6 Possible Medical Causes of Your Reduced Sex Drive

If you’ve noticed your sex drive isn’t what it used to be, you’re not alone, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed. A reduced libido can happen for a variety of reasons, and understanding the possible medical causes is the first step toward finding a solution.

Our team of board-certified urologists offers comprehensive sexual health services for women and men at Bellingham Urology Group. If you’re struggling with a reduced sex drive, don’t hesitate to visit us in our Bellingham or Mount Vernon, Washington, locations.

In the meantime, read on to learn about six possible medical causes of reduced libido and how our team of urologists can help.

1. Hormonal imbalances

Hormones — chemical messengers that carry information through your blood to various parts of your body — are heavily involved in regulating your libido. 

Conditions like low testosterone in men or fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels in women can have a direct impact on your sexual desire. This is also why women may struggle with libido during major hormonal fluctuations during their postpartum phase or menopause. Perimenopausal women may see their libido dip 20 months before their periods end.

Your sex hormones aren’t the only hormones that affect your libido. Thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can also disrupt your hormones and affect your energy levels, mood, and libido.

2. High stress levels

Stress and anxiety don’t just weigh on your mind — they also impact your body. When you’re under constant stress, your body produces more cortisol, which can suppress the hormones responsible for your sex drive. 

If you manage short-term stress, such as high stress when moving to a new home, you may notice that your sex drive returns to normal after the stress passes. Chronic stress, though, can impact your health for months on end. 

3. Anxiety and depression

Your mental health is deeply connected to your physical health. Depression, in particular, can reduce your interest in activities you once enjoyed, including intimacy. Even if you’re managing other symptoms of depression, you may still notice a decrease in libido.

Anxiety — whether about performance, relationship issues, or unrelated life concerns — can also make it hard to relax and feel in the mood.

4. Sleep disorders

Not getting enough quality sleep can zap your libido. Sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea can lead to fatigue, reduced energy, and hormonal disruptions — all of which can affect your interest in intimacy.

5. Side effects of medicine

Certain medications you may be taking for other health conditions could have side effects that lower your libido. Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and even some birth control pills are common culprits. 

If you suspect your medication is affecting your sex drive, talk to your prescribing doctor — they may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative. But, don’t change your dosage unless otherwise instructed to do so.

6. Underlying health conditions

Sometimes, reduced libido is a symptom of an underlying health issue. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity can impact your circulation and energy levels — both of which can affect your sex drive. Diabetes, for example, increases a man’s risk of erectile dysfunction by three and a half times.

Autoimmune conditions and chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, can also obliterate your sex drive.

What can you do?

Lifestyle changes like managing stress, improving your sleep, exercising daily, and maintaining a balanced diet can make a big difference, but sometimes you need a little extra help. 

If you’re struggling with a low sex drive, call one of our two locations to get the personalized care you need.

How urologists can help with low sex drive

When it comes to sexual health, you might not immediately think of a urologist, but our team of experts can help with issues related to a reduced sex drive for men and women. 

Your treatment depends on what’s contributing to your low libido. 

For men, our team can evaluate testosterone levels, diagnose erectile dysfunction, and treat other issues like prostate problems or conditions affecting blood flow. Our team may recommend:

• Medications like Viagra® to improve blood flow 
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
• Penile injections
• Penile implants
• Treatments for an enlarged prostate gland

For women, our team can address conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder issues, or hormonal imbalances that might contribute to a decrease in sexual desire or discomfort during intimacy. Depending on your needs, our team may recommend:

• Medication to restore libido
• Estrogen therapy
• MonaLisa® Touch therapy 

Remember, you’re not alone — low sex drive is common in both men and women. but help is available. 

Call Bellingham Urology Group at the location of your choice or schedule a consultation online for help with decreased libido.