From time to time, you may lose interest in sex, either due to a medical condition, stress, or a busy schedule. It is also normal for your sex drive not to match your partner’s at all times. However, low libido – a decreased interest in sex – can be disconcerting if it persists for a long time. It can cause problems in a relationship or even be a sign of an underlying medical condition. But what exactly causes low libido in men and women, and how can the specialists at Plano The Riegel Center help you?

1.Low Testosterone

Often called the male hormone, testosterone in men is responsible for building bone mass and muscles and stimulating sperm production. It is also a key factor in determining libido levels in men. When this hormone decreases, your sex drive may also take a dive. Testosterone levels often decrease as you age, but drastic drops can harm your libido significantly.

2.Stress

When you are stressed, your body responds by releasing cortisol and adrenaline. These changes can affect your hormone levels and contribute to low libido. Stress can also cause your arteries to narrow, which restricts blood flow and can cause erectile dysfunction. 

3.Restless Legs Syndrome

Defined as an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, restless leg syndrome can also cause libido. A recent study found that men who have at least five RLS occurrences a month were 50 percent more likely to develop erectile dysfunction than men without restless leg syndrome.

4.Medications

Some medications are known to lower testosterone levels and cause low libido. This includes blood pressure medications like beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, which can prevent erections and ejaculation. Similarly, radiation or chemotherapy treatments, some antidepressants, corticosteroids, and prostate cancer hormone treatments can lower your libido.

5.Chronic Illness

Chronic pain or discomfort can be debilitating, so much so that it reduces your interest in sexual activity. In fact, medical diagnoses like chronic organ failure, high blood pressure, and diabetes can take a toll on a patient’s sex life. Some conditions like cancer can also lower sperm count in men.

6.Menopause

When women go through “the change,” several happenings in their bodies can lead to low libido. For example, menopause is often accompanied by a drop in estrogen levels, which can cause vaginal dryness. This can then make sexual intercourse very painful or uncomfortable, lowering sexual desire.

7.Depression

Depression has far-reaching effects on many aspects of your life. In addition to a lack of motivation or enjoyment in activities you once enjoyed, depression can also cause a complete lack of or reduced interest in sexual activity. Some antidepressants can also cause low libido as a side effect.

8.Alcohol and Drug Use

Heavy drinking has been associated with lower testosterone production in men, as has the use of opiates, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs. Similarly, smoking has been shown to negatively impact sperm movement and production – all factors that can lead to low sexual desire.

Several physical and psychological factors can lead to low sex drive, which in turn can jeopardize your relationship. Seeing a specialist is a crucial step that can help you identify and fix the problem. If your medications are causing your low libido, your doctor can adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative. If your hormones are depleted, Christopher Riegel, MD, of The Riegel Center can restore your levels through a self-invented formula. Contact the Plano, Texas office today to learn more.