FAQ

What is loss of sex drive?

Loss of interest in sex (or loss of libido) isn’t unusual. It affects up to one in five men at some point.

Loss of libido is no fun. Usually, it’s short-term – after a life-changing event like pregnancy or childbirth. But if it lasts longer, it can be a sign of other problems. Your GP can help. So can a sexual health clinic.

 

Could it be my relationship?

That’s probably the first thing to consider. Are you happy? Do you have doubts or worries?

Have you become overfamiliar with your partner and feel a degree of ‘erotic dissatisfaction’? This is common too – talking about it with your partner, perhaps with a relationship support charity like Relate, can help.

Are you obsessed with performance? A little loss of libido and erectile hardness is normal as you age and if you’re the sort of guy who freaks over how ‘good’ he is, this can really play havoc with your head. It’s about accepting the fact you’re getting older. Nothing more.

If you think there might be more to it than this, ask your GP about psychosexual counselling.

 

What are the other causes?

Lots of problems can manifest themselves in loss of interest in sex – tiredness, anxiety, depression. Deal with those challenges and your sexual desire will probably come back.

Make sure that any medical treatment doesn’t make the sex problem worse. Low sex drive can be a side effect of many antidepressants, for example.

As well as anti-depressants, other drugs can seriously affect your sex drive. These include medication for high blood pressure, seizures and hair-loss as well as diuretics and drugs to treat more serious mental health problems.

Illegal drugs and alcohol can also reduce sex drive.

 

What are the symptoms of men who feel like they are having a mid life crisis?

It’s not always the stereotypical man who, on turning 40, dons a leather jacket and buys a motorbike he doesn’t know how to ride. More commonly men who describe themselves as having a MLC have symptoms such as;

  • Irritability
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Depression, charactised by low moods and (often apparently unaccountable) feelings of sadness and lethargy
  • Low levels of testosterone.

 

How do I restore my libido?

  • Reduce stress
  • Communicate with your partner
  • Eat foods that boost libido
  • See a sexologist