Low libido in men is more common than you might think. Up to 1 in 5 men experience a lower sex drive at some point in their lives, and it can be short term or go on for longer periods (Cleveland Clinic). If you have noticed a drop in your desire for sex, you are not alone and you are not broken.
This guide walks you through what low libido in men actually means, why it happens, and what you can do about it, step by step.
What low libido in men actually means
Libido is your interest or desire for sexual activity. It is not just how often you have sex, it is how often you want to.
Low libido in men usually means you have:
- Less interest in sex than you used to
- Fewer or no sexual fantasies
- Little or no desire to start sexual activity
If that pattern is persistent or keeps coming back and it causes distress for you or problems in your relationship, doctors may call it hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) (Mayo Clinic Health System).
Your sex drive will naturally change over time, so a dip now and then is normal. It becomes important to look into when the change is ongoing and you feel bothered by it.
Why your sex drive can change
Your desire for sex is not controlled by a single switch. It is the result of many systems working together, including:
- Your physical health
- Your hormone levels
- Your mental health and stress levels
- Your beliefs and past experiences
- Your lifestyle habits
- Your relationship situation
Because all of these can shift, there is no one quick medication that works for every man with low libido (Mayo Clinic Health System). Instead, you usually need a bit of detective work to find the specific combination of factors that is affecting you.
Common physical causes of low libido
Several medical and physical issues can reduce sexual desire. Some are obvious, like tiredness, and others are easier to miss.
Hormone changes and low testosterone
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and it plays a big role in libido. Levels naturally decline with age, but some men have testosterone that is lower than it should be for their age, a condition called hypogonadism.
Low testosterone can:
- Reduce sex drive
- Affect erections
- Lower mood and energy
Low testosterone is very common in older men and is diagnosed with blood tests, usually taken in the early morning before 10 a.m. when levels are highest (Merck Manuals). In men with true testosterone deficiency, testosterone replacement therapy can improve libido and related symptoms (Medical News Today).
However, testosterone therapy is not a casual choice. It can shrink your testicles, stop sperm production, and cause infertility, so if you want to have biological children later, exogenous testosterone is usually not recommended (Merck Manuals).
Other health conditions
Long term health problems can also drain your sex drive. These include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver or thyroid disorders
- Obesity
- Chronic pain or fatigue conditions
Some of these are checked with basic blood tests and a physical exam. Your provider might look for these conditions if you report ongoing low libido (Mayo Clinic Health System, Merck Manuals).
Medications and substances
Certain medications are known to reduce libido in men. Common culprits include:
- Some antidepressants
- Some blood pressure medications
- Some treatments for prostate conditions
If a medicine is affecting your sex drive, your doctor may be able to adjust the dose or switch you to an alternative (Merck Manuals). Do not stop medications on your own without medical advice.
Alcohol, tobacco, and some recreational drugs can also blunt sexual desire and performance over time.
How stress and mental health affect libido
Your mind and your sex drive are tightly linked. Mental health issues and life stress are major contributors to low libido in men (Cleveland Clinic).
Stress, cortisol, and your brain
When you are under chronic stress, your body raises cortisol levels. High cortisol affects the limbic system in your brain, which is involved in sexual desire and arousal. Over time, this can reduce libido and contribute to other sexual problems (Posterity Health).
Stress also constricts blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to the penis and make erections harder to achieve or maintain (Posterity Health).
Anxiety, depression, and performance fears
Anxiety and depression are both linked with lower libido and more sexual dysfunction in men, including younger men (Medical News Today). In Australia, for example, anxiety is the most common mental health condition and 20% of men experience it at some stage in their life, which can affect sexual performance and desire (Healthy Male).
Anxiety can show up as:
- Worry about your performance
- Fear of losing an erection
- Overthinking how your body looks or reacts
That worry can become a loop. You feel anxious, your body does not respond the way you want, then you feel more anxious the next time you have sex. Men under 30 are especially likely to experience erectile problems mainly due to nervousness and anxiety, which are usually short lived once addressed (Healthy Male).
Sleep and energy
Poor sleep and sleep disorders like sleep apnea can lower testosterone, affect heart health, and worsen erectile function. Men with sleep apnea are about twice as likely to have erectile dysfunction (Healthy Male).
When you are exhausted, sex often falls to the bottom of the priority list. Improving your sleep can sometimes lift your libido more than you expect.
If your sex drive has dropped at the same time that your stress, anxiety, or low mood has increased, your mental health may be a key part of the explanation.
