Low libido may put your relationship on the brink of an end. There are several physiological and psychological factors responsible for reducing sex drive. Take a look at some common causes of low libido.
Stress: Stress could mar you in several forms, such as work stress, money troubles, caring for a sick family member and many more. Stress has a negative impact on your sex drive as it disrupts the release of cortisol and epinephrine (or adrenaline).
Health conditions: Systemic illnesses, such as cancer and kidney disease, and chronic illness may also cause hormonal changes that affect sex desire. Illnesses such as renal disease, HIV and diabetes are other medical conditions that decrease libido.
Sleep deprivation: If you are not sleeping well, it may result in low libido. Insomnia, sleep apnoea sleeping difficulties results in low testosterone levels. reduced levels of the hormone is responsible for low libido.
Parenting: The responsibilities of parenting kill sex drive. Women remain involved with toddlers and do not have time to be intimate.
Medications: Medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, oral contraceptives, chemotherapy, anti-HIV drugs, finasteride and synthetic progesterone-medroxy progesterone cause hormonal imbalance which disrupt your normal sexual functions.
Sexual disorders: Sex disorders may lead to low by affecting sexual organs or brain functions. Sexual dysfunctions are also responsible for pain during intercourse, or they may lead to inability of orgasm.
Alcohol: A drink may set the tone for intimacy at times, but not always. It can lower your sex drive, besides being a turn-off for your partner. Same applies to recreational drugs.
Lack of time: Your hectic schedule may interfere in your sex life. You should plan everyday activities in a way that allows time with your partner for intimacy.
Hormonal imbalance: Libido is also affected by hormone levels, such as testosterone and oestrogen. Injury, inflammation and tumours in the testicles are the reasons for low testosterone in men. Among other causes of hormone imbalance include cirrhosis of liver or pituitary diseases.
Depression: Depression can lower your sex drive, just like antidepressants. A depressive illness disrupts bodily systems, dislocates them and slows them down. Due to depression, men experience erection problems while women experience difficulty in reaching orgasm.
Low self-esteem: If your self-esteem suffers, you’ll have poor body image. For instance, you feel ashamed of being out of shape and believe that it may douse intimacy. One of the solutions for lifting your morale is working out, which also increases your sex drive.