Low Libido (Low Sex Drive)

Low libido (low sex drive) means you don’t feel as interested in sex as you used to. You might want it less often, or your desire might not feel as strong. The change can be temporary or last longer.

How common is low libido?

Low libido (low sex drive) is common. It affects up to 1 in 5 men — and even more women — at some point in life. While hormones and anatomy can influence libido, low sex drive can affect anyone. Many people notice changes in their sex drive more than once over the years.

What are the symptoms of low libido?

The main symptom of low sex drive is wanting sex less often or less strongly than you used to.

Other symptoms include:

• Not feeling interested in any kind of sex, even masturbating by yourself
• Thinking about sex less often
• Feeling upset or worried about your lower interest in sex

What causes low libido?

Many things can lower your libido — including your physical and mental health, aging, relationships and stress levels.

Health conditions

Some health conditions that may affect your sex drive include:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic pain
• Diabetes
• Headaches
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High levels of the hormone prolactin
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Underactive thyroid

Mental health

Mental health and life stress can also lower your desire for sex. These issues might include:

• Problems with your relationship, like a lack of trust or closeness
• Stress from work, family or daily life
• Depression, low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness or physical fatigue
• Anxiety, which raises stress hormones that can lower sex drive
• Past sexual trauma, like abuse or assault

Other causes of low libido include:

• Side effects from some medications. Antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, chemotherapy drugs and blood pressure medications can decrease your sex drive.
• Alcohol, smoking or recreational drugs. Drinking too much alcohol or improperly using drugs can both impact your sex drive. Smoking can suppress your testosterone levels, which can lower your libido.
• Physical activity. Either too much or too little physical activity can cause a decrease in sex drive.

There are also several conditions and situations that affect you based on your reproductive anatomy.

Low libido in women

In women, libido (sex drive) can drop for many reasons, including:

• Perimenopause and menopause. As estrogen levels drop, so can your desire for sex.
• Sexual problems. Pain during sex, vaginal dryness or trouble reaching orgasm can make sex feel stressful.
• Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Hormone changes, discomfort and stress during this time can lower your libido.
• Infections. Temporary conditions, like yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs), can make sex uncomfortable.
• Reproductive health conditions. Conditions like endometriosis, PMS and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all negatively impact libido.

Birth control and low libido

Some hormonal birth control (contraception) methods can lower your sex drive. These include:

• Combined hormonal contraception, including the combined pill, vaginal ring or birth control patch
• Progestogen-only birth control pill
• Contraceptive implant
• Depo-Provera® injection

Low libido in men

For men, a drop in sex drive can happen for several reasons, including:

• Low testosterone: This sex hormone controls many aspects of libido. Levels can drop with age or due to a medical condition.
• Sexual problems: Trouble keeping or getting an erection (erectile dysfunction), or premature or delayed ejaculation, can lower desire or cause anxiety around sex.

How is low libido diagnosed?

To find out what’s causing your sex drive, your provider will ask about your:

• Symptoms
• Health and medications
• Sex life
• Relationships
• Stress levels
• Thoughts and feelings about sex

Tests for low libido

If they think a health issue might be impacting your sex drive, they may do tests like:

• A physical exam
• A pelvic exam (for women)
• Blood tests for things like hormone levels
• Imaging tests, like an ultrasound

How is low libido treated?

The right treatment depends on what’s causing your low sex drive. Several treatment options are available. Your provider may treat you directly, or refer you to a specialist, like:

• A sex therapist
• A psychologist
• A gynecologist
• A urologist
• An endocrinologist

Low libido treatments

Types of treatment for low libido include:

• Education and communication. Learning more about how sex and desire work can help reduce anxiety. Talking openly with your partner about your needs and any concerns can also help improve your sex life.
• Stress management. Managing stress can boost your mood and your sex drive. Helpful tools include journaling, exercise, meditation and self-care routines.
• Medication change. If your medication affects your sex drive, your healthcare provider may change your dose or recommend switching to a different one.
• Hormone therapy for menopause. If menopause is lowering your sex drive, hormone therapy (HT) may help. It can include estrogen or a mix of estrogen and progesterone/progestin hormone therapy (EPT).
• Treatment for hypoactive sexual arousal disorder. For women with hypoactive sexual arousal disorder who haven’t gone through menopause yet, there are two FDA-approved non-hormonal medications. Filbanserin (Addyi®) is a pill you take every day. Bremelanotide (Vyleesi®) is an injection you give yourself 45 minutes before you expect to have sex. Talk with your provider about the common side effects and what’s best for your situation.
• Hormone therapy for low testosterone. For men with low testosterone, treatment may include testosterone replacement. This comes in different forms, like pills, patches, creams or shots.
• Individual psychotherapy. Talking with a therapist can help you work through thoughts, emotions or conditions — like anxiety or depression — that may affect your desire.
• Couples therapy. A therapist can help you and your partner improve communication, solve problems and rebuild intimacy.
• Sex therapy. Sex therapists specialize in helping people with sexual concerns, including low desire. They can offer support, education and practical advice.

How can I increase my libido?

If your low sex drive is bothering you, talk to a healthcare provider or mental health expert. They can help you figure out what’s going on and how to treat it.

Here are some things you can try on your own:

• Learn more about desire and sex. Trusted sources can help you understand what affects sex drive.
• Talk with your partner. Open, honest conversations can make a big difference.
• Make healthy changes. You can exercise, eat well and cut back on alcohol.
• Manage health conditions. If you have issues like diabetes or heart disease, work with your doctor to keep them well-managed.

When should I see my healthcare provider about low libido?

See your healthcare provider if low sex drive is hurting your well-being or your relationship.

They can:

• Suggest changes in your daily habits
• Offer support for your relationship
• Check for health issues or side effects from medications
• Help you find the right treatment