourself and your predicament to your partner, it's time to tackle the challenge head-on.  Your best option is to seek counseling.

Look for a sex therapist who is known to you. A friendly professional would put the human face when listening to the case.

And since the medical expert is known to both of you, he will articulate his solution to create confidence while also nurturing trust.

Counseling allows you to discuss your fears and observations freely.

These candid talks are essential in bringing to the fore your thoughts regarding low libido. But the session is instrumental in strategizing how to overcome this disorder.

Practice

The next piece of thought that should occupy your mind is implementing the outcome of the counseling session. Besides, you also require to plan how to overcome the low libido.

You can do pelvis floor exercises. This is essential in maintaining strong penile veins. In turn, this helps to resuscitate a waning sex urge.

So practice these chores while also puttingyour creativity and thoughts into practice.

Lead tranquil Life

Stress and diseases are the silent triggers to low libido. Yet many diseases are as a result of unhealthy lifestyle.

Hence when you want to increase your libido, start by eliminating triggers to these situations.

From changing your diet to leading a stress-free lifestyle, incorporate all the beneficial factors.

Seek peace with your environment while leading an active lifestyle.


What Should I Do If I'm Concerned About My Low Libido?

Sex therapy

Simple tweaks can help to improve your sexuality. These improvements are vital when you want to augment your libido.

Undertaking pelvic floor exercises can enhance the sensitivity of your groin. They also help to enjoy sex and attain orgasm and enjoy sex.

There are many methods to do them. The most popular is the Kegels.

It involves holding and relaxing your penile muscles, which consist of constant squeezing, allowing for better sensitivity and enhancing sensation.

Other methods include jelqing, start-stop techniques, and stretching. They are many variations to the procedures. But they all help to restore your muscular tension around the groin. 

Once your muscles are easily stimulated, they help to heighten your libido.

Sex styles

Sex is a demanding activity. Besides, it can also turn boring, especially if you engage in the same trick throughout.

And once your mind becomes accustomed to the same old position, it may grow lethargic. This supports the onset of low libido.

What then can you do to improve your sexuality? You can spice up your sex life. Including variety and new styles can build anticipation.

And once you state adapting to new and exciting positions, your libido peak up. So pack your bedroom chore with new styles to keep your sexual appetite high.

Better sleep

Sleep is therapeutic, and it's significant in increasing sex urge. So you should ensure a good night's rest.

Adequate sleep helps to repair damaged tissues and develop new cells. Besides, it fights infections and antioxidants. All these boost your sex health.

But sleep is also instrumental in producing male sex hormones. Sufficient amounts of testosterone support muscle development and sexual desire.

Hence sleeping without interruptions in a dark room increases your libido in the long run.

Healthy diets

Eating habits regulate your libido. While fast food is bad for your sex, healthy meals can restore your libido.

But what are the healthy foods that contribute to this goal? Start by eating fresh home-made food.

These are appropriately cooked and comprise of natural and whole ingredients.

Besides, these items are freshly harvested or plucked for organic farms. They, therefore, don't contain a lot of chemicals and preservatives.

But ensure that you get your daily portion of proteins, minerals, and vitamins from them.

In addition to meals, you should also eat fruits, nuts, and berries.

These produce pack antioxidants and essential vitamins that can boost your sexual functions. They also help cleanse your system and boost immunity. 

Herbs and spices

One of the most overlooked segments of meals consists of herbs and spices. Yet these add flavor to meals besides enhancing your sex life.

But some of these are more virile in boosting your libido. Spice your meals with pepper, cayenne, and turmeric. Also, ensure you take nuts such as cashew nuts, dates, and almonds.

Seeds like pawpaw and flaxseeds are also essential in this endeavor.

Taking herbs with meals and drinks can sustain a robust and roaring libido. Herbs such as maca, Yohimbe, and horny goat weeds contain aphrodisiac properties.

