When You Don’t Feel Like Having Sex: Causes of Low Libido in Men

A picture of Anne Marie Ponce de Leon

Anne Marie Ponce de Leon

Sex is such an essential part of life and well-being, as it plays a significant role in physically and emotionally bonding with your loved one. Sexual intercourse isn’t necessary for all relationships, but it certainly is to some! In other relationships, having a sexual connection with their partner helps them become closer to each other and have a healthy romantic connection. 

The Role of Pleasure in Sex

Sex is universal, as it provides satisfaction and happiness to anyone who engages in it, no matter their background, gender, or race. As long as the sex feels good, people will keep having it until they no longer can. But, that’s the thing—sex has to feel good!

Stimulating your desires and enjoying sexual behaviors and practices is necessary to feel fully satisfied. People don’t merge bodies for no reason—understanding one’s own sexual desires and responses and fulfilling those desires during sex is one reason why people engage in it in the first place. 

However, not everyone feels pleasure during sex or is interested in it, to begin with. Asexual people aren’t sexually attracted to others, and celibate individuals abstain from sexual relations. Meanwhile, some don’t have sex, not out of choice but because of their libido! Some men may find it challenging to engage in sexual activity because of their decreased interest in sex.

Low Libido in Men

Sex drive, usually described as libido, refers to a person’s urge to satisfy their sexual needs. Men aren’t exactly “crazy” about sex, but they have much stronger sex drives than women. In general, men want sex more often than women, and they think about it a few times a day, too.

Although this is true for most men, some don’t experience this sexual urge—there is a small percentage of men who don’t want sex because of their low sex drives. 

Low libido refers to the decrease in sex drive, which interferes with a man’s sexual activity. Losing interest in sex sometimes is common, but having low libido for a long time can instill guilt and doubt in each other, causing a strain in your relationship. 

Causes of Low Sex Drive

Various things can cause your low sex drive; it could be physical, psychological, or both. Low libido isn’t as insignificant as you think—who knows, it may be an indicator of an underlying health condition!

Testosterone is an essential male hormone that builds muscles and bone mass, stimulating sperm production, and affects your sex drive. The average testosterone levels vary, but adult males whose levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) have low testosterone. 

Decreasing testosterone levels is a normal part of aging, but the following factors can also cause it:

Medications

Taking medications can significantly impact your testosterone levels, as some drugs can prevent ejaculation and erections. 

Some medications that can lower your libido include:

  • Blood pressure medications
  • ACE inhibitors
  • Beta-blockers
  • Chemotherapy
  • Morphine
  • Cimetidine
  • Anabolic steroids
  • Specific antidepressants

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

RLS causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them. Men with RLS are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction, which occurs when a man can’t get and maintain an erection. Those with more frequent RLS episodes have a high possibility of becoming impotent in the future.

Sleep Problems

Men who have sleep conditions or sleep less than five hours per night have reduced levels of testosterone. If you haven’t been sleeping enough or have obstructive sleep apnea, then this might be why you haven’t been as interested in having sex as before.

Conclusion

Low libido is a common problem that affects many men, but this doesn’t mean that you should ignore it. When not dealt with immediately, your low sex drive can have a significant impact on your life! If you want to do something with your testosterone levels, you can reach out to a doctor who can treat your condition with testosterone therapy.

Have you been looking for a Houston medical clinic to help you with your low sex drive? Our experts at Z Med Clinic can treat your problem swiftly and effectively! Through testosterone replacement therapy, we can treat your diminished libido or erectile dysfunction. Book your appointment today!

Anne Marie Ponce de Leon

Medical Director

About Anne Marie Ponce de Leon

Anne Marie Ponce de Leon MD is a proud native Houstonian. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Houston Baptist University with a double major in Biology and History. For medical school, she attended the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston (recently renamed McGovern Medical School). She began her family practice training at Tufts University Medical School in Boston, MA, but subsequently returned to Houston where she completed her residency at the Memorial Southwest Family Practice Program.

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