A low sex drive: we’ve all been there. Having a low sex drive can develop from a variety of sources, and it’s perfectly natural. Sometimes we’re just not in the mood, but sometimes a low libido can be the result of something bigger. While your sex drive fluctuates throughout your life, it’s common for there to be occasions when having sex just doesn’t sound all that appealing. If you feel like you’re at one of those times, this could be why.
Medication
One of the most common causes of low libido is medication. Medication can affect you in a myriad of ways, and it can have a severe effect on your sex drive. Antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, and antipsychotics are some of the most common medications that impact your sex life.
Menopause
A result of menopause is often a decreased level of estrogen, which often leads to a lack of interest in sex. Low estrogen levels can cause thinning and dryness in the vagina, which might make sex uncomfortable.
Chronic Conditions
Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer can play a significant role in your sex life. Diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Heart disease can cause damaged blood vessels which reduce blood flow to the genitals. High blood pressure can affect blood circulation, and various treatments for cancer can also affect your libido.
Stress
Stress and anxiety can affect your whole life, including your sex life. Stress often leads to a lack of sleep, and a lack of sleep leads to a lack of energy, and energy is definitely needed for sex. Psychological issues, such as stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, can all impact your sex drive.
Lifestyle
Just as psychological issues impact your sex life, so does your lifestyle. If you drink or do drugs, your job, relationship issues, and other lifestyle changes can all play a significant role in your level of sex drive. Alcohol is a depressant and can decrease your sex drive and can make it difficult for a man or woman to orgasm.
