Decreased Libido in Men - Men's Health Issues

What is low libido?

Low libido describes a decreased interest in sexual activity. libido common to lose interest in sex from time to time, and libido levels vary through life. libido also normal for your interest not to match your partner’s at times.However, low libido for a long period of time may cause concern for some people. libido can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying health condition.Here are a few potential causes of low libido in men.

When a Man's Sex Drive Is Too Low

The male libido is always in overdrive, right? Wrong -- one out of five men actually have a low sex drive.So what's behind low sexual desire? Aging plays a role, though many older men have a robust interest in sex, Goldstein points out. Like most other human traits, the sex drive

Low libido should not be confused with erectile dysfunction (ED), although the two conditions can co-exist. Communication and honesty are needed for a couple to cope while identifying the possible causes. Treatment can vary and may involve psychotherapy, hormone replacement, lifestyle changes, or the adjustment of drug therapies.

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone (hypogonadism) commonly develops as a man ages, but can also affect younger men for any number of reasons. Testosterone is the male hormone essential to development, strength, and sex drive. If the total testosterone drops below 300 to 350 nanogram per deciliter (ng/dL), the male libido can plummet, sometimes dramatically.

While testosterone replacement therapy may be useful in restoring the male sexual drive, it may increase the risk of blood clots and strokes in men with an underlying cardiovascular disorder. Sleep apnea, acne, and breast enlargement (gynecomastia) are other common side effects.

Normal testosterone levels will vary. However, adult men are considered to have low testosterone, or low T, when their levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), according to guidelines from the American Urological Association (AUA).

When your testosterone levels decrease, your desire for sex also decreases.

Decreasing testosterone is a normal part of aging. However, a drastic drop in testosterone can lead to decreased libido.

Talk to your doctor if you think this might be an issue for you. You may be able to take supplements or gels to increase your testosterone levels.

Medications

Taking certain medications can lower testosterone levels, which in turn may lead to low libido.

For example, blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may prevent ejaculation and erections.Other medications that can lower testosterone levels include:

chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer

hormones used to treat prostate cancer

• corticosteroids
• opioid pain relievers, such as morphine (MorphaBond, MS Contin) and oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
• an antifungal medication called ketoconazole
• cimetidine (Tagamet), which is used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• anabolic steroids, which may be used by athletes to increase muscle mass
• certain antidepressants

Once any underlying factors are identified, your doctor can suggest appropriate treatment options. For example:

• If loss of sex drive is related to stress or depression, psychotherapy alone or in combination with antidepressant medication may help.
• Some medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, can cause an unusually low testosterone level, and treatment can return your testosterone level and sex drive to normal. If no medical cause is found, treatment options may include testosterone replacement therapy.
• If a certain medication is contributing to loss of sex drive, your doctor may suggest an alternate drug.
• Some people have a hard time discussing sex with their doctors. But treatments are often available for a loss of sex drive, so it's worth it to have an open and honest talk with your doctor.