What Causes a Lack of Interest in Sex?

unmade bedIt might seem like sex is all around us, as a society. You’ve heard the phrase “sex sells,” and that people think about sex multiple times a day. But, what does it mean when you don’t connect with those things? What if you don’t have a lot of interest or desire in sex?

It’s hard to avoid or ignore the fact that sexual influence is all around us, but what if you aren’t interested—and want to be?

There are many potential reasons why you might have a lack of interest in sex. Whether you’re in a relationship with a partner(s) or you’re casually dating, it’s important to understand why that interest isn’t there.

Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the potential causes, so you can determine if there is anything beneath the surface you should be addressing when it comes to your lack of interest in sex.

Relationship Issues

One of the most obvious causes behind a lack of interest in sex is relationship problems.

If you’re in a relationship with someone and you’re in rough waters, sex probably isn’t going to be as appealing as it once was when you were in the “honeymoon stage.”

It’s important to understand that sex is more than just a physical action. For people in relationships, especially, it’s about intimacy and trust. So, while it might still feel good, physically, if the intimacy isn’t there, you’re not going to be as interested and you’re not going to enjoy the act as much.

Setting aside time for intimacy and actively communicating with your partner are some of the best ways to combat this issue. It’s not always easy to have open conversations about sex, but it can be necessary for a relationship where your sex life is struggling.

Mental Health Issues

Stress, anxiety, and depression run rampant across the globe.

Unfortunately, they also go undiagnosed or untreated more often than they should.

Mental health issues can wreak havoc on just about every area of your life—including your sex life.

First, things like stress can have a negative impact on your hormone levels, contributing to low libido and a general lack of interest in sexual activity.

Depression and anxiety can cause your thoughts about sex to change, especially if they impact your self-esteem or confidence.

Things like self-care and working with a mental health professional can help you overcome these issues, or learn how to manage the symptoms so you can enjoy more areas of your life again—including sexual satisfaction which may help improve your interest in sex.

Performance Problems

Some people struggle with performance anxiety or medical issues that cause them to “struggle” in a sexual setting.

If you or your partner has a medical issue, like erectile dysfunction, it’s important to seek out medical treatment to learn about your options.

However, if something like performance anxiety or a lack of self-esteem is causing issues in the bedroom, it’s just as important to seek out the right kind of help for those underlying problems. There are many things that can contribute to performance anxiety, including negative experiences in the past. When someone is dealing with it, they might lose interest in sex as a way to “protect” themselves from that fear.

These causes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why you might be experiencing a lack of interest in sex. If you’re concerned that a physical health condition might be contributing to your lack of interest, don’t hesitate to get medical help as soon as possible.

However, if you’re worried that your lack of interest in sex might stem from stress, depression, anxiety, or performance-based issues, feel free to Contact Us for more information about Sex Therapy or to set up an appointment.