6‌ ‌Reasons‌ ‌Why‌ ‌Men‌ ‌Lose‌ ‌Interest‌ ‌in‌ ‌Sex‌ ‌

It is common knowledge that sexuality changes over time. But still, low sex drive, regardless of its prevalence, can be a cause of concern for men and their relationship. Identifying causes why men lose interest in sex may give you the insight to help get your sex life back on track.

Common Reasons Why Men Lose Interest in Sex

A sudden drop in sexual desire usually points to a specific trigger, such as a new medication, an acute illness, high stress, or a relationship conflict. The causes below, most tied to hormones and aging, tend to unfold gradually instead, over months or years.

Several factors can influence long periods of low sex drive. Here are a few potential health causes why men lose interest in sex:

Aging

The gradual decrease in sex drive (libido) in men is common with aging. The rate of decline may vary per individual. However, most men retain some amount of sexual interest up to their 60s and 70s.

Decreased sex drive may be related to low testosterone levels. Testosterone levels in men naturally decrease with time because of factors such as a rise in comorbidities or existing illnesses and the aging population.

Low Testosterone

Low sex drive and erectile dysfunction (ED) are related but different conditions. Low sex drive is a drop in desire, while ED is difficulty getting or keeping an erection, and low testosterone can contribute to both at once. Aging is the primary factor of testosterone decline, and its other common symptoms include depression, decreased brain performance, and lack of energy. Review the common signs of low testosterone to see whether they match what's changed for you.

However, men under 40 may also have low testosterone levels. The finding in a recent study shows a 20% testosterone level deficiency among young males aged 15-39 years old in the United States. The study concluded that total testosterone levels have been declining in young adult men in recent decades, specifically in 2001-2016, compared to the previous years covered in the data analysis.

If you experience the symptoms of low testosterone, consult your doctor for possible treatment options and learn more about how low libido in men is diagnosed. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is one of the ways to treat low testosterone levels among men. Coverage depends on the diagnosis and the insurer, so check whether insurance covers TRT before starting treatment.

Medications Side Effect

Prescription medications may also cause low libido in men due to their side effects.

For example, high cholesterol medications such as statins and fibrates interfere with the production of hormones like testosterone. Statins and fibrates may also cause erectile dysfunction (ED).

Other medications that may decrease testosterone levels include:

• Blood pressure medications
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Benzodiazepines
• Corticosteroids
• Hormones for prostate cancer treatment

Depression

Depression affects six million males in America alone each year. It affects how a person thinks, acts, and feels. People with depression generally lose interest in things they used to enjoy, including sex.

More often, depression in men goes undiagnosed due to different symptoms and because males tend to talk less and seek help.

More often, depression in men goes undiagnosed due to different symptoms and because males tend to talk less and seek help.

Whether low sex drive from an antidepressant can be fixed without stopping the medication depends on the individual and the specific drug. That decision belongs to the prescribing doctor. Raise the side effect directly with the doctor rather than adjusting the dose without guidance. Low sex drive can be a side effect of antidepressants, and most antidepressants cause problems with other sexual functions too, including erectile and orgasm issues.

Can Stress or Relationship Problems Cause Low Sex Drive?

Sexual desire is not only physical. High stress, anxiety, and unresolved relationship conflict can lower a man's interest in sex even when hormone levels and physical health are otherwise normal. Work through the stress or relationship issue directly, and see a doctor to rule out a physical cause such as low testosterone or depression.

Alcohol Dependence

Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in patients with alcohol dependence.

According to a study, the amount of alcohol consumption directly relates to developing sexual dysfunction. The study also revealed that 72% of male subjects with alcohol dependence had more than one sexual dysfunction. The most common being low sexual desire, premature ejaculation, and ED.

Heavy alcohol drinking may also cause a decrease in testosterone and sex drive in the long run.

Drug Abuse

The use of marijuana, tobacco, and illicit drugs links to a decrease in testosterone production.

Research also concludes that male drug abusers were prone to have decreased sexual desire, ED, and delayed ejaculation. ED and low sex drive were most common in heroin users. Meanwhile, delayed ejaculation is common in all drug abusers.

There are several reasons why men lose interest in sex. Causes include aging, mental illnesses, and lifestyle choices linked to decreasing testosterone. How to fix low sex drive depends on its underlying cause, and it is often reversible once that cause is identified and addressed, though age-related decline can typically only be partly offset. See the options on our low libido in men page. Talk to your doctor if the change persists for several weeks or comes with other symptoms, such as fatigue, low mood, or erectile difficulty. An Opt Health telehealth visit starts with bloodwork and a physician consultation to help pin down the cause.

Are you looking to optimize your sexual health? Opt health is a telemedicine platform that aims to reconnect men with wellness, strength, and sexual vitality through the science of preventive medicine. For questions, inquiries, or appointments, do not hesitate to contact us. Get personalized support and insight from top-tier physicians available for you 24/7. 

Meet the physicians behind that care on our medical team page.

What Tests Does a Doctor Run to Find Out Why I Lost Interest in Sex?

A doctor typically orders a morning total testosterone test first, since levels are highest earlier in the day and a single low reading later isn't enough on its own to diagnose anything. Depending on that result, they may add free testosterone, prolactin, LH, FSH, or a thyroid panel, along with a review of current medications and a physical exam. A physician weighs the complete set of results before recommending next steps.

What Should I Do If My Husband Has No Desire for Sex?

Start with an open conversation about what has changed. Low desire in a partner often has an identifiable cause, such as a new medication, stress, a relationship issue, or a shift in his health. Encourage him to see a doctor, since an evaluation can show whether an underlying condition such as low testosterone or depression is a factor. The causes and next steps described above apply whether a partner raises the concern or a man notices the change himself.

What if My Labs Come Back Normal but I Still Have No Sex Drive?

Normal hormone labs do not rule out a cause, since low sex drive is often tied to non-hormonal factors such as stress, relationship conflict, medication side effects, depression, alcohol, or drug use. An Opt Health physician evaluates your daily habits, prescription list, and overall health history alongside your test results to pinpoint what is driving the change. Working through those contributing factors with your doctor gives you a clear path to restore your libido instead of stopping at a standard lab value.