According to studies, one in three women and one in five men struggle with one or more low libido issues in their lifetime. Experts say some of the main causes of low sex drive include:
RELATIONSHIP ISSUES
Relationship problems are among the most common causes of loss of libido. If you’ve been in a long-term relationship, it’s easy to become overly familiar with your partner, which can prevent you from seeing them in a sexual way.
HOW TO FIX?
Experts recommend relationship counseling to help you rekindle the fire. Your doctor may refer you both for psychosexual counseling or relationship therapy. Both types of therapy can help you and your partner discuss sexual and emotional issues that may be causing your lack of sex drive.
MENTAL HEALTH
Any mental health condition can consume it all, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and it can affect all aspects of your life, including your sex drive.
HOW TO FIX?
Talk to your doctor about your mental health and they’ll be able to offer treatment options, from talk therapy to medication if needed. Once you feel better, your sex drive will likely return.
PREGNANCY OR HAVE CHILDREN
Having a baby or being pregnant can wreak havoc on your hormones. Caring for a baby can also be very stressful and exhausting, which can make you less interested in sex.
HOW TO FIX?
Some studies show that most women are more likely to be interested in sexual activity within six months of giving birth. However, many women have lower levels of sexual pleasure and emotional satisfaction up to 18 months after giving birth. Having a newborn can be exhausting, so sex can be the last thing on your mind. Similarly, physical mishaps can happen. Some women may worry that intercourse will be painful, and for others, the first intercourse after childbirth may be uncomfortable. That’s why it’s best not to put pressure on getting back to sex right away.
MENOPAUSE
Changes in the levels of the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone during and after menopause can affect libido. Considered by some experts to be the hormone primarily responsible for sex drive, testosterone declines throughout a woman’s life.
At the same time, estrogen levels drop sharply when a woman enters menopause. The drop in estrogen not only affects sex drive, but can also reduce natural vaginal fluids that help make sex comfortable. This can cause dry vaginal tissue that can make sex painful. Pain during sex is also a major sign of cervical cancer, so it’s important to have it checked out if you’re worried.
HOW TO FIX?
If you’re going through menopause, it may be helpful to talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as research shows that women who take HRT report higher sexual desire.
MEDICATION USE
Certain medications, such as high blood pressure, hormonal contraception, and antidepressants, can affect your sex drive. Antidepressants can make it difficult to arouse, maintain arousal, and reach orgasm.
HOW TO FIX?
Talk to your doctor about how your medication may affect your sex drive. Your doctor may suggest that you switch to a different medication or birth control method. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that your low sex drive may be a result of the condition you are being treated for.
EXTREME ALCOHOL USE
While a glass of wine can get you in the mood, long-term drug and alcohol use can lead to a lack of libido. This is because the drink has been proven to lower testosterone levels, especially in men.
HOW TO FIX?
Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink is a good place to start. If it’s a struggle and you think you’re overusing drugs and alcohol, it’s worth seeing your doctor for further assistance.