What Causes Low Sex Drive in Men and What You Can Do About It
About one in five people experience a low sex drive or a decrease in sexual desire at some point in their lives. While occasional dips are normal, a persistently low libido can signal underlying health conditions, hormone imbalances, or lifestyle factors affecting your overall sexual health and confidence.
This article explains the most common causes of low libido in men, how it affects your sex life, and the treatment options available to help you regain a healthy sexual function and interest in sex.
If you’re concerned about a decreased sex drive, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team at Urology of Greater Atlanta specializes in diagnosing and treating issues like low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and other causes of reduced libido. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our multiple convenient locations across Georgia and take the first step toward restoring your confidence and sexual wellness.
What is a Low Sex Drive?
Let’s start with the basics: there’s no “normal” level of sexual desire that fits everyone. Each man has his own baseline libido, and the stereotype that men are always interested in sex is inaccurate and often harmful.
Clinically, a low sex drive (or decreased libido) refers to a drop in your usual level of interest in sex or sexual activity.
Your libido naturally fluctuates based on your age, hormone levels, and what’s happening in your daily life. For instance, stress at work, fatigue, or even a short illness can temporarily reduce your sexual desire.
However, a persistent loss of libido, especially when it affects your relationships or emotional well-being, may point to an underlying medical condition or hormonal imbalance that deserves professional attention.
What Causes Low Sex Drive in Men?
A wide range of physical, psychological, and emotional factors can lead to decreased sex drive. Below are ten of the most common causes of low libido in men.
1. Low Testosterone (Testosterone Deficiency)
Testosterone is a key hormone that regulates sexual function, muscle mass, bone density, and mood. As men age, testosterone levels gradually decrease.
Some men, however, experience a sharper or premature decline known as testosterone deficiency, which can result in:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weight gain and loss of muscle mass
- Trouble concentrating or memory issues
If you’re worried about your hormone levels, your urologist can perform blood tests to check your testosterone and other hormonal markers. Testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended if levels are abnormally low.
2. Certain Medications
Many common medications can affect your sex drive or make you lose interest in sex. These include:
- Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs)
- Blood pressure medications (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors)
- Corticosteroids
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Opioids and anabolic steroids
If you think your medication is contributing to a low libido, speak with your doctor before making any changes. Safer alternatives may be available that have fewer effects on sexual desire.
3. Sexual Problems
Conditions like erectile dysfunction or ejaculation disorders can also lower your interest in sexual activity. These issues can create a cycle of anxiety, frustration, and low self-esteem that further reduces your sex drive.
Discussing these concerns with your urologist can help uncover the cause and identify effective treatment options.
4. Depression and Anxiety
Depression, stress, and anxiety are among the leading mental health factors behind low libido. Depression can make you feel hopeless and detached, while some antidepressants can also decrease sexual desire as a side effect.
Addressing mental health through counseling, therapy, or medication adjustments can significantly improve both your mood and sexual health.
5. Chronic Illnesses
Many health conditions interfere with hormone balance or blood flow, which can decrease sexual function. These include:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Obesity
- Heart, kidney, liver, or lung disease
Your doctor can perform a physical exam and lab tests to identify whether a medical condition is the root cause of your low desire.
6. Alcohol and Recreational Drugs
Drinking too much alcohol can suppress testosterone production and impair your sexual performance. Similarly, tobacco, marijuana, and illegal drugs can alter your hormones and decrease sexual interest.
Cutting back on alcohol and avoiding recreational drugs can help restore hormone levels and improve your sex life.
7. Too Little or Too Much Exercise
Regular physical activity boosts mood, circulation, and sexual health, but extremes in either direction can hurt your libido.
- Too little exercise can lead to weight gain and fatigue, while
- Overtraining can increase cortisol (the stress hormone) and decrease testosterone.
Some studies show a correlation between over-exercise and reduced sex drive. A balanced exercise routine, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking most days, supports healthy hormone levels and overall well-being.
8. Stress
Short-term stress may cause temporary low libido, but chronic stress can gradually decrease your testosterone levels and disrupt your sex drive. Around half of American adults have such severe stress that it has negatively affected their behavior.
Learning to manage stress through mindfulness, therapy, or relaxation techniques can help protect both your mental health and sexual function.
9. Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem and body image concerns can significantly affect your sexual confidence and cause you to lose interest in intimacy. These feelings often lead to performance anxiety, depression, or relationship problems, which further diminish your libido.
10. Relationship Problems
Your relationship itself can influence your sexual desire. Emotional distance, unresolved conflict, or overfamiliarity with your partner may make you feel less connected or interested in sex.
In these cases, couples counseling can help rebuild communication, intimacy, and mutual understanding.
What Should I Do if I Have a Low Sex Drive?
