Loss of libido

Loss of libido

Loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem affecting up to 1 in 5 men – and even more women – at some point in their life.

It’s often linked to professional and personal stress, or important life-changing events such as pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

However, an unexpected loss of libido – especially when it lasts for a long time or keeps returning – can also indicate an underlying personal, medical or lifestyle problem, which can be upsetting to both partners in a relationship.

If you’re concerned about your libido, especially if your diminished sex drive distresses you or affects your relationship, make an appointment to see your GP to discuss any underlying causes and possible medical or psychological treatments.

Doctors at your nearest family planning clinic, Integrated Sexual Health clinic, or Contraceptive and Sexual Health (CASH) clinic may also be able to help.

In the meantime, you may find the following information useful. It explains some of the most common reasons for loss of libido.

Relationship problems

The first thing you should consider is whether you’re happy in your relationship. Do you have any doubts or worries that may be the real reason for your loss of sexual desire?

If you’ve been in a relationship for a long time, you may have become overfamiliar with your partner and feel a degree of erotic dissatisfaction. This is quite common and can have a negative effect on your sex drive.

Relationship problems are among the most common causes of loss of libido. For help and advice, you may find it useful to contact the relationship support charity Relationships Scotland.

Another thing to consider is whether the problem is a performance issue that makes sex difficult or unfulfilling. For example, many men experience ejaculation problems or erectile dysfunction, and women can experience painful sex or vaginismus (when the muscles around the vagina tighten involuntarily before penetration). See your GP if these problems are an issue, as they’re often treatable.

Your GP may feel you will benefit from psychosexual counselling. This is a form of relationship therapy where you and your partner can discuss any sexual or emotional issues that may be contributing to your loss of libido. 

Stress, anxiety and exhaustion

Stress, anxiety and exhaustion can be all-consuming and have a major impact on your happiness. If you feel you’re constantly tired, stressed or anxious, you may need to make some lifestyle changes or speak to your GP for advice.

For more information and advice read about beating stress at work and 10 stress busters

Depression

Depression is very different from simply feeling unhappy, miserable or fed up for a short while. It’s a serious illness where you may have feelings of extreme sadness that can last for a long time. These feelings are severe enough to interfere with your daily life, including your sex life.

You’re probably depressed if you’re feeling low or hopeless, or you’ve lost interest or pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy. In this case it’s really important to see your GP. They may feel you’ll benefit from antidepressants.

However, low sex drive can also be a side effect of many antidepressants. Speak to your GP if you’re already taking antidepressants and think they may be causing your problems, as you may be able to switch to a different medication.

Drugs and alcohol

Drinking excess amounts of alcohol can reduce your sex drive, so it’s a good idea to moderate your intake to no more than three to four units a day if you’re a man, and no more than two to three units a day if you’re a woman.

Read more about alcohol misuse and find out how to get support for a drinking problem.

Drug misuse is also linked to a loss of sex drive. Read more about drugs for information and advice.

Getting older

Many people lose some interest in sex as they get older, mainly as a result of falling levels of sex hormones, age-related health problems, or the side effects of medication.

Older men especially can develop low testosterone levels, which can cause fatigue, depression and a reduced sex drive.

Speak to your GP if you’re concerned about this. They may carry out a blood test to check your testosterone level and can tell you about treatments if your level is low.

As women start to approach the menopause, levels of the female hormone oestrogen begin to fall, which can affect libido. Women can also suffer from low testosterone levels, especially after a hysterectomy. Testosterone is another hormone that can affect sex drive.

Speak to your GP if you’re concerned the menopause may be having an effect on your libido. They may be able to offer you a trial of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if it’s suitable for you.

Hormonal problems

Less commonly, low libido may be caused by an underactive thyroid. This is where your thyroid gland (located in the neck) doesn’t produce enough hormones. Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed.

An underactive thyroid is easily treated by taking hormone tablets to replace the hormones your thyroid isn’t making. Learn more about treating underactive thyroid.

A hormonal problem called hyperprolactinaemia can also have a negative effect on your sex drive. This is where you have a raised level of a substance called prolactin in your blood.

Contraception

Some women have reported a decreased sex drive while using some types of hormonal contraception, such as:

• combined contraception, including the combined pill, vaginal ring, or contraceptive patch
• the progestogen-only pill
• the contraceptive implant
• the Depo-Provera injection

However, side effects of these contraceptives tend to improve within a few months and they’re generally well tolerated.

Speak to your GP or local contraceptive (or family planning) clinic if you’re worried your contraception is causing a loss of libido. They may suggest trying an alternative method.

Read more about choosing a method of contraception

Other medical conditions

Long-term (chronic) medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity can also have a negative effect on your libido.

Medication

Certain medications can sometimes reduce libido, such as:

• medication for high blood pressure, including diuretics
• medications for depression, including SSRI antidepressants
• medications for seizures (fits)
• medications commonly used to treat psychosis (a mental condition where a person can’t distinguish between reality and their imagination), such as haloperidol, as well as many other conditions
• medicines such as cimetidine, finasteride and cyproterone, which block the effects or reduce the production of testosterone

See your GP if you’re worried that medication you’re taking is responsible for your reduced sex drive. They can review your medication and switch your prescription to something less likely to affect your libido if necessary.