Physical and psychological issues can cause low libido in men; so don’t hesitate to book your appointment at Modern Care Clinic with dr. Fouad Khoury, to continue a normal sexual life and to avoid problems in your relationship.
What is low libido in men?
Low libido in men describes a decreased interest in sexual activity; it means that the man is losing interest in sex from time to time.
Why does libido decrease in men?
-Low testosterone
Testosterone is an important male hormone, produced in the testicles.
Testosterone is important for:
-building muscles and bone mass,
-sperm production,
-your sex drive.
A young man with a low testosterone level will have a low libido; but with age, it’s normal to have a diminution of the testosterone hormone, and if it will be an issue for the older man; he will be able to consult his doctor to take supplements to increase his testosterone levels.
-Medications
Taking certain medications can cause low libido in males by reducing testosterone hormone level:
-blood pressure medications,
-chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer,
-hormones used to treat prostate cancer,
-corticosteroids,
-certain antidepressants.
-Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome is the uncontrollable urge to move your legs.
Men with RLS are at higher risk for developing erectile dysfunction (ED) than those without RLS, which will cause a low sex drive.
-Depression
Depression may be the main cause of decreased sexual desire in men; low libido is also a side effect of some antidepressants, including:
-serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
-Chronic illness
Several chronic illnesses can reduce your sex drive:
-Type 2 diabetes.
-Obesity.
-High blood pressure.
-High cholesterol.
-Chronic lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure.
-Sleep problems
-Aging
With age, the testosterone level and the man’s sexual capacity are reduced, which leads to a decrease in SEXUAL PLEASURE AND DESIRE.
-Stress
-Low self-esteem
Low self-esteem may also cause anxiety about sexual performance; which can lead to issues with the erection, and reduced sexual desire.
-Alcohol
Alcohol abuse decreases the production of testosterone.
-Drug use
Side effects of low libido
A decreased sex drive is a very big issue for a man, it leads to several psychological problems like:
-Depression.
-Loss of self-confidence.
–Erectile dysfunction.
-Relationship conflict.
-Low self-esteem.
How to treat low libido in men?
The treatment of low libido in men depends on the cause; treatments include:
-Live a healthier lifestyle: eating a healthier diet, sleep enough, reduce stress, reduce alcohol consumption.
-Switch medication, if the one you’re on is affecting your libido.
-Testosterone replacement therapy.
– If your low libido has psychological causes, you may need to visit a therapist for relationship counseling.
You should know your body and tell your doctor what you’re feeling; that’s the only way to know if the problem is physical, psychological, or both.
You should know that the medications that help you get and keep erections don’t boost libido.