Low libido describes a decreased interest in sexual activity.
Low libido describes a decreased interest in sexual activity. It’s common to lose interest in sex from time to time, and libido levels vary through life. It’s also normal for your interest not to match your partner’s at times.
What is low libido?
Low libido describes a decreased interest in sexual activity.
It’s common to lose interest in sex from time to time, and libido levels vary through life. It’s also normal for your interest not to match your partner’s at times.
However, low libido for a long period of time may cause concern for some people. It can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying health condition.
Here are a few potential causes of low libido in men.
Testosterone is an important male hormone. In men, it’s mostly produced in the testicles.
Testosterone is responsible for building muscles and bone mass, and for stimulating sperm production. Your testosterone levels also factor into your sex drive.
Normal testosterone levels will vary. However, adult men are considered to have low testosterone, or low T, when their levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), according to guidelines from the American Urological Association (AUA).
When your testosterone levels decrease, your desire for sex also decreases.
Decreasing testosterone is a normal part of aging. However, a drastic drop in testosterone can lead to decreased libido.
Talk to your doctor if you think this might be an issue for you. You may be able to take supplements or gels to increase your testosterone levels.
Taking certain medications can lower testosterone levels, which in turn may lead to low libido.
For example, blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may prevent ejaculation and erections.
Other medications that can lower testosterone levels include:
- chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer
- hormones used to treat prostate cancer
- corticosteroids
- opioid pain relievers, such as morphine (MorphaBond, MS Contin) and oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- an antifungal medication called ketoconazole
- cimetidine (Tagamet), which is used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- anabolic steroids, which may be used by athletes to increase muscle mass
- certain antidepressants
If you’re experiencing the effects of low testosterone, talk to your doctor. They may advise you to switch medications.
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