Losing interest in sexual activity from time to time is a common thing but if it happens too often, you need to consult a health physician. So when your libido (low sexual drive) remains low all the time, it will impact your marriage life.
Furthermore, it is not just your spouse, it is also about you. If you are facing an all-time low libido, it means that you might have some underlying health condition. Therefore, it is important to know the cause of it.
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So what causes low libido?
There are several factors that can trigger a low libido. It involves both physical and psychological factors. So here are the reasons that might be the cause of it.
1. A low testosterone level
Testosterone is produced in testicles and it has an important role in determining the sexual performance in men. Besides sexual performance, testosterone is also involved in building bone mass, muscles and also stimulates sperm production.
There isn’t a fixed number for a normal level of testosterone. But if the level falls below 300 ng/dL, it is considered low. This level is determined by the American Urological Association (AUA). Therefore, if you have are an adult man and your testosterone level is below 300 ng/dL you need treatment.
Although decreasing levels of testosterone is a normal thing with aging but if you are at your prime age, it is a serious issue. With a lower testosterone level, your sexual desire will be decreased and it greatly impacts your relationship with your partner. Therefore, you have to talk to your doctor. He will prescribe some supplements for you or might give some gel. After taking the medicines, you will eventually get back to your normal self.
2. Heavy medications
There are certain medicines that cause a decrease in the testosterone levels in men. Thus, they eventually suffer from a lower libido after taking those medications.
For instance, the beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors that are a common blood pressure medication are responsible for causing libido. Furthermore, there are several other medications that impact erection and ejaculation and thus, your sexual performance. These include;
- Radiation and chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer
- Hormonal cure for the treatment of prostate cancer
- Corticosteroids
- Heartburn medications, especially cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Ketoconazole – an antifungal medication
- Opioid pain relievers that include oxycodone (i.e. OxyContin and Percocet) and morphine (i.e. MorphaBond and MS Contin)
If you are taking any of the above-mentioned medication and have experienced a low libido, talk to your doctor. He will then change your medication if possible. Otherwise, he can prescribe you some other treatment.
3. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless leg syndrome is an uncontrollable impulse to move your legs. Research studies have shown that men who have restless leg syndrome are at a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Thus, eventually resulting in low libido. Consequently, the man is unable to maintain an erection.
According to the research study, the men who encountered RLS 5 times a month were at a 50 percent higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) as compared to the others. Consequently, such men are also highly likely to become completely impotent.
4. Depression
Depression is not just a disease itself but it changes the life of a person completely. People who are suffering from depression are at a higher risk of developing several other diseases. Of course, having a lower sex drive and losing erectile functioning is one of those. Therefore, people who have suffered from depression or are still suffering might have a lack of interest in sex.
Although depression itself can cause a lack of interest in pleasurable activities but the medication is also no joke. Some of the medications that you take for treating depression might result in lower libido. The antidepressants include;
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) – these include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) – Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is one of the examples of SNRIs
These two types of medications are found to be responsible for impacting the sexual activity of men. Therefore, if you encounter any such side effects, it is better to talk to your doctor. He can switch your medication.
Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NRDI) medications that include Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR) does not impact sexual activity. Therefore, instead of leaving your anti-depressants, you can simply change them. Furthermore, if the doctor cannot change the medication he can change its dose. That is why it is extremely important to discuss things with your doctor on time. Otherwise, you might have to get a separate treatment for treating your low libido.
5. Chronic illnesses
A number of chronic illnesses are also found to be the cause of impacting men’s sexual desire. It is a thing of common sense. For example, you are suffering from chronic pain, of course, sex would not be your priority. Furthermore, certain diseases directly impact your erection and sperm production.
For instance, Cancer is responsible for the reduction in sperm production and sperm count. Some of the other diseases that can result in impacting your sexual desire involves;
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Chronic liver and heart failure
- Chronic lung and kidney failure
6. Sleeping disorders
Research studies show that men who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are highly likely to experience lower testosterone. Thus, with a lower testosterone level, you will eventually lose your sexual drive and suffer from low libido.
Furthermore, another research study conducted on young and healthy men has shown a reduction in testosterone levels with lower sleep. These men got only 5 hours of sleep per night in a week. As a result, their testosterone level decreased by 10 – 15 percent.
