Mens Low Sex Drive: What to Know

A temporary change may follow stress, poor sleep, illness, or tension with a partner. A persistent or distressing change deserves a health assessment, especially when it appears alongside pain, erection changes, low mood, fatigue, or other new symptoms.

Low sex drive means having less interest in sexual activity than is usual for you. There is no single level of desire that applies to everyone; the concern is the change itself or the distress it causes.

Possible contributors include depression or anxiety, ongoing stress, relationship difficulties, pain during sex, hormonal changes, thyroid problems, diabetes, and some medicines. Alcohol or recreational drugs can also affect desire. In people going through perimenopause or menopause, vaginal dryness and discomfort linked with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause can make sex less appealing even when desire has not changed first.

Notice when the change began and whether it followed a new medicine, health problem, life event, or change in a relationship. Record related symptoms such as pain, dryness, hot flushes, sleep disruption, low mood, or changes in erections. This gives a clinician useful context.

A clinician may review medicines, ask about mood and relationships, examine relevant symptoms, and decide whether tests are appropriate. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. Treatment depends on the contributor and may involve addressing pain or dryness, improving sleep, treating a mental health concern, changing a medicine, or discussing hormone options when suitable.

Arrange a routine appointment if reduced desire continues, troubles you, affects a relationship, or comes with pain, vaginal dryness, bleeding after sex, erection changes, marked fatigue, or a noticeable change in mood. Mention any new medicine or supplement and whether you are in perimenopause or menopause.

Seek urgent help for thoughts of self-harm, severe pelvic pain, heavy unexpected bleeding, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction after taking a medicine. These concerns need prompt attention regardless of the change in sexual desire.

You could ask: What causes should we consider in my situation? Could any of my medicines or health conditions affect desire? Do pain, dryness, sleep, mood, or hormonal changes need treatment? Which tests, if any, would clarify the cause? What benefits and risks should I understand before trying a hormone treatment?