Sex drive with a clear desire for intercourse is known as libido. A low libido is quite common in women but men are no exeption. Most men with low libido can achieve erections but they do not have a desire for intercourse. There may be several reasons behind low libido. We have summerized the different causes of low libido in this article here.

How common is low libido?

Low libido in men is far less common then Erectile Dysfunction but this seems a more serious issue because the men with low libido can face serious relationship issues.

Causes of low libido:

Lack of sex desire in men can be of two origions, either physical or psychological.

Physical causes of low libido:

It is possible to determine the physical causes of low libido through the medical diagnosis. Here is a list of the most common physical causes of low libido:

• Use of some medicine such as antidepressants, beta-blockers and hormonal contraception prescriptions, along with certain other medicines can cause low libido.
• Abuse of drugs such as cocaine can cause low libido.
• Being obese or over-weight can also lead to lack of sex desire. Losing weight is the best strategy in this case.
• Excessive use of Alcohol is a very common cause of low libido
• Hyperprolactinaemia – a rare disorder where the pituitary gland produces too much of the hormone prolactin.
• Diabetes
• Low testosterone level
• A poor diet combined with smoking, drinking and lack of exercise can also affect libido. This unhealthy lifestyle can accelerate the lack of testosterone production and results in low libido.

Psychological causes of low libido:

Psychological causes of low libido can have a number of underlying issues. The important factors causing low libido are loss of intimate time, depression, lack of interest, performance anxiety, distraction, loss of privacy, childhood abuse, fatigue, lack of attraction in one’s partner, sexual abuse and stress or trauma.

What to do if you are having low libido?

Speak to your doctor or GP about your condition. They might refer you to a specialist if they can not help you themselves. At the moment there are no drugs to increase male libido but certain therapies can help. However if you have got erectile dysfunction ( which is a different case), your doctor can prescribe you Viagra, Cialis or Levitra for male impotence.

Resources for further information:

• Relate  ( offers relationship counselling and sex therapy )
• British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy  ( Specialist charity for sexual and relationship therapy)
• Sexual Dysfunction Association ( charitable organisation, to help sufferers of male and female sexual problems and their partners and to raise awareness of the extent to which sexual conditions affect the general population)