Low libido, or a low sex drive, is a common problem in men. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical conditions, emotional issues, and medication side effects. In some cases, low libido may be the result of a combination of these factors.
Some additional factors include:
- Learned behaviors
- Hormones
- Brain Function
- Age
- Medications
- Illness
While sometimes a single factor can be the cause, it is more likely to be several all working against him.
Hormones
One of the most common causes of low libido in men is low testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in sexual desire and function. As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to a decrease in libido. In addition, certain medical conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, can also lead to low testosterone levels and a decrease in libido.
Medications
Medication side effects can also contribute to low libido in men. Many medications, including some antidepressants and blood pressure drugs, can interfere with sexual function and lead to a decrease in libido.
Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may prevent ejaculation and erections.
Other medications that can cause problems include:
For example, blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may prevent ejaculation and erections.
Other medications that can lower testosterone levels include:
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer
- Hormones used to treat prostate cancer
- Corticosteroids
- Opioid pain relievers, such as morphine (MorphaBond, MS Contin) and oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- An antifungal medication called ketoconazole
- Cimetidine (Tagamet), which is used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Anabolic steroids, which may be used by athletes to increase muscle mass
- Certain antidepressants
Mental Issues
Another common cause of low libido in men is psychological issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. These conditions can interfere with a man’s ability to feel sexually aroused and can lead to a decrease in libido. In some cases, low libido may also be the result of relationship problems or other emotional issues.
Clinical depression can affect many different aspects of your life, and mentally, cause you to have problems in the bedroom as well. However, there are certain anti-depressants that are will known to cause low libido and/or ED-like symptoms.
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)
Illnesses
As if you haven’t had enough reasons for a low sex drive already, different illnesses can seriously take their toll on you as well:
- Cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Chronic lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure
- Sleep apnea
Treatments
Treatment for low libido in men typically begins with identifying and addressing any underlying causes. For example, treating medical conditions like diabetes or obesity can help improve testosterone levels and increase libido. In cases where the cause of low libido is psychological, therapy may be recommended to help address the underlying issues.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help increase libido. Testosterone replacement therapy, for example, can help restore normal testosterone levels and improve sexual desire. In addition, medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra can help improve blood flow to the penis and enhance sexual function.
It’s important to talk to a doctor if you are experiencing a low sex drive. While it can be embarrassing to discuss, low libido is a common problem and there are effective treatments available. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your low libido and recommend the best course of treatment. With the right treatment, most men with low libido can experience improved sexual function and a better quality of life.Try
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