Can We Please Talk about Low Sex Drive?

Here’s a GR8 question for all of you. How is it that low sexual desire is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions, yet no one talks about it? As a woman, who has been there, low libido is no joke, and the lack of answers to my many questions left me frustrated, which as a result, left my libido levels even lower.

To help you find the answers to some of your questions, I’m here to talk about low sex drive. Because it happens, and it is a pretty big deal.

What Do I Mean by Low Sex Drive?

Most people think having a low sex drive means not wanting to have sex. Well, it extends far beyond sex people. Those struggling with low sex drive don’t want to masturbate, see a drop in their sexual fantasies, and are most likely worried about their lack of desire. As if they knew something is gone, wrong, or missing.

Men vs. Women

Around 43% of women and as many as 31% of men have experienced sexual dysfunction. To be more specific, 26.7% of premenopausal women experience low sexual desire, and 52.4% of menopausal women struggle with it, according to a study. For men, carriers of the sex drive testosterone, low libido is more of an age thing, with almost 10% of men in their 40s struggling with it.

The Roots of Low Sexual Desire

The problem with low sex drive is that there’s a wide range of conditions linked to the issue. Libido is so closely tied to our psychological and physiological environment that the smallest alteration can have an impact on your sexual desire. Some common libido-killers include:

• Painful sex
• Medical conditions
• Medications
• Poor lifestyle habits
• Surgery to your breasts or genital tract
• Fatigue
• Hormone changes

That’s just the list for some of the physical causes. The psychological roots include:

• Mental health issues
• Poor body image
• Stress
• Low self-esteem
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Negative sexual experiences
• Relationship issues

See? The extensive list of the potential problems makes low sex drive a puzzle for many. After all, if you’ve been told that low sex drive comes with menopause and aging, why should you be scared?

Should I Talk to Someone?

The moment you’re distressed about your libido or dealing with low sex drive, you should speak to someone about it. Low libido can wreak havoc your relationships and your self-esteem. Talking about it can help you find an alternative.

Not only could your low sex drive be a sign of an underlying condition. But we all know the amazing health benefits regular sex can have to our mind, body, and spirit. The key here is finding the right person to talk to.

If you have no clue: schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider and get a general check-up.

If you’re experiencing vaginal health issues: contact your OB/GYN, symptoms like painful intercourse or heavy periods can indicate an underlying condition like PCOS.

If you’re struggling with mental health issues: find a licensed therapist to speak up. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all be contributing to your low libido.

If maybe it’s a medication: ask your prescribing doctor about potential side effects, interactions, and consequences of your drugs.

If no medical condition seems to be the root: seek out a sex therapist, sometimes your low sex drive is due to your negative view towards sex after a traumatic experience.

What Can I Do About It?

Luckily, there’s a treatment for low sex drive. For men, treatment includes healthier lifestyle choices, medication changes, testosterone replacement therapy, and counseling.

For women, it depends on the underlying cause. Similarly to men, changes in lifestyle, meditation, and hormone treatments can help. However, if you’re diagnosed with HSDD or hypoactive sexual desire disorder, there are other FDA-approved treatments you may qualify for. Around 9 out of 10 women feel they’re letting their partner down due to low sex drive. Remember, you’re not alone in this.

If you feel something is not normal, seek out medical attention as soon as possible, and speak up. From experience, I also recommend you seek out multiple providers when it comes to sex drive. You want to know exactly what’s happening since there are so many root causes involved.