A temporary decrease in libido is often nothing to worry about. Stress, fatigue, or illness can all affect your interest in sex. However, if your low sex drive continues for several weeks or months or interferes with your daily life, it’s time to take the following action:
1. Schedule an Appointment With Your Urologist
Your first step should be to consult a urologist who specializes in sexual health. At Urology of Greater Atlanta, your provider will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and conduct a physical exam to identify possible causes such as low testosterone, medication side effects, or underlying health conditions.
2. Have the Recommended Tests
Your doctor may order blood tests to check your testosterone levels, thyroid function, blood sugar, and other markers related to sexual function. Identifying whether your hormone levels are too low helps determine the best treatment options.
3. Follow Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Once testing is complete, your urologist will recommend a personalized treatment plan that targets the root cause of your low libido.
Common Treatment Options for Low Libido
The team at Urology of Greater Atlanta offers several evidence-based treatments to restore sexual desire and improve your sex life.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
For men with testosterone deficiency, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can safely increase hormone levels and restore sexual function.
Treatment options include:
- Topical gels, creams, and patches
- Oral or nasal formulations
- Testosterone injections or pellets
Your provider will discuss the best method for your health, lifestyle, and goals. Routine follow-ups ensure that your testosterone levels remain in a healthy range.
Medication Review and Adjustments
If certain medications are lowering your sex drive, your doctor may suggest alternative prescriptions or dosage changes.
For example, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta® and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac® and Zoloft® can cause libido loss.
You could consider trying a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NRDI) such as Wellbutrin®, which is less likely to interfere with your sex drive.
Never stop or adjust your medication without talking to your doctor first.
Lifestyle and Exercise Modifications
Healthy lifestyle habits play a major role in sexual health:
- Engage in regular, moderate physical activity to boost energy and mood.
- Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight to support testosterone production.
- Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs that can interfere with hormone balance.
- Prioritize sleep, manage stress, and address mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Even small changes, such as losing 5–10% of your body weight, can improve hormone levels, sexual function, and confidence.
Counseling and Relationship Support
When mental health or relationship problems contribute to low libido, professional counseling can make a major difference.
- Individual therapy can address stress, low self-esteem, or anxiety.
- Couples therapy can help you and your partner rebuild intimacy and resolve conflict.
Take Control of Your Sexual Health
If you’re struggling with low libido, fatigue, or changes in your sexual desire, help is available. Our specialists at Urology of Greater Atlanta provide compassionate, confidential care to identify the cause and restore your sexual health and confidence.
With multiple locations throughout Georgia, you don’t have to wait long for an appointment.
Call us today or request an appointment online to start improving your sex life and overall well-being.
WE OFFER APPOINTMENTS WITHOUT A LONG WAIT TIME
What are the common treatments for libido loss?
The team at Urology of Greater Atlanta offers various treatments for libido loss, including:
Testosterone replacement therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy restores your testosterone levels with synthetic testosterone.
The team offers different types of testosterone replacement therapy, including:
- Topical gels, creams, and patches
- Oral medicines
- Nasal gels
- Testosterone injections
- Testosterone pellets
Your physician discusses your options with you to identify the best form of hormone therapy to address your needs and fit your lifestyle.
When you begin hormone therapy, you’ll have regular follow-ups and blood work to ensure your treatment is working and adjust as necessary to reach the appropriate hormone levels.
Once your hormones return to normal and stabilize, you will have quarterly or semi-annual appointments for your physician to measure your hormone levels and adjust your testosterone therapy as needed to maintain your health and wellness.
Medication changes
If medication is the root cause of your libido loss, you and your doctor can discuss alternatives.
For example, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta® and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac® and Zoloft® can cause libido loss.
You could consider trying a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NRDI) such as Wellbutrin®, which is less likely to interfere with your sex drive.
Do not change or stop taking any medications without consulting with your physician.
Lifestyle adjustments
Making healthy lifestyle choices can often enhance your overall wellness and sex drive.
For example, moderate daily exercise, such as a brisk 30-minute walk or shooting hoops with your friends, can not only boost your mood but help with weight loss.
If, like nearly three-quarters of American adults, you’re overweight or obese, losing just 5-10% of your weight can improve multiple body functions, including hormone production.
You’ll also have more energy and feel more confident about yourself.
When it comes to weight loss and managing chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, you must take control of your diet.
Reducing the amount of sugar, salt, fat, and processed foods you consume has multiple health benefits that can address the underlying health issues causing a low sex drive.
In addition, cutting down your alcohol consumption and eliminating tobacco and drugs also enhances your health with the added benefit of sex drive restoration.
Counseling
Your physician may suggest professional counseling if your libido loss is due to depression, anxiety, stress, or relationship issues.
Counseling can help you identify and address problematic thoughts and behaviors that can interfere with your sexual health and overall wellness.
In addition, couples counseling can help you and your partner reconnect, address any unresolved conflict, and strengthen your intimate connection.
Many issues can cause a reduced sex drive. If you are troubled by a persistent loss of libido, make an appointment with the physicians at Urology of Greater Atlanta by calling the practice or requesting an appointment online.
The team offers compassionate and confidential care to restore your overall health and sex drive.
