HAVING A LOW libido might make you believe you have testosterone issues. Hormonal imbalance can undoubtedly play a factor in what’s killing your desire, but low testosterone levels are often just a symptom of larger problems. Hyper-focusing on your body’s sexual hormone production may do little to raise your libido sustainably or even lead to unintended health consequences by taking things to the extreme.
What Else May Be Causing Your Low Sex Drive
Low testosterone is only one piece of the sexual dysfunction puzzle. Here are the others to help you see the complete picture.
Unknown Mental Health Problems
Your cause of low sex drive can be psychological. Chronic stress floods your body with cortisol, which can kill libido since it has inhibitory effects on the male sexual response.
Depression and anxiety can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Nonsurgical urologist at the University of Utah Dr. John Smith shares that mental health problems can lead to a low libido and reduced ability to have enjoyable sexual function when they become overwhelming.
No Intimacy
Deep emotional connection isn’t a necessity to enjoy sex. However, even one-night stands involve elements of intimacy to be pleasurable. Physical closeness, trust and vulnerability are vital ingredients for arousal.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Excessive drinking can affect sexual performance over the long term. Consuming too much alcohol can make you less sensitive to touch, making it more difficult for you to get aroused.
Tobacco use can also sabotage sexual desire. There’s a link between smoking and bad sexual health, so much so that even older former smokers have better libido and erectile function than current smokers.
What you eat may affect what you do in bed, too. Research shows that obesity has links to decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and sexual dissatisfaction in men.
Restrictive Religious Beliefs
Clinical sexologist Robert Weiss says that victims of spiritual or religious abuse may struggle to connect sexually and romantically. This could include adults who received early-age negative sexual messages in religious settings.
Undiagnosed Medical Conditions
In rare cases, men can have low libido without testosterone issues due to a medical problem. A group of researchers from the United Kingdom discovered this phenomenon after evaluating a 37-year-old Caucasian male who developed a benign tumour on the pituitary gland.
In a 2024 paper, the researchers detailed that the tumour secreted excessive follicle-stimulating hormone, which is responsible for sexual development and reproduction. It appeared to have affected the patient’s sex drive, despite recording high normal testosterone levels.
What You Can Do Now to Increase Your Desire
Boost your sex drive by addressing different culprits of low libido.
Clear Your Mind
Self-care is an underrated tool for good sexual health. High stress can hinder sexual function, so practicing regular stress management techniques can be beneficial.
Some easy, actionable self-care activities are writing a journal entry, going for a walk, disconnecting from phones, taking a nap, or texting a loved one. Doing things that make you feel happier and more peaceful can help you combat hormonal disturbances and confidence issues caused by stress.
Connect With Your Partner
Have you lost sexual desire for your longtime partner? It’s time to rekindle your closeness and remind yourself why the two of you are together. Reigniting your sense of intimacy for each other is essential to elevating libido.
Break Your Bad Habits
Quitting smoking may solve many physical and mental health problems, including a weak sex drive. So does moderating your drinking.
Diet-wise, you don’t necessarily have to seek superfoods. Adjunct associate professor at Monash University’s Obstetrics & Gynaecology Monash Health research team Timothy Moss advises eating to maintain a healthy weight. Getting your energy from more nutritious sources can get you there more easily.
Think for Yourself
Reject the ideas and beliefs about sexuality that other people imposed on you. Saying “enough” to people-pleasing may cause discomfort and friction, but it’s a liberating feeling. It allows you to regain respect for yourself, increase your self-esteem and address the many mental health issues causing your low sex drive.
What You Should Do if Your Libido Stays Low
Increasing your desire for sex can take time, so be patient with yourself. It requires a significant amount of introspection to identify your needs and take steps to meet them. If your efforts prove futile, then consider consulting a doctor to discuss your situation.
