Reduced libido

What is important to know

Libido depends on many factors at the same time.

Sexual desire can decrease with depression, chronic stress, anxiety, overwork and lack of sleep. With depression, loss of interest sometimes extends not only to usual activities, but also to the sexual sphere.

Libido can also be affected by hormonal changes, chronic illness, pain, changes in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period, menopause and several other physiological conditions.

Medicines are of particular importance. Some antidepressants and other medications may reduce sexual desire or affect arousal and orgasm. If changes appear after starting treatment, the drug should not be discontinued on your own - it is better to discuss this with the doctor who prescribed it.

Decreased desire is not the same as impaired arousal

It is important to distinguish several components of sexual functioning.

Libido is sexual desire and interest.

Arousal refers to the mental and physical response to sexual stimulation.

Orgasm is a separate component of sexual response.

A person may still have sexual desire but have difficulty becoming aroused or orgasming. Conversely, the body may respond physiologically to stimulation even if subjective desire has decreased.

This helps to more accurately understand the nature of the change.

Possible reasons

Decreased libido may be due to:

chronic stress and overwork;

depression and anxiety;

lack of sleep;

conflicts or emotional distance in relationships;

chronic pain;

hormonal changes;

some endocrine and other somatic diseases;

pregnancy, postpartum or menopause;

taking certain medications;

use of alcohol or other substances;

negative attitude towards one's own body;

unpleasant or painful sexual experiences;

sexual pain or other difficulties during sexual intercourse.

Sometimes several factors are present at the same time.

What to pay attention to

When did your sexual desire decrease and how does it differ from your usual state?

Whether the change happened gradually or suddenly.

Has interest in all sexual activities decreased or only in certain situations?

Whether sexual fantasies or spontaneous desire persist.

Do you have difficulty with arousal or orgasm?

Does pain or discomfort occur during sexual intercourse?

Is there a depressed mood, loss of interest, anxiety, fatigue or sleep disturbances?

Has the quality of your relationship with your partner changed?

Are there hormonal or other physical symptoms?

Did the changes begin after pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause?

Did the decrease in libido coincide with the start of taking a new medication or a change in its dosage.

Whether alcohol or other substances are used.

Does the decrease in desire cause your own discomfort or does the problem arise mainly due to the expectations of your partner or others.

What can help

The first step is to understand whether the decrease in desire is a problem specifically for the person himself. There is no universal “normal” frequency of sexual desire.

It can be helpful to pay attention to sleep, stress levels, physical well-being, relationships, and the presence of pain or other discomfort during sexual activity.

If desire has decreased due to chronic fatigue or depression, improvement in the underlying condition may gradually affect sexual functioning.

When experiencing difficulties in a relationship, it can help to calmly discuss intimacy, expectations and needs without putting pressure on yourself or your partner.

If decreased libido is associated with drug therapy, your doctor can evaluate a possible relationship with the drug and adjust treatment if necessary. You should not change the dosage or stop taking the medication on your own.

When to ask for help

Consult your doctor if decreased libido appears for no apparent reason, persists for a long time, causes severe discomfort, or is accompanied by other physical changes.

A medical evaluation is especially helpful if significant fatigue, menstrual irregularities, pain during sex, erectile dysfunction, significant hormonal changes, or other physical symptoms occur simultaneously.

If decreased sexual desire is combined with depressed mood, anhedonia, anxiety, chronic stress, or other significant changes in mental state, it is worth contacting a mental health professional.

If the problem is primarily related to relationships, sexual pain, fear of intimacy, or unpleasant sexual experiences, working with a psychotherapist or sexual health specialist may be helpful.