Causes of Low Libido – Could It Be Low-T?

Low Libido is a common concern for men. While everyone experiences a lapse in sex drive now and then, for some guys, the problem crops up frequently. It may even be chronic. Your sexual desire is largely connected to your interpersonal circumstances, but low sex drive may also result from problems under the hood.

Testosterone Deficiency Kills Libido

Testosterone is the key to male sexuality. Without Testosterone, men can't even generate an erection. Testosterone is critical to body composition, strength, bone mineral density, as well as sexual function. Low Libido is one of the primary symptoms of Low-T and can be treated effectively with Testosterone Therapy. When tested, men should measure at least 300 ng/dl of Testosterone, preferably as high as 950 ng/dl. While your sex drive is important, remember that Testosterone is essential to your overall health as well. Low Libido is a strong signal that you may need Prescription Testosterone to safeguard your health and improve your well-being (and also re-ignite your spark in the bedroom)

Medications Can Lower Sex Drive

Many medications can disrupt libido. In some cases, as with prostate cancer, the drugs may be prescribed specifically to suppress Testosterone. Drugs like beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors can block erections and ejaculation specifically. If you experience diminished sex drive due to prescription drugs, your doctor may be able to provide relief via alternate treatment or by adjusting the dosage, among other options. Other drugs that can suppress libido include anti-depressants, steroids, opioids, and chemotherapy treatments, to name a few.

Drinking and Libido

While light alcohol use can help men and women get in gear for sex, heavy and long-term alcohol use can have detrimental effects on libido. Alcohol blocks signal to the genitals, preventing arousal. Alcohol abuse can also just make you less interested in sex, to the point where it's been known to end many a relationship.

Restless Legs Syndrome Signals Erectile Dysfunction Risk

This condition is defined by the unstoppable impulse to shift one's legs. Restless Legs Syndrome isn't fully understood, but it's understood as a neurological disorder. Research has shown that men suffering from the condition are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction or even impotence. A higher frequency of RLS is associated with a higher risk of sexual dysfunction.

Depression Kills Libido

Self-worth is strongly associated with sex drive. Depression can limit romantic desire because it reduces one's passion for things in life that are pleasurable. It dampens your ability to do activities that would otherwise be enjoyable to you. Unfortunately, many anti-depressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Cymbalta reduce sex drive in some patients. If your depression treatment is interfering with your sex life, your doctor can work to make changes to restore libido (Wellbutrin is one example of an anti-depressant that doesn't impact sexual function).

Chronic Illness Depletes Sexual Desire

Your body has a limited pool of resources to draw from to keep you happy and healthy. Your sexual health is not always your body's top priority. Chronic Illness limits libido both from a psychological and physiological perspective. If you're constantly feeling in pain or feeling unwell, you're not going to want to have sex. On the flip side, if your body is dealing with inflammation, chronic pain, or diabetes, it will divert resources away from sexual function to manage those conditions.

Sleep Disruption Causes Libido Problems

Healthy sleep is critical to Testosterone Production. Just a single week of five hours of sleep per night can drastically affect Testosterone. Furthermore, conditions like Sleep Apnea also lead to lower Testosterone because they impede the normal sleep process. Sleep Apnea also puts adverse stress on the cardiovascular system, which can promote symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction.

Stress Makes Romance Difficult

Stress is a combo of psychological and physiological factors that trigger cortisol production. Cortisol is the fight-or-flight hormone and is the enemy of sex drive. When cortisol levels are high, your body prepares itself to defend its survival and puts sexual function on the back burner. Chronic stress leads to a severe Hormone Imbalance that suppresses Testosterone and makes it harder to have satisfying sex.

As You Get Older, Prioritize Your Libido

Aging is associated with the increased prevalence of many factors which impair sexual health. Managing your sex drive is one way to make sure that you protect your body as you get older. A healthy romantic life is associated with a long and fulfilling life. If you believe that Low-T is getting in the way of your romantic well-being, don't be afraid to turn to a qualified professional. What you learn could save your life!

Word Count: 774