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It’s normal to experience fluctuations in your interest in sex over the course of your life. It can change with life events, stress levels, relationships, and many other factors over time. If you’re bothered by decreased libido, however, then your board-certified urologist can help.
What is Libido?
Libido is the term for sex drive or sexual appetite. It’s a complex combination of biological, psychological, and social factors powered by hormones. Libido can be vastly different for each person – some people naturally have very low libido, and some people naturally have very high libido. Libido can change over time and if you enjoyed a high libido that has now decreased, it’s normal to feel distressed about it. Sexual fulfillment is an important aspect of overall health and wellness, and there are ways to restore your libido to your desired levels.
Decreased libido can have many different psychological and physical causes, including:
- Medications (especially antidepressants)
- Stress
- Mood disorders
- Drug or alcohol use
- Low hormone levels
- Relationship problems
- Too much or too little exercise
- Underlying health problems
What are the Symptoms of Decreased Libido?
Low sex drive can manifest in many different ways other than a lack of interest in sex. It can also include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculatory dysfunction
- Anorgasmia
- Pain during sex
- Dryness or involuntary tightening of the vagina
It’s also common to have psychological and emotional symptoms like:
- Little interest in sex
- No sexual desires, thoughts, or fantasies
- Disinterest in pursuing or initiating sex
You may experience a combination of many different symptoms. If you’re bothered by these symptoms, then your urologist can help you explore your treatment options.
Decreased Libido Outlook
Treatment for restoring decreased libido can be an ongoing process, depending on the causes. However, it’s treatable with the right approach. As part of your treatment, your urologist can help you learn the right steps to prevent decreased libido from returning.
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What are My Treatment Options?
Your urologist can first help you determine the cause of your libido change – this can determine the course of your treatment. For example, if your decreased libido is caused by medication side effects, you can work with your general practitioner to explore alternatives or make adjustments. Your urologist can also recommend a mental health professional if you need ways to manage stress, mood disorders, or relationship problems. Finally, if your low libido is caused by an underlying medical condition or low hormone levels, your urologist can help you explore your options for medications like bremelanotide or find the right specialist for your needs.
FAQ: Decreased Libido / Sex Drive
What is decreased libido?
Decreased libido, or reduced sex drive, is a condition where an individual experiences a lower-than-normal interest in sexual activity. It can affect men and women and may result from various physical, psychological, or emotional factors.
What are the common causes of decreased libido?
Common causes include hormonal imbalances (such as low testosterone in men), stress, anxiety, depression, certain medications, chronic illnesses, relationship issues, and lifestyle factors like poor sleep, lack of exercise, or substance abuse.
How can decreased libido be diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and possibly blood tests to check hormone levels. Psychological assessments may also be conducted to identify any mental health factors.
What treatments are available for decreased libido?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include hormone therapy, lifestyle changes (like improving diet and exercise habits), counseling or therapy for psychological issues, and adjusting medications that may be contributing to the problem. Sometimes, a combination of these approaches is most effective.
Can decreased libido be a sign of a serious health condition?
In some cases, decreased libido can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. Consulting with Dr. Houman can help determine if a serious condition is contributing to the decrease in sex drive.
Is decreased libido normal as you age?
While it is common for libido to change with age due to hormonal shifts and other factors, a significant and distressing decrease is not necessarily normal and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Schedule an Appointment in Los Angeles
If you’re bothered by low sex drive, our team can help. To meet with Dr. Justin Houman in our Los Angeles, CA, practice and learn more, contact our office by calling (310) 854-7822 or filling out our online form.
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Meet Dr. Houman
Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist whose mission is to enhance men’s quality of life by improving their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Houman’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.
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