The main causes of decreased libido: Will medication help reduced sexual desire?

The main causes of decreased libido: Will medication help reduced sexual desire?
Photo source: Getty images

Psyche, stress, illness, menopause and other factors negatively affect libido. Libido is the appetite for sex, the sexual desire. And it is primarily to ensure mating, i.e. reproduction, but also the need to achieve pleasure.

Decreased libido (decreased sex drive) can be caused by some external factors. But it can also have relatively natural causes that can be easily addressed. It does not always have to be a manifestation of a disease.

In some cases, however, a disorder or disease, most often related to the level of the hormone prolactin, may be behind the decrease in libido. However, a decrease in sex drive is a relatively natural manifestation of ageing, especially in men, whereas in women it tends to be the opposite.

Psychogenic causes

A large number of causes are psychological in nature. For example, stress or overwork or fatigue can have a relatively large impact on sex drive. Depression, alcoholism or even dissatisfaction with one's appearance can also discourage women and men from having sex.

Medication can suppress the appetite for sex

However, this is not always the case and is highly individual. The use of certain medications, such as antidepressants or sleeping pills, can have a negative effect on a woman's or man's libido.

Of course, when you search, you will find a lot of pills that promise a positive effect. Some are in the form of natural preparations as treatment supplements.

drugs, hormonal contraceptives
Libido can be suppressed by contraceptives, but also by hormonal disorders. Photo source: Pixabay

Thus, the treatment is not specialized with the help of a drug. However, similar to erectile dysfunction, it may not help. Or its effect is more or less supported by the psyche.

Therefore, if the disorder is too great and severe, interfering with the relationship, it may be better to seek professional help.

Before that, however, it is advisable to try to remedy it rather comprehensively. An example is a change in lifestyle and a lifestyle that brings well-being to the relationship and to the person himself.

Also avoid excessive alcohol consumption or smoking.

Sleep preparation and a pre-sleep routine can also help.

+ One tip... Have you ever tried something to spice up your intimate sex life?

But beware of pills and products that are not approved. They can be a scam and a deception, or even a health risk.

Many such products can be bought on the internet, in bazaars, and from unverified sources. These products are not safe either.

Reduced hormone levels

In men, a decrease in libido is also caused by a decrease in testosterone levels. In women, it can also be birth control pills that suppress hormone production in women. Also, in women, a decrease in testosterone causes a loss of sex drive.

In women, menopause can also cause a decrease in libido. There are multiple hormonal changes and a decrease in estrogen and testosterone. Similarly, after childbirth during breastfeeding, estrogen production decreases and prolactin increases. Prolactin decreases sex drive.

Foods that negatively affect libido

Some foods, such as those containing too much sugar or fat, can disrupt metabolism and also the overall sex drive.

Examples include cornflakes. But also soy, the excessive consumption of which is behind the decrease in male libido. And also too much dairy products and liquorice is said to be a negative in an intimate relationship.

Reduction of libido for diseases

Man and woman in bed, love position
The desire for intercourse is reduced by various diseases. Photo source: Getty Images

In some cases, however, health problems and various diseases are also to blame. For example, in diabetes, where there are uncontrolled changes in blood sugar levels, decreased libido can be one of the consequences of the disease.

In women, there is also an increase in vaginal dryness. Also, some infectious diseases have a negative effect. An example is yeast infection. It has an effect on the reduction of sex drive.

Similarly, cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Female libido is also negatively affected by some autoimmune diseases.

Diseases of the endocrinological system are also a problem, when hormone production is disturbed and hormone levels are reduced or increased. This mainly concerns prolactin or testosterone.

For example, in pituitary adenoma, a part of the brain that controls the production of hormones in the body. As a result of the presence of tumours, there is an increase in the production of prolactin. In Cushing's syndrome, a decrease in libido can be observed due to overproduction of cortisol.

Other causes of decreased libido

Often, relationship problems and problems of routine in the bedroom are also to be found behind the decrease in libido. This has nothing to do with diseases anymore. This case is more typical for the decrease in libido in women.

Naked woman, blindfolded with ribbon, upper torso and head cutout
Change can help overcome routine. Photo source: Getty Images

Women are more sensitive to irregularities and conflicts in a relationship. Over time, sexual attractiveness can be lost. And overexposure in bed does not work in the long term. Dangerous for libido is the physical resistance of the partner.

After childbirth, women naturally devote more time and concentration to the baby. They build a relationship together. They're more tired, especially for repeatedly getting up with the baby.

In such situations, psychological support for the woman helps, relieving tension and stress. But also more time together and relaxation without children. Possibly a change in the daily stereotype.

Also bad are difficult family events. Serious illness in the family, death. A large group that negatively affects libido is addiction.

Alcoholism + smoking is bad for the body, soul and also for libido. Drug addiction has a negative impact of course.

On the other hand, we need to find appropriate means, but also measures within a healthy lifestyle that will help increase the desire for sex.

Video about loss of libido

fshare on Facebook

Interesting resources

The aim of the portal and content is not to replace professional examination. The content is for informational and non-binding purposes only, not advisory. In case of health problems, we recommend seeking professional help, visiting or contacting a doctor or pharmacist.