What is loss of male libido?

Libido means your desire for sexual activity — your sex drive.

Sex drive is different for everyone. It can change over time and may vary between relationships or different life situations.

Low libido becomes a concern when it causes distress for you or your partner or creates difficulties in your relationship.

You may feel shame or embarrassment if your sex drive is lower than you expect. Unrealistic ideas about how males should feel about sex can make these feelings worse.

Read more about male sexual problems.

Read more about loss of female libido.

What causes loss of male libido?

Many factors can affect your sex drive.

Relationship and emotional factors

Relationship and emotional factors can affect your sex drive, such as:

• tiredness or stress
• depression, anxiety or eating disorders
• low self-esteem
• relationship problems
• concerns about gender identity or sexual orientation

Medical and lifestyle factors

• Medical and lifestyle factors that can affect your libido include:
• diabetes
• living with overweight or obesity
• some medicines — such as antidepressants and blood pressure medicines
• alcohol, smoking or illegal drug use
• too much or not enough exercise
• low testosterone
• other sexual difficulties — such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
• Libido may decrease as you get older, but this does not happen to everyone.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if:

• your low sex drive is ongoing or getting worse
• it is causing distress for you or your partner
• it is affecting your relationship
• you also have other sexual difficulties, such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
• you feel low, anxious or concerned about your mental health

Talk with your doctor about normal sexual function and what may be affecting your sex drive.

How is loss of male libido treated?

Treatment for loss of male libido depends on the cause.

Self-care at home

You may find it helpful to:

• talk openly with your partner about sexual desire and expectations
• focus on intimacy and connection, not just performance
• avoid putting pressure on yourself to perform

Other things that may help include:

• reducing stress
• exercising regularly
• reducing alcohol use
• quitting smoking
• avoiding illegal drugs
• losing weight if you are living with overweight or obesity

Medicines

If a medicine is affecting your sex drive, your doctor may change the dose or suggest another option. Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.

There are no approved medicines to treat loss of male libido. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before buying medicines or supplements online.

Testosterone treatment is only recommended for males with medically confirmed low testosterone levels (androgen deficiency). Ask your doctor if testing is appropriate for you.

Other treatment options

If financial pressure or family concerns are affecting your sex drive, your doctor may suggest support services such as financial advice or social work.

Psychological therapies may also help, including:

• counselling (including relationship counselling)
• cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
• psychotherapy
• mindfulness

What are the complications of loss of male libido?

Loss of libido may:

• lead to stress
• affect relationships
• lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment

Can loss of male libido be prevented?

Living a healthy lifestyle may lower your chance of low libido.

Resources and support

• Healthy Male offers information on low sex drive.
• Hormones Australia provides information about testosterone therapy.
• Sexual Health Victoria has information on libido.
• Family Planning Australia offers sexual and reproductive health resources for men.
• The Queensland Government offers a sexual health podcast for men.
• MensLine Australia provides free telephone and online counselling support for men.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

Healthy Horizons provides translated information on libido.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse people

Trans Health Research has information about testosterone options for sexually and gender-diverse people.

QLife has free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral, so you can talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

1800 My Options has sexual and reproductive health information for LGBTQIA+ people.

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia has a Genders, Bodies and Relationships Passport. This is a tool to support clear communication between intersex, trans and gender diverse people, and health and social care services.