Treatment for Low Libido in Men: Understanding the Causes and Solutions
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Low libido in men can happen at any point in life and might make you seem less interested in your partner. It could be a different feeling for you and might seem strange to your partner if there is no explanation. Low sex drive has multiple reasons, and treatment options are elaborated on ahead.
Low libido in men - Causes
There are multiple reasons and facets involved but let us look at the most prevalent ones:
Hormonal imbalance - Low levels of testosterone can upset your sexual feelings and might be the reason for the change in libido. Testosterone plays a role in building muscle mass and sperm production and also rules the sex drive. A decrease in testosterone levels is part of aging and could be the reason for low sex drive in older men. However, your doctor can order tests to check your testosterone levels and recommend artificial hormones if you are the right candidate.
Chronic illness - Any health condition can divert your mind and might make sex your last priority. Some health conditions can also affect sperm production or testosterone levels. The common health conditions that could lower your sex drive for one reason or another are diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and organ failure.
Medications - A few prescription medicines can affect testosterone levels which could be the reason for low sex drive. The common medicines with such side effects are corticosteroids, hormones, painkillers, antifungals, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and chemotherapy. Consulting a sexologist could help you with low libido treatment in men. They could look into your medical history and point out that medication is the hidden cause for changes in sex drive.
Sleep - Lack of sleep can make you tired the next day which could affect your mood. Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can affect testosterone levels and decrease the sex drive.
Stress - High-stress levels are easily the major culprit. Stress can have deleterious effects on hormone levels and can even affect the blood supply. Overall, stress makes you weaker and mentally wired up. One could be stressed due to relationship issues, financial crisis, sudden loss of loved ones, work politics, or anything and everything in the world. You have to be in control to lead a stress-free life.
Low self-esteem - You can have a lower sex drive owing to low confidence and poor body image. Not feeling good about yourself will reflect in your sexual encounters and will make the experiences sour. It can cause performance anxiety and could also be the reason for other sexual dysfunctions.
Exercise - Lack of exercise could make you unhealthy and obese. Obesity is the root cause of several chronic diseases which can directly or indirectly affect the sex drive. Regular exercise can improve energy levels and will make you fitter. On the other hand, over-exercise is also harmful and has been shown to lower the sex drive. So remember, balance is the key.
Psychological factors - Sex is a mind game after all, and having mental issues can throw you off balance. Mental illnesses like stress, depression, and anxiety can change your feelings toward sexual intimacy. Other factors that can be the reason for low sex drive are toxic relationships, sexual abuse, sexual trauma, low confidence, etc.
Treatment of low libido
Like other sexual dysfunctions, low sex drive can be treated with the help of an expert. Consult a good sexologist to find the cause and avail low libido in men treatment. The choice of treatment modality will depend on the underlying cause. If a medication or chronic illness is the main reason, treating the conditions will improve the sex drive for most patients. Hormonal replacement therapy is given to men with low testosterone levels. Other than these, tweaking your lifestyle is your best bet. Incorporate healthy eating habits and include more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole foods, nuts, lentils, and eggs in your diet. Make sure to take some time out for exercise every day. Quit smoking and restrict alcohol consumption.
Get into therapy if psychological factors are keeping you from enjoying sex to the fullest. Practice yoga and breathing exercises to calm your mind. Learn the ways to cope with stress and live a content and joyful life. Improve your relationship by expressing love with lovely gestures
and appreciating your partner. Go for frequent dates and communicate openly. Focus on foreplay to make your relationship better.
Bottom Line
Low sex drive can be frustrating for both partners, and the couple may start blaming each other. It only increases the gap and brings more conflict into the relationship. Sexual satisfaction is your right, and you can very well claim it with the help of a good sexologist.