Common causes of low sex drive in males

Low sex drive, or libido, may stem from low testosterone, lack of sleep, stress, substance use, and more. If changes in your sex drive concern you, a doctor can offer more guidance. Low

libido describes a decreased interest in sexual activity. It’s common to lose interest in sex from time to time, and libido levels vary throughout your life. However, low libido for a long

period of time can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying health condition. Here are a few potential causes of low libido in males. Low testosterone Testosterone is an important male

hormone that’s mostly produced in the testicles. It plays a key role in: * sperm production * sex drive * puberty * muscle building * bone health * cognition Healthy testosterone levels for

males range between 450 and 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), according to the American Urological Association (AUA). However, adult males are considered to have low testosterone if

levels fall below 300 ng/dL. When your testosterone levels decrease, your desire for sex also decreases. Decreasing testosterone is a normal part of aging, but a drastic drop can lead to

decreased libido. Speak with a healthcare professional if you think this might be an issue for you. They could provide a proper diagnosis and recommend supplements or gels to increase your

testosterone levels. Medications Taking certain medications could lower your testosterone levels, which in turn could lead to low libido. According to the International Society for Sexual

Medicine, these may include: * high blood pressure medications * certain antidepressants * chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer * opioid pain relievers * an antifungal medication

called ketoconazole * cimetidine (Tagamet), which is used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) If you’re experiencing the effects of low testosterone and take any of

these medications, speak with a doctor. They may advise you to switch medications. Depression Depression may lead to a reduced or complete lack of interest in activities you once found

pleasurable, such as sex. Low libido is also a side effect of some antidepressants, including: * serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine and duloxetine

(Cymbalta) * selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) Speak with a

doctor if you’re taking antidepressants and experience low libido. They might address your side effects by adjusting your dose or having you switch to another medication. Learn more about

depression and sexual health. Chronic illness Research suggests that chronic conditions in males most commonly affect two aspects of sexual function: libido and erectile function. Chronic

conditions that may affect sexual desire include: * heart disease * chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) * type 2 diabetes * chronic pain * cancer * obesity * high blood pressure *

high cholesterol * chronic lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure If you’re living with a chronic condition and are sexually active, it’s important to be open about ways to be intimate and

supportive. You may also consider speaking with a sex therapist. Sleep problems Several sleeping disorders and conditions that could affect your sleep are associated with decreased libido,

erectile dysfunction, and low testosterone levels. These may include: * obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) * insomnia * circadian rhythm sleep disorder * periodic limb movement disorder *

narcolepsy * frequent urination at night (nocturia) If you experience decreased libido and sleep disturbances, speak with a healthcare professional. They may recommend a treatment plan that

could include home remedies to sleep better and medication. Aging Testosterone levels, which are linked to libido, are at their highest during adolescence and gradually decrease as you age.

This could lower your sex drive, and you may find it more difficult to: * orgasm * ejaculate * become aroused * have or maintain erections A healthcare professional could recommend a

treatment plan to help manage low libido and testosterone levels. Stress If you’re distracted by situations or periods of high pressure, sexual desire may decrease. Research suggests that an

increase in cortisol, also called the “stress hormone,” could disrupt hormone levels, lower libido, and increase your risk of erectile dysfunction. Similarly, a 2019 study found that stress

and personal burnout were associated with lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and decreased sexual satisfaction in males. Some stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises,

meditation, and talking with a therapist, may help improve libido. Low self-esteem Self-esteem is defined as a person’s general opinion about their own self. Low self-esteem could take a

toll on your sexual, emotional, and physical well-being. It may also cause anxiety about sexual performance, which could lead to issues with erectile dysfunction, reduced sexual desire, and

avoiding sex altogether. Over time, self-esteem issues can result in larger mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and drug or alcohol misuse — all of which have been linked to

low libido. Learn more about how to improve self-esteem and fight insecurity. Too little (or too much) exercise Too little or too much exercise can also be responsible for low sex drive in

males. For instance, too little exercise (or none at all) can lead to a range of health problems that can affect sexual desire and arousal, such as: * obesity * high blood pressure * type 2

diabetes * stroke * high cholesterol * mental health disorders On the other hand, over-exercising has also been shown to affect sexual health. In a 2017 study, higher levels of intense and

lengthy endurance training on a regular basis were strongly associated with decreased libido scores in males. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends getting at least 150 minutes of

moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of high intensity exercise weekly. Alcohol Heavy alcohol drinking, or more than 15 drinks in a week, is associated with a decrease in testosterone.

Over a long period of time, excessive amounts of alcohol can reduce your sex drive and lead to erectile dysfunction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that males

drink two or fewer alcoholic beverages daily. Any more than this can lead to long-term health issues. However, it’s important to note that even drinking one or two drinks daily doesn’t

provide benefits to health and longevity, as has been believed for years. Drug use In addition to alcohol, the use of some substances and illegal drugs may lower your testosterone levels and

affect sexual desire. These may include: * anabolic steroids * cannabis * nicotine * amphetamines Physical and emotional side effects of low libido A decreased sex drive can be very

unsettling. Low libido can lead to a vicious cycle of physical and emotional side effects, such as: * stress * low self-esteem * erectile dysfunction * anxiety around sex * relationship

problems If you experience low libido and it’s affecting your daily activities and mental well-being, speak with a healthcare professional. They could help develop a plan to increase your

sex drive, which may include: * lifestyle and dietary changes * therapy, counseling, and group support * medications, such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) Learn more about how to

increase your libido. Frequently asked questions WHY IS MY SEX DRIVE SO LOW AS A MALE? Some causes for low sex drive in males include low testosterone, stress, low self-esteem, taking

certain medications, and heavy alcohol use, among others. HOW DO I GET MY SEX DRIVE BACK AS A MALE? Some natural ways to increase your sex drive include exercising, eating a well-balanced

diet, getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night, speaking with a therapist, and practicing stress-reducing activities. AT WHAT AGE DOES A MALE’S SEX DRIVE SLOW DOWN? Research suggests

that a male’s testosterone levels decrease by up to 2% each year after age 30 years, which could slow down sexual desire. HOW DO YOU AROUSE A MALE WITH LOW TESTOSTERONE? If low testosterone

is still present after any causes have been treated, such as alcohol use, chronic illness, stress, and depression, you may need to speak with a psychosexual therapist. They could help

provide a specific treatment plan for you. Takeaway Low libido is when you experience a low sex drive. Several causes may be attributed to low libido, such as taking certain medications, low

testosterone levels, and being stressed. Speak with a healthcare professional if your sex drive is low. They could help develop a treatment plan for you.