Male Low Libido - Physical and Psychological Causes that You Must Know

Libido means "desire, longing, fancy, or lust" in Latin. It has been integrated into the English language in the last 500 years. It started to be commonly used around the early 1900s when Sigmund Freud and other psychoanalysts applied the term to psychic energy or drive, and especially to the sexual instinct. Thus, a low libido may be broadly defined as a lack of interest in sex.

Physical Reasons

A man's performance (or lack thereof) in bed may sometimes be due to tiredness or chronic physical pain. Surprisingly, chief among the reasons why men feel tired and unable to perform is exhaustion, with lack of sleep a close second. Intercourse may, at times, be a physically demanding activity. After a hard day's work, some men simply find it hard to muster enthusiasm for anything more strenuous than changing channels. Most people who suffer from chronic pain such as arthritis or rheumatism confess to having little or no interest in lovemaking activities.

Contrary to what the media would have us believe, having a drink or two won't make you an instant hit with the ladies. As a matter of fact, alcohol consumption has been scientifically proven by researchers to lower both testosterone and sperm count. So why do people looking for suitable partner congregate in bars? The reason is simple; while alcohol may dampen ardor, it also lowers one's inhibition, meaning it can help you do things you wouldn’t otherwise do when you’re sober, including asking the pretty girl at the bar out on a date. Men who want to keep their mojo up may need to cut back on those beers.

Psychological Reasons

Individuals suffering from depression also report a sharp decline in interest in sex. It doesn't help that the side effects of medications used in the treatment of depression include lowered libido. Guilt from infidelity may also affect a man's desire to make love. Unresolved issues or conflicts within a relationship do the same.

Conflict or confusion with one's sexual orientation also affects sexual desire. Closet gays often find it difficult to initiate sexual contact or satisfy their partner.

Researchers have also discovered a strong correlation between people with a history of sexual abuse and decreased libido. Victims of sexual abuse, especially those who were abused in their adolescence, are usually emotionally scarred for life. Even with therapy, they find it difficult to equate intercourse with positive emotions such as affection and love.

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Causes of Male Low Libido - Lack of Sex Drive in Men

Testosterone is the hormone mainly responsible for the sexual drive in men, an increase or decrease in this hormone directly affects a man's libido. Men achieve the peak in the level of their testosterone during their adolescent years. It gradually decreases when they hit middle age.

For many men, this decrease in testosterone is accompanied by a decrease in libido, but decreased testosterone isn't always to blame for a diminished sexual drive. There are several broad categories under which are specific reasons why men lose interest in sex.

Medical Conditions

Women's menopause has garnered a lot of attention from the media mainly because of the obvious signs and symptoms. Very little has been said about its male counterpart, andropause. This usually happens to men in their fifties or sixties. It is defined by a marked decrease in testosterone levels. During this period men may experience symptoms including loss of libido and potency, nervousness, depression, impaired memory, the inability to concentrate, fatigue, insomnia, hot flushes, and sweating.

Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are also factors that may affect a man's performance in the bedroom. Arteriosclerosis is basically the hardening of the arteries while arteriosclerosis is the narrowing of arteries due to the build-up of plaque in its inner walls. While the desire may be present, the reduced blood flow to your penis may be reduced causing erectile dysfunction. Smoking is a significant risk factor to both atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, and so are diabetes, high blood pressure and high, cholesterol levels.

Endocrine disorders such as diabetes and Cushing's syndrome (where the body has too much cortisol) may also get the blame. On the other hand, neurological disorders such as paralysis and stroke often lead to fears about performance. These fears can greatly reduce sexual interest and capacity. This is normal, and in 85 percent of the cases it goes away within 3 to 4 months. The good news is that most paralyzed men are able to have a reflex erection unless nerves in the sacral spinal cord (S2-S4) are damaged. A reflex erection may be initiated by direct stimulation of the penis, ears, and neck.

Drugs

Antidepressants like Zoloft (Sertraline), Elavil (Amitriptyline), and Paxil (Paroxetine) are often given to people with chronic depression. While it does help with their mood, one of these drugs' side effects is to cause some bedroom woes. Doctors may switch them to other types of antidepressants which may lessen this particular side effect or institute a weekend drug holiday for the patients taking Zoloft and Paxil. Patients on this weekend drug holiday don't take the drug on Friday and Saturday. A significant improvement in has been reported by these patients.

Antihypertensive medications serve to dilate the blood vessels in the body which is the exact opposite of what you want to happen if you want to maintain your erection. Erection happens when only a minimum amount of blood is allowed to flow out of the penis via constricted veins. Men on hypertensive medications often have 'failure to launch' because of the semi-permanent state of dilation of their blood vessels. It is for this reason that V-iagra, C-ialis, L-evitra, and other sexual enhancement drugs are contraindicated in people taking antihypertensive drugs.

Additionally, long term use of prohibited substances such as heroin, cocaine, and marijuana has been found to dampen the sexual drive.

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