Low libido affects both men and women and indicates physical loss of sexual desire. The symptom can come on suddenly or gradually, and the causes may vary. If you are battling Plano low libido, all is not lost in your love life. Before you seek treatment, here is everything you need to know about low libido and why it is a concern.
Causes of low libido
There are many reasons why sexual desire in men and women may wane. One major cause is an underactive thyroid, which produces low hormones. In addition, vascular and heart diseases such as heart failure or high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can impair your sexual desire.
Sometimes neurological disorders such as stroke and multiple sclerosis are leading causes. Underlying conditions such as diabetes and liver and kidneys disease can also cause a decline in your sexual desire.
Quite often, depression is accompanied by a loss of libido. In other cases, medication such as antidepressants, birth control pills, blood pressure, and heart medications may cause low libido. Lastly, low libido is associated with social causes—for example, family and work pressure, stress, and relationship problems.
Low libido in women
In the first few weeks after giving birth, most women have a decreased libido. This is often related to the fact that, as a young mother, you may feel mentally or physically overwhelmed. In addition, gynecological diseases such as endometriosis, vaginal dryness, or painful intercourse can cause your desire for sex to decline.
During menopause, your ovaries gradually stop producing estrogen. When the level of female sex hormones drops, you may experience a decline in libido.
Loss of libido in men
In older men, a decrease in hormonal activity in the testes can cause your desire for sex to decline. It can result from an inflammation of the testicles or surgical removal of the testicles due to tumors or cancerous conditions.
Other sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, are also possible reasons for loss of libido.
Getting treatment
First, the doctor will talk to you about your medical history and will want to know how long you have not felt like having sex and whether this state has suddenly or gradually set in.
In addition, the doctor asks about any previous illnesses, psychological stress, and possible relationship problems. The specialist further probes whether you are taking any medication and how much alcohol you are taking.
Various examinations often help to determine the cause of the loss of libido. These include laboratory tests such as estimating hormone levels in the blood and physical examinations to approximate blood pressure. As well, a gynecological or urological examination and imaging procedures will follow.
Your doctor may treat the underlying conditions that are triggering low libido. In addition, therapy may be a possible treatment plan involving your sexual partner. Your doctor may also treat the condition by administering certain medications.
Seeing a doctor is particularly advisable if the loss of libido is causing a problem in your relationship. Also, the symptoms may indicate a serious underlying disease. Contact the specialists at The Riegel Center for assessment and treatment recommendations.
