Low Sexual Desire: Psychological and Physiological Factors at Play
Libido is a complex aspect of human sexual function. It is sexual desire or the drive to participate in sexual activity. Several factors contribute to one’s libido, including sex, sexual fantasies, interest, and seeking sexual activity. The influences on libido are multifactorial, and it changes with age and hormones, and fluctuates within relationships. However, if you are healthy and your libido is still a consistent problem, the reason for your low sexual desire could be a psychological one.
Psychological Factors That Impact The Loss Of Interest In Sex
The psychological factors contributing to a loss of interest in sex are varied. If you feel uninterested in other areas of your life, such as your job or hobbies, it could be the case that you’re depressed. Even mild versions of depression can kill your sex drive as you might become mentally numb and experience low self-esteem. This could even be accompanied by physical symptoms of fatigue, heaviness, and poor sleep, which depression leads to. As a result, you might feel unattractive. Two factors might be anxiety and stress, as you would be so consumed by your thoughts that, when you engage in sex, you struggle to perform. You might even feel as though you’re disconnected from your body, tense, and unsettled.
Low Libido Can Also Make A Huge Difference
A low libido can also be the result of repressed anger and emotions, as you might possibly be repressing. On the other hand, expressing your emotions freely makes you available in the long run, increasing intimacy and sexual attraction. Another reason could be the fear of change, especially if you stay in a relationship that is no longer working despite knowing you’ll never be happy. Due to a recent challenging experience, such as bereavement, breakup, or accident, you might feel unable to connect to yourself, including your sex drive. If this persists for months, it could even be a case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which causes dissociation.
Decreasing Sex Drive In People – From The Physiological Aspect This Time
Regarding the physiological aspect, several health conditions can lead to a decrease in sex drive in anyone, including cancer, chronic kidney disease and chronic pain. Other conditions that can lead to a decrease in sexual desire include perimenopause and menopause, as the woman’s ovaries decrease their production of estrogen, which can lower libido. Processes such as pregnancy, giving birth and breastfeeding involve large fluctuations in hormone levels, which can also affect sex drive.
Conclusion
Other causes of low libido include the side effects of particular medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotic medications, which can decrease your sex drive. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and improperly using drugs can both lead to a loss of sex drive. In the case of smoking, this can suppress your testosterone levels, which can cause a lower libido. Where physical activity is concerned, either too much or too little can also cause a decrease in sex drive.
Talking to a medical or mental health professional is advisable if the decrease in libido is causing you distress.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue, you can reach out here.
Johanna Cutajar is a Master in Counselling graduate from the University of Malta. She works with children and adolescents as a counsellor within the education sector on a variety of issues, including relationship issues, trauma, bereavement, transitions, and general mental health.
References
Jacobson, S. (2023). Low Libido – What Psychological Issues Cause It? Retrieved from https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/low-libido-reasons-for.htm
