More people deal with a low sex drive than you might think. But, if you have a low libido, you might wonder what’s “wrong” with you, especially if you’re in a relationship with someone who has a relatively normal or high sex drive.
It’s important to understand that there are many common factors that can contribute to having a low libido. Some are physical and should be looked at with the help of your doctor. Others are emotional and can take time to heal. You don’t necessarily have to do that on your own!
Let’s take a closer look at some of the common physical and emotional contributors to low libido. The more you educate yourself on the issue, the easier it will be to get to the root of the problem so you can start treating it effectively.
Physical Contributors
A low sex drive can be linked to underlying health conditions or other physical problems. In men, especially, low libido can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, or even an increase in weight.
In both men and women, those issues can impact other aspects of your health that could reduce your sex drive. For example, gaining a lot of weight can affect your energy levels, so you might not feel as excited about sex. It can also impact your self-image and self-esteem. When you don’t feel good about yourself or your appearance, you’re less likely to want to be intimate and vulnerable with someone.
Women, especially, can sometimes deal with pain during sex. If that sounds familiar, of course, you won’t want to engage in it. If that’s the case, it’s essential to talk to your doctor or a pelvic floor physical therapist.
Relationships and History
Physical and emotional issues can combine to create low libido if you have had bad sexual experiences in past relationships. Maybe you experienced pain with a previous partner. Or, maybe you were traumatized or sexually abused, either when you were younger or in a prior relationship.
Your history can be a major factor in your sex drive. It can change the way you feel about sex and your perspective on what sexual desire really means. Even if your sexual experiences have been consensual in the past, if they were uncomfortable or not what you thought they would be, it can change the way you feel about sex and cause you to have a low libido.
Life and Stress
If you’re dealing with a lot of stress and you feel overwhelmed and burned out, it can impact your sex drive. Too much stress can lead to a lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and even anxious thoughts that end up making sex the last thing on your mind.
Life happens and you’re unlikely to eliminate stress completely. But, if you find that you’re constantly overwhelmed and it’s impacting your sexual intimacy, it’s important to find ways to manage that stress — not only for your sexual health, but for your physical and emotional well-being.
What Can You Do?
If you’re not sure what’s causing your low libido, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor. Ruling out any underlying physical conditions or health problems is important. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but you can start on medications or a treatment plan to improve the situation and get healthy.
If it’s not a physical problem causing your low libido, lifestyle changes can help. Things like getting more exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, letting go of bad habits, and prioritizing self-care can make a difference. Additionally, don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about what you’re feeling and what you need. Communication is the cornerstone of a successful relationship, especially when you need to address specific issues. Contact Us to schedule an appointment with our skilled therapist that specializes in Sex Therapy or to learn more.