What is loss of male libido?

Low libido or low sex drive refers to a lack of interest in sex and sexual desire. Sexual desire often rises and falls over time for no apparent reason. It’s very common for people to lose interest in sex, or have a low libido, from time to time.

There is no definition of a ‘normal’ libido. You might be concerned if your sex drive seems lower than what is normal for you for a long time, or if it starts to affect your relationship with your partner.

This article refers mainly to males. You can also read about loss of female libido.

What symptoms are related to low libido?

Symptoms of loss of libido might be:

• having no interest in any type of sex including masturbation
• rarely or never having sexual fantasies or thinking of sex
• not getting turned on as easily as you used to

What causes low libido?

There are both physical and psychological factors involved in your sex drive. Your libido go up when you:

• are in a new relationship
• have good health and fitness
• can go on holidays and relax

Low sex drive can be caused by many things. Your libido might fall due to things like:

• relationship problems
• the birth of a child
• stress or overwork
• too much or not enough exercise

• some medicines — such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medication and epilepsy medicine

• other personal issues

If you are aged over 60 years, it’s very common to have a lower libido.

Some medical things that can impact your sex drive include:

• anxiety, depression or fatigue
• being in pain
• alcohol, smoking or illicit drugs
• low levels of the hormone testosterone
• some medical conditions — like obstructive sleep apnoea or diabetes

You may also have a low sex drive due to your past experiences. These may include:

• negative sexual experiences — such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation and low self esteem
• history of unwanted sexual contact
• trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

How is the cause of loss of libido diagnosed?

Your doctor can check to see if there is a medical reason for your low sex drive, such as diabetes, depression or a thyroid disorder.

Low libido is commonly related to psychological issues or relationship problems. You will need to speak frankly to your doctor about what is happening so that they can help you.

When should I see my doctor about loss of libido?

If you are worried about having a low sex drive, you can talk to your doctor for advice.

Having a low sex drive might be a sign of physical or mental health issues.

How is loss of male libido treated?

The best treatment of low libido depends on the underlying cause.

If your doctor can find a medical cause they will try to treat it. They may suggest you:

• alter your medicines
• cut down on alcohol or drug use

You might decide to try relationship counselling with your partner.

What strategies can I try at home to help improve my sex drive?

If you have low libido because of stress, personal or relationship issues, it may help to talk to your partner about how you are feeling. Not talking can sometimes make sexual issues more difficult.

You may feel uncomfortable talking about sex. Try asking your partner how they feel about your sex life first.

Remember there’s more to sex than having intercourse. If your interest in having sex has decreased, you may want to try some more sensual methods of becoming aroused. These include:

• exploring and caressing each other’s bodies
• taking a bath or shower together
• having a massage
• kissing each other slowly and in sensual places (such as the thigh)
• undressing each other
• experimenting with different sexual techniques alone or with others

Other things you can try at home are:

• reducing stress
• taking regular exercise
• reducing the amount of alcohol you drink
• giving up smoking
• not using illegal drugs

You can also try losing weight if you are overweight.

Are there any medicines for low sex drive?

There are no medicines that specifically treat loss of male libido.

In some males, with low testosterone levels, testosterone therapy can help. This is only in people with testicular disease or pituitary gland failure. Ask your doctor for advice.

Other treatment options

You and your partner could consider relationship counselling.

Can loss of libido be prevented?

Having a healthy lifestyle may improve your chances of having a healthy sex life.

Resources and Support

Read more about male sexual problems.

Visit healthymale.org.au to learn more about men’s health issues.

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 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.