This means that they can ignite your sexual desire at will.


Libido-Promoting Foods

Dark chocolates

Tension and fatigue are anathemas to sexual desire. They prevent you from relaxing and enjoying the session.

This tasty snack has for long been considered an essential part of any date. But did you know that dark chocolate contains potent ingredients that ignite your libido?

They help to relax your nerves and calm your mind, thus setting you in a lively mood. Dark chocolate also has anti-inflammatory features – essential for lifting your libido.

So make it a point to gift your significant other a bar of chocolates to celebrate your anniversaries and dates. You may never know how it could inflame your passion.

Tea and coffee

These are some of the most popular drinks around the world. Do you think they are favorite for no apparent reasons?

An innocent cup of tea has ingredients that strengthen the bones and muscles. But it also sets sex pulses pinging in your mind.

Likewise, coffee contains caffeine. This compound is known to pump your heart-rate. Further, it helps increase the blood flow throughout all organs.

The primary beneficiary of this supply is your groin. As blood brings more nutrients to your penis, it helps to revitalize your libido.

These drinks are refreshing and energize your system, hence providing stamina to engage in sex.

Strawberries

Strawberries are packed with vitamin C. This vitamin is known to induce sex urge in men.

Besides, it's also has a vital medicinal property that protects against the propagation of prostate cancer. No doubt, a properly functioning prostate is key to a robust libido. 

Strawberries also have antioxidants and contain aphrodisiac features that set your heart racing.

While antioxidants support high fertility and boost blood flow to your groins, aphrodisiac sets the mood right for sex.

Strawberries also have vitamin B and folic acid that also support sexual desire ad enhance your libido naturally.

Not only that, but strawberries also have a strong psychological impact in instigating sex since it's sexy to look at in the first place.

Oysters and seafood

Perhaps the omega-three and omega-six fatty acids available in shelly fish and cold-water fish are why we enjoy them so much.

But did you know that these healthy fats also spike your libido?

Another potent compound present in this seafood is zinc. Zinc supports the secretion of testosterone � a libido-enhancing hormone.

It helps produce thyroid hormones, which also provide the energy you require to enjoy sex.

These meals induce your sex desire right from their visual appeal on a plate. And eating them provides you with the necessary minerals and vitamins to crave for sex.


Questions To Ask Your Doctor

What causes low libido?

Seeing your reproductive expert is just the beginning of a long journey to revamp your sex urge. But you need to be candid in your discussion.

Perhaps you should ask your doctor what could cause low libido. This is especially true when previously you didn't exhibit this problem.

Appreciating the triggers to low libido can help you manage the situation.

You and your partner may have a mismatched libido. In such cases, you may experience this problem throughout your life.

In this case, your doctor may recommend a brain scan to establish which parts of your brain are not active.

If it's caused by low neuron activity, he may institute appropriate remedial measures.

What can I do to increase be sex drive?

The next appropriate question to your sex therapist is how to sustain a robust libido. After all, this is why you visited them in the first place.

Ask your doctor what you have been doing wrong to reach the current situation of low libido.

Once you identify the underlying factors that have eroded your sexual prowess, then you can turn your attention to improving your game.

Since these professionals are knowledgeable about this area, they can help. But you need to support their decision-making process.

By mentioning your current workload and family responsibilities, you may help your physician identify areas contributing to the unhealthy situation.

Do medications and lifestyle impacts sex urges?

These factors could also go beyond your family ties. Maybe you have suddenly indulged in harmful solutions to resolve this situation.

A new family member could be stressing you at night by preventing you from getting inadequate sleep.

Or you can decide to increase your drinking to help calm a stressful office and home environment.

But unknown to you, the increased alcohol volume is taking a toll on your libido. 

Or you could have resorted to sleeping pills to have a good night's rest. But the drugs are inadvertently impacting your sex urge.

In such circumstances, you may discuss how you can manage your current predicament without harming your libido. 


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