Low male sex drive: what should you know?

Desire can change with poor sleep, work or relationship stress, depression, anxiety, pain, or concerns about sexual performance. Physical contributors include diabetes, thyroid problems, chronic illness, erectile difficulties, and some medicines. Lower testosterone is one possible contributor, but symptoms and examination are needed before it is considered the explanation. Reduced desire may be temporary or persistent, and it can affect both partnered intimacy and interest in sexual activity alone.

Make an appointment if the change lasts, causes distress, or began after illness or a medicine change. Describe when it started, whether erections or orgasm have changed, your sleep and mood, alcohol or drug use, and any pain or urinary symptoms. A clinician may review your medicines and general health and arrange hormone or other blood tests when appropriate. Improving sleep, treating low mood, addressing relationship strain, and managing a contributing health problem may help. Do not use testosterone or unregulated sexual supplements without medical advice.

Seek prompt care for sudden sexual changes with severe headache, weakness, vision changes, chest pain, or serious illness. Arrange routine assessment for persistent low desire, erectile problems, testicular pain or swelling, urinary changes, breast enlargement, marked fatigue, or low mood. Tell a clinician if thoughts of self-harm are present so urgent mental-health support can be arranged.

Could a medicine or health condition be affecting my desire? Should my hormone levels be checked? Could sleep, mood, erections, or pain be part of the same problem? What treatments are appropriate for my medical history?