Low Sex Drive
Libido is the term which is used to denote sex drive. Lack of sex drive (lack of libido) is extremely common in women – but quite rare in men. Even men with erectile dysfunction (ED) usually have a perfectly normal sex drive.
This lack of libido is very often refered to as low sex drive. A low sex drive in women refers to a lack of interest in sexual relations. It is not unusual to experience a temporary decline in sexual desire at some point, and many women do. But if it persists, it may present problems.
The underlying reason for a decrease in sexual interest and activity, however, is not always obvious. Low sex drive can result from physical conditions (such as illness or pregnancy), psychological issues (such as stress or anxiety), or other factors. When a woman feels that her formerly normal sex drive has "stalled" or seems gone altogether, a medical or emotional problem may be at the root.
Symptoms of low sex drive
The symptoms of a low sex drive include: Less frequent sexual thoughts and fantasies Reduced sexual desire Reluctance to initiate sex Less frequent masturbation Lack of desire for sex when you've gone without sex for days, weeks, or months (depending on what was previously normal for you)
Lack of libido or low sex drive in men
Low sex drive is far less common than erectile dysfunction impotence. Generally it has been found that roughly only one man with lack of desire corresponds for every 15 with erectile dysfunction. It has been observed that these men can achieve erections, but have lost the desire to have sex.
Causes (in men)
The causes can be either physical or psychological.
Physical causes
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Possible physical causes could include:
- Alcoholism - quite common.
- abuse of drugs - such as cocaine.
- anaemia
- hyperprolactinaemia - an uncommon disorder in which too much of the hormone prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland.
- obesity - quite common; simply slimming down will often help.
- prescribed drugs - particularly Proscar (finasteride), a tablet used for prostate problems. Psychological causes
Some of the psychological causes of male level of desire may include:
- depression
- stress and overwork
- sex hang-ups
- latent gayness
- Serious relationship problems with the wife/partner.
Causes (women)
As is the case with men, lack of desire in women can be of either physical or psychological origin.
Physical causes
The possible physical causes in females could include:
anaemia is very common in women, because of iron loss during their periods (and in childbirth)
alcoholism
drug abuse
generalised disorders, such as diabetes
Post-baby mindset (PBC): This is one of the most common reasons for the extremely common loss of libido that occurs after childbirth. It is almost certainly linked to the violent changes in hormones that occur at this time,
Psychological causes
These causes are very common. It's entirely understandable that when a woman is having a bad time emotionally, she may lose interest in sex.
Psychological causes include:
- depression
- stress and overwork
- anxiety
- hang-ups from childhood
- past sexual abuse or rape
- latent lesbianism
- serious relationship problems with the husband/partner
Remedies
Several herbs serve as a source of natural remedy for low sex drive. Some of them include:
Gingko biloba is a herb that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the west, it's popular use is to improve cognitive function and memory in people with age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.
Arginine is an amino acid, also referred to as L-arginine. It is one of the more popular supplements for sexual dysfunction.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a herb that was used traditionally by the Mayan people of Central America to enhance sexual function in men and women. It is reported to be an aphrodisiac, stimulant, mood elevator, and a tonic.