Relationship and lifestyle factors
Low libido in men is not always a medical issue. It can also reflect what is happening in your daily life and relationships.
Relationship dynamics
Your desire for sex is influenced by how you feel about your partner and your relationship. Libido can dip when you are:
- Arguing frequently
- Feeling emotionally distant
- Holding on to unresolved resentments
- Struggling with trust or communication
Life changes like having a baby, caring for a sick family member, or financial stress can also shift priorities and lower sexual desire for a while.
Lifestyle habits
Everyday habits that sap your energy tend to affect your sex drive too. These include:
- Inactivity and long hours of sitting
- Highly processed or fast food as your main diet
- Heavy drinking
- Little or no time for relaxation or hobbies
Regular exercise can help improve libido in men, including those on hormone treatments, by improving body image, mood, and energy (Medical News Today). Maintaining a moderate body weight also supports both the physical and psychological aspects of sex drive, since obesity is linked to lower testosterone levels and lower libido (Medical News Today).
How low libido in men is diagnosed
If your low sex drive is bothering you or affecting your relationship, talking with a healthcare professional is an important step. You might start with your primary care doctor, a men’s health clinic, or a urologist.
Diagnosis usually involves:
- A detailed conversation about your symptoms and health history
- Questions about your mental health, stress levels, and relationship
- A physical examination
- Blood tests to check hormones, such as testosterone, and to screen for thyroid, liver, or other issues (Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic Health System)
From there, your provider can help create a plan that fits your specific situation instead of relying on a one size fits all solution (Mayo Clinic Health System).
Treatment options and what you can do
There is no single fix that works for every man, but there are several evidence based approaches that can help.
Medical treatments
Depending on the cause, your doctor might suggest:
- Adjusting medications that affect libido
- Treating underlying conditions such as thyroid disease or sleep apnea
- Testosterone replacement therapy if clear low testosterone is confirmed and benefits outweigh risks (Merck Manuals, Medical News Today)
If your main challenges are mental health issues, medications or psychological therapies that target anxiety or depression may also help your sex drive indirectly.
Counseling and sex therapy
Psychological counseling can be very effective, especially when your libido is affected by:
- Relationship issues
- Performance anxiety
- Depression or general anxiety
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in particular has been shown to improve sexual dysfunction in men and works well alongside medication when needed (Medical News Today). Sex therapy can also provide tailored strategies for communication, arousal, and dealing with performance pressure.
Mindfulness based stress reduction techniques have also helped men with stress related low libido and other sexual problems (Posterity Health).
Lifestyle changes that support libido
Even if you need medical treatment, small daily changes can make a real difference. Helpful steps include:
- Moving your body most days of the week, even with simple walks or home workouts
- Aiming for a regular sleep schedule and addressing snoring or possible sleep apnea
- Reducing alcohol, especially heavy evening drinking
- Building in short, regular breaks from work or caregiving to lower stress
- Eating a balanced diet that supports a healthier body weight
These habits support your hormones, circulation, mood, and confidence, all of which feed into your desire for sex.
Supplements and “natural” boosters
You might see supplements marketed for men’s libido. Some have limited research behind them:
- Tribulus terrestris improved libido in about 79% of men in a 90 day study using 750 to 1,500 mg daily, and 1,500 mg daily improved both erectile function and libido in men with erectile dysfunction (Vinmec)
- Maca root increased libido in 42% of men who took 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily for about 12 weeks and may help mild erectile dysfunction (Vinmec)
- Saffron and ginkgo biloba have been studied for antidepressant related sexual dysfunction, with some benefits in small studies (Vinmec)
- L citrulline has shown improvements in mild erectile dysfunction at 1.5 grams daily in some men (Vinmec)
These results are promising but still early. Supplements can interact with medications and are not regulated like prescription drugs, so it is wise to talk with your doctor before starting any new product.
When to seek help and what to remember
You should consider seeing a professional if:
- Your low libido has lasted several months
- You feel distressed, embarrassed, or frustrated about it
- Your relationship is being affected
- You have other symptoms like low mood, fatigue, or erection problems
Health professionals encourage you not to wait for symptoms to get worse. Early help can improve your sexual desire and your overall well being (Mayo Clinic Health System).
Low libido in men is rarely about a single flaw or failure. It is usually the result of several factors that you can gradually work through and improve. By understanding the possible causes and taking small, consistent steps, you give yourself the best chance to feel more like yourself again, both in and out of the bedroom.
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