9 low libido solutions

Many people think a high sex drive in men is the norm, but many men have a low libido. So today’s subject is essential: how to increase sex drive in men!

What Causes a Low Libido? 

As we age, our sex drive fluctuates, although we should note that many older men still have a good sex drive.

Most men fall into a wide range when it comes to libido. From high libido and sexual addiction to the opposite end of the spectrum, men with low libido who may be experiencing hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Let’s talk more about the nine causes of a decreased sex drive and the solutions available to increase sex drive in men.

Imbalanced Hormones

Low levels of the testosterone hormone in the body may affect libido. Hormonal imbalance can be caused by: 

  • Testicular tumours, or other injuries or inflammation
  • Diseases of the pituitary gland
  • Cirrhosis of the liver.

#1 Solution: If a man thinks he has a hormonal imbalance, the best solution is a checkup with his doctor. Low testosterone gets diagnosed following two separate testosterone level tests.

Complications With Prescription Medications

Prescription medications affect sexual desire

Some drugs affect the male sex drive in limited or more severe ways. Check to see if any of these medications apply to you:

  • Statins
  • Beta-blockers
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Antipsychotics
  • Antidepressants
  • Anticonvulsants.

#2 Solution: If the prescription treats a chronic condition, you can’t stop taking the drug altogether, but the dosage may be adjustable. Always ask your doctor if it’s possible to switch medicines or other alternatives.

Issues With Mental Health

We know the deep connection that exists between physical and mental health. These issues are treatable, and the benefits can include an increased sex drive in men.

We’ve grouped three common mental health concerns under this category and the solutions available for each situation:

Depression 

A depressed person often suffers from a low sex drive, and it’s like a vicious circle making depression worse. Antidepressants may affect sexual desire, even as they’re treating symptoms of depression.

#3 Solution: It’s worth talking to your doctor if you’re depressed or taking an antidepressant that may be causing low libido. You may be able to switch to a different drug or lower your current dosage, and in time, low libido can improve.

Stress

Many of us experience stress on many levels: work, family, finances, and our relationships with those closest to us. All of these life events may affect the sex drive.

#4 Solution: Trained therapists can help you work through stress, and stress management techniques, meditation, and breathing exercises aren’t a joke⁠—they can help increase sex drive in men!

Self-esteem issues

People with a low opinion of themselves often deal with a low sex drive, which contributes negatively to their emotional health and general well-being. Looking in a mirror and disliking what you see can make anyone want to avoid sex entirely. 

If this continues, it can worsen and lead to more profound depression, anxiety, and even alcohol and drug dependency, affecting libido more.

#5 Solution: Opening up to a qualified psychologist is the most positive step to regaining a positive and healthy self-image. 

Now let’s talk about habits and how they affect sex drive.

How Lifestyle and Habits Decrease a High Sex Drive in Men

overweight causes testosterone drop

There’s no denying that certain habits can harm sex drive.

Dependency on alcohol and recreational drugs 

A drink may make you feel less inhibited, but overdrinking or taking too many drugs often impairs the nervous system and makes a person tired, so arousal doesn’t happen. 

Being overweight

An unhealthy weight affects how the body metabolizes food and can impair hormone functions, causing testosterone levels to drop. By gradually losing weight in healthy ways, you can improve your mood, energy, and sex drive.

Smoking Nicotine

Cigarette smoking is scientifically linked to increased erectile dysfunction (ED) cases, which means smoking indirectly lowers the sex drive.

Frequency of exercise

Bodybuilders may appear to have a high sex drive for men, but research has shown that high-frequency, intense exercise can lower sex drive. On the other hand, infrequent or no activity often causes a decreased libido too.

Sleep Deprivation

Anyone suffering from a lack of sleep knows how it can affect your mind, body, and libido.

#6 Solutions to bad lifestyle habits: You’ve probably heard this more than once, but it’s worth repeating! Making small, gradual changes to your lifestyle can make you healthier and improve your sex drive. 

While we always recommend that you see a doctor for a physical, you can start on a better lifestyle path by: 

  • Starting a moderate exercise program with a nightly walk around the neighbourhood
  • Cutting back on junk food and eating a few servings of fruit and vegetables each day
  • Limiting your meals to healthy portions for weight management
  • Getting to bed earlier and not watching TV before you try to sleep.

Lifestyle Changes With Age

Lifestyle changes with age

As people age, it’s natural for the sex drive to decrease gradually. Of course, it varies in people, but many men experience sexual urges well into their 70s.

Knowing this, you can be easier on yourself if you take longer to get aroused or ejaculate during orgasm. An erection may not be as firm, and that’s fine too.

#7 Solutions for aging: If any sexual conditions are troubling you or inhibiting your desire as you age, treatments can help!

The Effect of Chronic Illnesses

Chronic illness often causes fatigue and pain, resulting in lower libido. These chronic conditions are known to impact desire:

  • Kidney failure
  • Heart diseases
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Cancers
  • Arthritis.

#8 Solution: There are tremendous benefits of discussing the effects of your chronic condition on your sexual desire that can improve your libido. Whether you find a couples counsellor or sex therapist or sit and talk it over with your partner, it’s all helpful.

As we mentioned with prescription drugs, your medications for a chronic condition can impair your sex drive. So, again, your doctor can advise if a urologist referral could help your situation.

Erectile Dysfunction 

Low libido and ED

Low libido is common with erectile dysfunction (ED). It can cause anxiousness, shaken confidence, and fear of recurrence. 

#9 Solution: The possible causes of ED range from mental health concerns, poor habits, genetics, or side effect to chronic conditions and disease. Those are numerous issues, and it requires multiple treatment strategies.

How to Increase Sex Drive in Men With Erectile Dysfunction

Oakwood Health Network offers solutions to treat all forms of ED and sexual dysfunctions, including low libido and other issues impacting sex drive in men. 

Our strategies to increase sex drive in men always consider your mental and physical health, relationships, lifestyle, and any stresses you’re feeling. Then, we design an effective treatment program based on your individual needs, with no judgment.

So what do you do first? Start by being kinder to yourself. Begin a moderate exercise program, try to eat a bit more healthily each day, and get to sleep earlier. You can also take our free Self-Assessment Test online, which is the first step we offer. Then, when ready, schedule your FREE consultation with Oakwood Health Network and get your mojo back!

 

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Stritof, S., 2022. Causes of Low Sex Drive in Men (and How to Fix It). [online] Verywell Mind. Available at: <https://www.verywellmind.com/potential-remedies-for-male-low-libido-2300704> [Accessed 20 June 2022].

Feintuch, S., 2019. Common Causes of Low Libido and No Sex Drive in Men. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/conditions-that-cause-low-libido> [Accessed 20 June 2022].

McMillen, M., 2022. Libido Loss: When Men Don’t Want Sex. [online] WebMD. Available at: <https://www.webmd.com/men/features/revving-up-low-libido> [Accessed 20 June 2022].

Lee, K. and Haines, C., 2011. 12 Common Causes of Low Libido – Erectile Dysfunction Center – Everyday Health. [online] EverydayHealth.com. Available at: <https://www.everydayhealth.com/erectile-dysfunction/causes-of-low-libido.aspx> [Accessed 20 June 2022].