A healthy sex life is important for many relationships. However, it’s common for people to experience fluctuations or declines in their libido or sex drive. There are various factors that can contribute to low sex drive. Being aware of the potential causes can help you identify and address any underlying issues. Here, we explore some of the most common reasons people may experience reduced sexual desire.
Physical Health Issues
Physical health problems can negatively impact sex drive in both men and women. Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity often interfere with sexual functioning. Chronic pain, mobility issues and incontinence may also get in the way of desire. Certain medications, including antidepressants, blood pressure drugs and benzodiazepines, frequently have sexual side effects. Always talk to your doctor if you think a prescription could be dampening your libido.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones are intrinsically linked to sex drive, so any fluctuations can affect desire. Menopause is a major cause of lowered libido among middle-aged women as oestrogen levels decline. But hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy and childbirth, and disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid problems also influence hormones and libido. For men, testosterone levels naturally fall with age, while conditions like hypogonadism lead to testosterone deficiency. Seeking medical advice can help diagnose and treat any hormonal imbalances.
Psychological Issues
Mental health and psychological factors play a sizeable role in sexual desire. Depression, anxiety, stress and low self-esteem commonly reduce libido. Trauma or negative sexual experiences in the past can also undermine desire. Relationship problems like poor communication or trust issues may dim enthusiasm for sex. It’s important to communicate openly with your partner and doctor about any psychological barriers to intimacy. Counselling or sex therapy can help overcome mental blocks.
Lifestyle Habits
Unhealthy lifestyle habits can hamper your sex drive. Lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drug use all have adverse effects. Being significantly overweight or underweight also correlates with reduced desire. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise impede blood circulation and energy levels needed to fuel arousal. Evaluating your daily habits and making positive changes to diet, activity levels, sleep and stress management may boost libido.
Imbalanced Levels of Yeast or Bacteria in the Body
Candida is a type of yeast naturally found in the body. When candida levels get out of balance, an overgrowth can occur, causing various candida symptoms. Candida infections commonly affect the mouth, gut and vagina and may result from antibiotic use or compromised immunity. Candida symptoms possibly linked to candida overgrowth include chronic fatigue, digestive issues, recurring infections, brain fog and reduced libido. A candida test can diagnose an overgrowth. Treatment for candida involves antifungal medications, probiotics and dietary changes to discourage yeast growth and reinstate balance. Controlling candida levels may alleviate associated sexual symptoms.
Libido varies over time and depends on many intersecting factors. If you’re worried about a low sex drive, consider potential physical illnesses, hormonal fluctuations, emotional issues, unhealthy habits and imbalanced levels of yeast or bacteria. Staying attuned to your body and communicating openly with your partner is key to maintaining a healthy, satisfying sex life.
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