Libido is a Latin word meaning desire and is used to describe sexual desire in both men and women. Low libido in men represents a loss of interest in or motivation for sexual activity and can affect overall health as well as self-esteem and intimacy.
Our libido naturally rises and falls at times and perhaps to get out of sync with our partner’s libido. Stress, fatigue, and other health matters can affect libido temporarily. But if an otherwise healthy person’s libido slumps for an extended time, something may be wrong.
In this article, we discuss a variety of causes of low libido in men and the treatments available for it. Here are some of the possible causes of low libido in healthy men:
Low Testosterone
Testosterone is an important hormone in men. In addition to stimulating sperm production, testosterone is also integral to building bone and muscle mass. Low testosterone is so prevalent cause of low libido that some of the additional causes below first cause low testosterone on their way to causing low libido.
A doctor can assist you in checking your testosterone, which you will want to confirm is above 300 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). Low testosterone reduces desire for sexual activity. Low testosterone is treatable but requires a prescription. Your doctor may prescribe oral supplements (tablets) or gels that apply testosterone topically for absorption through the skin.
Medications
Unfortunately, many medicines lower testosterone which in turn usually lowers libido. A common occurrence is a drop in testosterone in patients who have started a blood pressure regulation regimen. ACE inhibitors and beta blockers used in the treatment of high blood pressure often prevent erections and ejaculation. Other examples of medications known to reduce libido include chemotherapy, corticosteroids, opiate pain relievers, and notoriously antidepressants.
If your low testosterone is caused by a medication, your doctor may be able to adjust dosage or suggest an alternative. However, the drug therapies involved tend to be important treatments that cannot always be changed or stopped. Speak with a doctor to assess drug interactions and determine if a better regimen is available for you.
If your low testosterone is caused by a medication, your doctor may be able to adjust dosage or suggest an alternative. Speak with a doctor to assess drug interactions and determine if a better regimen is available for you.
Sleep Deficit
Research has shown that men with obstructive sleep apnea experience lower testosterone levels, lower libido, and decreased sexual activity. In a separate study, as little as one week of reduced sleep was sufficient to cause a 10-15% drop in testosterone levels even in healthy men under 30 years of age.
To restore healthy sleeping patterns, first use common sense. Set and keep a specific bedtime, remove distractions and noise, and darken the room if circumstance or career require you to sleep during daytime hours. To get started on a better sleep schedule, use a cocktail of vitamin D3, magnesium and melatonin to relax your mind and body prior to bed. If these natural treatments do not resolve your sleeping problems, speak with a doctor for higher treatments.
Stress
Stress’s effect on sexual desire is much more than stress simply “ruining the mood”. In reality, stress affects libido and sexual capacity in a number of tangible, physiological ways. First, stress constricts blood vessels, the exact opposite function of Viagra. In addition stress interferes with hormone levels in the body.
Managing stress is a highly nuanced target. Stressors are often outside our scope of control and may be treatable only by better coping skills. There are reliable stress management techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and therapy with a counselor. And these treatments work not just on stress but on low libido. In a 2013 study, men who were recently diagnosed with erectile dysfunction showed significant improvement in erectile functioning after attending an eight-week stress management course.
Finally, do not place your cellphone in your pants pocket as EMF has been shown to lower both testosterone and sperm counts.
Lifestyle
When treating you for low libido, your doctor may ask some logical preliminary questions to make sure that certain lifestyle choices are not undermining you from the start. Your relationship with exercise affects your libido, as does your relationship with alcohol and/or cigarettes. Be up front with your doctor as these factors may be the root, and recovery from many of these conditions can be supported by medical treatment as well.
Finally, do not place your cellphone in your pants pocket as EMF has been shown to lower both testosterone and sperm counts.
Are you suffering from any of the symptoms discussed here? If you have questions about your gut microbiome and how to protect it, connecting with a doctor in a discrete setting has never been easier.
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