Low Sex Drive (Libido) in Men Explained

Low libido or low sex drive is often an embarrassing, confusing, and troubling symptom in men. Although medications for male reproductive problems are prevalent now in the media, they do not address the full problem of a male’s waning libido. Many of the medications currently available address the issue of low blood flow to the penis. To get an erection, the penis must become engorged with blood, and certain conditions, primarily diabetes, affect blood flow and lead to an inability to become erect. Most of the medications available focus on this type of libido problem, properly termed erectile dysfunction, but it is not the whole story when treating male sex drive problems.

Some men experience a decrease in sex drive entirely. The blood flow issue may not be a problem at all, but a man can experience a lack of interest in sex. In these cases, the conventional erectile dysfunction medications are not effective because the man does not feel the desire for the act that he normally would. There are even cases where men experience a lack of libido their entire lives with no underlying explanation for the phenomenon. This is an embarrassing, often difficult, problem to treat, but many herbal and natural treatments are available to help with this particular reproductive problem when the common medications are not helpful.

Causes

The causes of libido loss can stem from many factors in a man’s life. In fact, the inability to achieve an erection can lead to a loss of interest in sex. These cases are usually helped by the use of erectile dysfunction medications, but they do not help every man who has libido issues. Performance anxiety is a common cause of disinterest in sex. Men primarily are concerned with not getting an erection at all or climaxing too soon. This can lead them to avoid sex and not show a deep interest in pursuing it. In addition, stress can keep a man from thinking about sex. If a man’s life is fraught with financial, work, or relationship issues, the desire for sex can drop off significantly.

Many medical reasons influence the libido, as well. Major illnesses, such as cancer and depression, are often culprits in the lack of sexual desire. However, other common chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and alcoholism, affect sexual function on a biological level. Some medications can decrease the desire for sex, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, that are used to treat depression. Finally, relationship issues play are large role in the maintenance of desire. Infidelity, constant fighting, or drifting intimacy can lead a man to avoid sex. Even the increase of respect for a woman, such as after the birth of a child, can lead men to difficulties with libido and performance.

Symptoms

The symptoms of loss of libido are not as clear cut as the ones for erectile dysfunction. In the latter, the outward inability to achieve erection tends to define the whole condition. Loss of libido is often more subtle and influenced by many psychological factors, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. You may notice that you do not touch your significant other outside of the bedroom, often manifesting as a loss of affection. When engaging or attempting to engage in sex, the act does not lead to a feeling of connectedness or intimacy. You are left feeling cold, essentially, whether you could perform or not. In many situations, your partner may be initiating or pressuring you to have sex, and you are less likely to feel libidinous if you feel pressured to perform. Often, partners do not understand what is happening to you and can internalize the problem as their own.

Not surprisingly, loss of libido is often typified by a significant lack of enthusiasm for sex. You may find that the act is routine or mechanical, and this can lead to a disinterest in even attempting to have sex. The frequency of sex decreases, as well, and if you are engaging in the act only once or twice per month, you likely have an issue with libido that needs to be addressed. Another factor to consider is your sexual fantasies. If you do not have any sexual thoughts at all, then you may need to speak to a professional. In addition, not having fantasies about your partner may also be a warning sign that you have a libido problem that needs correction.

Treatments

The treatment for low libido in men revolves largely around the cause. If erectile dysfunction is leading to a lack of sexual desire, medications such as Viagra may solve the problem. Performance anxiety and stress are often helped with the use of a professional counselor or sex therapist. In the same vein, relationship problems can be ironed out with a marriage counselor, and the increased communication can often create a renaissance of the relationship in the physical realm. Your doctor should also check you for underlying medical conditions that may affect erectile function, testosterone levels, and desire.

Low testosterone is often a culprit in lack of libido, but it usually goes undiagnosed in many men. This is because the symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as depression or erectile dysfunction, and men are reluctant to talk about their libido issues. Although medications, such as a testosterone gel, are available to help increase testosterone, many herbal supplements are effective in increasing both testosterone and combatting the issue of reduced blood flow. Tongkat ali is one of the best herbal supplements to use in both cases, and it is readily available without the prescription of a doctor. In addition, many scientific studies have shown that it is effective in increasing sexual desire and satisfaction. Other herbs, such as Korean ginseng and horny goat weed, are also used in assisting men with sexual problems.

Regardless of the type of sexual dysfunction you experience, you can find a solution to the problem. Certain herbal remedies are as effective as Viagra in increasing penile blood flow, and some herbs have been shown to increase testosterone. The important point to remember is that loss of libido is treatable, and in many cases, you can find all natural remedies to effectively solve the problem.

About the author

Fran Sanchez is a biomedical expert and entrepreneur specialized in men’s health and natural supplements, specially focused on testosterone. For more information about how to boost testosterone you can visit HerboLab.