Low sexual energy

People may use low sexual energy to mean little interest in sex, difficulty becoming aroused, or too little physical and emotional energy for intimacy. Fatigue can follow poor sleep, prolonged stress, infection, low mood, dehydration or an underlying health problem.

Anaemia, coeliac disease, chronic kidney disease and other conditions can cause tiredness, while alcohol use and burnout may affect motivation and sleep. The timing matters: note whether symptoms began after an illness, medicine change, stressful period or change in routine.

Arrange a medical appointment if the change continues, interferes with daily life or causes concern. Record sleep quality, mood, appetite, activity, sexual interest, menstrual or hormonal changes where relevant, and any new medicines or supplements.

Prioritise regular sleep, balanced meals, fluids and manageable activity. Avoid using alcohol to increase energy or desire. A clinician may examine you and decide whether blood tests or other checks are useful; treating the cause is usually the focus rather than forcing sexual activity.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, sudden confusion, severe dehydration, or rapidly worsening weakness. Get prompt advice for persistent fever, unexplained weight change, black or bloody stools, or marked mood deterioration. Recent COVID-19 or another infection may also need review if energy does not return.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest fatigue, low libido or both, which causes should be checked first, and whether your medicines, sleep or mood could be contributing.