Sexual activities play an important part in a man’s life.
Several studies have even commented on this topic, reporting multiple health benefits offered to a man’s health through sexual intercourse and related activities.
While men are generally able to experience a healthy sex life in their early adulthood, some start to develop problems in the bedroom as they age.
The development of sexual health problems can result in relationship troubles and even have an adverse impact on a man’s confidence.
There are several elements that need to be considered when looking at male sexual problems. A large number of publications focus primarily on erectile dysfunction, but a low sex drive is also a very common problem among the male population.
When it comes to looking at what causes low libido, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration. In this post, we aim to help men understand why they may have a low sex drive.
About Libido
Libido has become a relatively popular term in the modern-day. The term refers to a person’s desire to participate in sexual activities, generally with a partner. Sometimes, libido is also described as a sexual drive.
There are several factors that play a part in a man’s libido – and when any of these becomes problematic, a low sex drive can develop.
The four most important elements that are related to libido include:
- Physical health
- Emotional health
- Mental health
- Social health
In particular, these refer to the relation that each seems to play with a connection to a person’s sexuality. In the modern-day, libido is not only considered a factor that relates to the man’s desire for sex.
Many experts are also now considering libido a potential health indicator. Men with low libido are often found to have underlying health problems. When considered an indication, some of these conditions may be recognized at an early stage.
8 Things That Are Killing Your Sex Drive
There are several factors in life that can adversely affect sexual desire in men.
By understanding what may kill your sex drive, it becomes easier to understand why you have been experiencing low libido. This also ensures you can implement appropriate actions to make the adjustments needed in your life.
We take a look at eight of the most common reasons that make men complain about low libido.
1. Being Overweight Or Obese
Obesity rates in the US have already surpassed 42% by 2018 and continue to rise. The presence of excess fat in the human body is linked to a large number of adverse health effects.
If you are currently overweight or obese, this could be the reason behind several health problems you are experiencing – including a decline in your libido.
Studies show that obesity has a strong link to chronic diseases that are known to result in premature death. This includes type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and even certain cancers. These diseases can all interact with your ability to have a healthy and satisfying sex life.
When you develop a condition that affects the blood circulatory system, blood flow can decrease. If your body cannot push enough blood to your pelvis, then erections become a problem. This, in turn, contributes to a reduction in your libido as well.
Type 2 diabetes is known as a major cause of nerve damage, which can also have an impact on your penis and its ability to get hard during sexual activities.
In one study, researchers showed a strong link between low libido and the presence of erectile problems.
2. Hormonal Problems And Imbalances
Testosterone is a sex hormone that needs to be present in abundance within the male body. The hormone plays multiple roles in various parts of the body, and this includes the genitals.
While a low level of testosterone does not hold a direct connection to erectile dysfunction, some studies have shown potential links. In particular, it does seem like low testosterone levels may contribute to a decrease in sexual desire.
3. Insufficient Sleep
Poor sleep is a major problem throughout the entire world. The average person needs at least seven hours of sleep each night, yet many people are unable to achieve this amount of sleep.
When you suffer from sleep deficiency, you may start to develop several adverse effects. Studies also show a strong connection that exists between sleep disorders and the development of sexual dysfunction.
In one study, researchers explain that poor sleep may be a possible reason behind erectile problems. The increase in stress, along with the higher risk of obesity, also makes poor sleep a factor that can contribute to a decline in your sex drive.
4. Too Much Stress
Stress is something that we all need to cope with on a daily basis. Some people, however, may have more stress than they are able to cope with in a healthy and normal way.
The consistent exposure to stress causes the body to frequently release a hormone known as cortisol. Excessive secretion of this hormone can lead to inflammation and potentially affect the individual’s sexual health.
One study found that high cortisol levels may cause a reduction in the response a person has to sexual stimuli while also causing them to experience problems with their sexual arousal.
5. Depression And Mental Illness
Similar to how stress can be a reason behind your low libido, the presence of other mental problems can also contribute to these issues.
Depression is a mental illness that causes depressive and sad thoughts on a regular basis. It may also contribute to the presence of anxious feelings.
Studies show that low sexual desire is one of the most commonly reported sexual difficulties among people with depression. Some men also find it difficult to achieve arousal during sex.
6. Poor Dietary Habits
A diet that is filled with processed foods, high sodium content, and a lot of added sugars is also a sure way to adversely affect a man’s sexual health.
Processed foods generally contain trans fats and large amounts of sodium. This causes arteries to become blocked while also increasing blood pressure at the same time. Both of these factors can have an impact on sexual function.
7. Physical Inactivity
The body needs to remain active to retain a healthy amount of lean mass while also keeping fat mass at a low percentage. If you are not physically active, you put your body at several risks – such as weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory problems.
In turn, this can make you feel like you do not have energy – resulting in poor sexual stamina. Physical inactivity can also be a contributing factor, particularly due to the complications, behind erectile dysfunction on low libido.
8. Dehydration
Many people do not realize just how many roles fluids play in their bodies. When you fail to drink enough water and fluids, your body may become dehydrated.
One particular study found that there is a relationship between dehydration, depression, and sexual dysfunction. A large number of these men also complained about having a low libido.
Other Causes Of Low Libido
While the factors we discussed are relatively common reasons for men to develop sexual desire disorder, it is important to note that there are other causes of low libido.
If lifestyle changes do not seem to make a difference, it is important to consider seeing a doctor. Sometimes, a medical condition is behind the reduced libido. In this case, the underlying causes of low libido need to be addressed in order to treat the hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
Some medications have also been shown to result in sexual dysfunction among men. This may not only include the development of low libido but could also cause signs of erectile dysfunction to manifest.
Medications used to treat hypertension are a common culprit behind poor sexual function. This includes both ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. If you have recently started taking these drugs, then consider them a potential cause.
Additionally, some men experience sexual difficulties when they start taking antidepressants. This can also happen if your physician recently decided to put you on a different type of antidepressant.
Apart from these factors, consider the presence of any other sexual dysfunctions as well. A man with erectile dysfunction, for example, may eventually start to develop a low sex drive.
When you are unable to get an erection or keep one long enough to please yourself and your partner, then you may become self-conscious. In this case, your libido suffers in the process.
Conclusion
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is one of the most common references made when men ask what causes low libido. In the presence of poor sexual desire, men may also start to develop complications, such as symptoms related to erectile dysfunction.
By understanding what causes low libido, it is possible for men to take appropriate actions. This may, in turn, help to address the sexual dysfunction and improve the man’s abilities in the bedroom.
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