Have you lost your sexual desire? understand why
A decline in sexual desire in men, also known as reduced male libido, is a common issue as we age, although it can also occur in younger individuals.
Many men go through periods in which their interest in sexual activity decreases significantly, causing doubt, insecurity, or concern, and impacting both the relationship and emotional well-being.
Understanding the root of the problem is essential to addressing it properly and restoring a fulfilling sex life, if desired.
How to know if you are experiencing low sexual desire recurrently
Low libido is generally described as a noticeable and persistent decrease in interest in sexual activity, whether it shows up as reduced frequency of sexual encounters, lack of initiative, or the absence of erotic thoughts or fantasies. It is not merely a temporary phase, but a change that persists over time and often becomes more pronounced if no steps are taken to address it.
Although there is no universal standard for everyone, specialists typically consider it low sexual desire when this reduced interest lasts for at least several weeks or months and cannot be explained by temporary factors such as short-term stress, extreme fatigue, or recent conflicts. If this shift affects your emotional well-being or creates tension within your relationship, seeking guidance or professional support is highly recommended.
Most common causes of low sexual desire in men
The decrease in libido can result from a combination of physical, psychological, hormonal, and relational factors, and there is often no single cause but several that interact with each other.
- Hormonal factors: Low testosterone levels are one of the most common causes of reduced libido. Imbalances in other hormones, such as prolactin or thyroid hormones, may also play a role. Although hormone production naturally declines with age, some men experience a more marked decrease.
- Psychological and emotional issues: Stress, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem can reduce sexual interest. Negative experiences, performance pressure, or personal worries can also interfere with the ability to feel desire.
- Relationship problems: Unresolved conflicts, poor communication, lack of emotional intimacy, or monotonous routines can lower sexual appetite. The quality of the relationship has a direct impact on desire.
- Fatigue and lifestyle factors: Chronic tiredness, overwork, lack of sleep, a sedentary lifestyle, or frequent consumption of alcohol and drugs can significantly diminish sexual desire.
- Physical health conditions: Issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, or other chronic illnesses may reduce energy levels and sexual response. Pain or physical discomfort can also contribute.
- Medication: Certain treatments—especially SSRIs, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, and hormone therapies—can lead to decreased libido as a side effect.
- Pornography, masturbation habits, or sex work: In some cases, excessive consumption may reduce desire toward a partner or alter the way sexual arousal develops.
- Situational or temporary factors: Grief, financial or work-related stress, major life changes, or periods of intense tension can cause a temporary yet significant drop in sexual desire.
How low sexual desire affects your relationship
Low sexual desire in men can have a significant impact on a relationship, as it affects not only the intimate life but also emotional connection and communication.
When sexual interest decreases over a prolonged period, it is common for the partner to interpret this change as disinterest, rejection, or loss of attraction, which can lead to insecurity, doubts, and feelings of frustration. This often opens the door to misunderstandings and tension that, if left unaddressed, can harm the emotional dynamics of the relationship.
Over time, the situation can cause a decrease in intimacy, emotional distancing, and even avoidance of sexual encounters due to fear of pressure or conflict, potentially leading to relationship breakdowns or infidelity.
How to improve low sexual desire in men
There are various strategies to address a decrease in libido, and the choice will depend on the underlying cause, the duration of the problem, and the personal and relationship context. A combination of physical, emotional, and relational approaches often produces the best results.
Medical evaluation and treatment of physical causes: It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to rule out or treat hormonal imbalances, chronic illnesses, or medication side effects. In some cases, adjusting medications or undergoing supervised hormonal therapy can significantly improve sexual desire.
Psychotherapy and sexual therapy: When emotional, psychological, or relationship factors are predominant, psychological or sexual therapy can be very helpful. A professional can teach strategies to reduce anxiety, improve communication with the partner, and reconnect with one’s own sexuality.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting sufficient sleep, and reducing alcohol and drug consumption supports overall well-being and sexual energy.
Communication and relationship strengthening: Openly discussing sexual needs, desires, and concerns with a partner can reduce pressure and improve emotional intimacy. Joint activities that foster closeness and trust or exploring new sexual experiences such as erotic games, partner swaps, or threesomes can help.
Sexual stimulation and reconnection: Exploring new forms of intimacy, changing sexual routines, using erotic games, or dedicating time to mutual stimulation can gradually help restore arousal and sexual interest.
Supplements and complementary support: In some cases, certain nutritional supplements may contribute to overall sexual well-being, provided they are used as a complement and under professional supervision.
Frequently asked questions about low sexual desire in men
It refers to a persistent decrease or absence of interest in sexual activity. This includes both the frequency of sexual encounters and the initiative and erotic fantasies.
Causes can include hormonal imbalances, psychological or emotional issues, relationship factors, medication side effects, chronic illnesses, stress, fatigue, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and temporary life stressors or major changes.
Yes, it is normal for libido to fluctuate depending on stress, health, age, or relationship dynamics. It is considered a clinical problem when the decrease is persistent and affects personal well-being or the relationship.
A healthcare professional will conduct a medical evaluation, review medical history, hormone levels, and medications, and may assess psychological or relationship factors to determine the cause.
Depending on the cause, treatments may include medical adjustments, psychological or sexual therapy, lifestyle changes, communication with the partner, exploring new sexual experiences, and, in some cases, nutritional supplements under professional supervision.
Yes, stress, anxiety, and work or personal pressures are common factors that reduce libido, as they affect both physical energy and emotional connection with the partner.
As men age, testosterone levels gradually decline, which can affect sexual desire. However, this does not mean libido disappears completely, and many strategies can help maintain it.
Yes, unresolved conflicts, poor communication, emotional distance, or sexual monotony can reduce sexual interest. Improving communication and emotional intimacy is usually key.
Scientific evidence on low sexual desire in men
Hormonal factors and testosterone
Studies show that low testosterone levels are directly linked to decreased male libido. Hormone replacement therapy can significantly improve sexual desire in men with deficiency.
Source: NCBI – Testosterone and sexual function
Psychological and emotional impact
Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress affect male libido. Psychotherapy and stress management have been shown to improve sexual desire in men with emotional causes.
Source: ScienceDirect – Psychological factors and male libido
Chronic illnesses and medication
Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or certain medications can reduce libido. Managing underlying conditions and reviewing medications can help improve sexual function.
Source: NCBI – Chronic disease and sexual desire
Lifestyle and habits
Obesity, sedentary behavior, excessive alcohol and drug use negatively impact sexual desire. Lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are associated with improvements in libido.
Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology – Lifestyle and male sexual function
Relationship and communication factors
Communication problems, unresolved conflicts, or emotional distance in a relationship significantly reduce sexual interest. Couples interventions and sexual education have been shown to improve desire and sexual satisfaction.
Source: Journal of Sex Research – Relationship factors and male libido