Low Libido in Men: Causes, Signs and What Can Help

Low libido means a reduced interest in sex, and it is common: Bupa says it affects up to 1 in 5 people assigned male at birth. Stress, low mood, tiredness, relationship problems, some medicines and conditions such as low testosterone can all lower desire. Treating the cause usually helps, so talk to a GP if it worries you.

What is low libido in men?

Libido is your sex drive — how often and how strongly you want sex. There is no “normal” level: what matters is a change from what is usual for you, especially if it distresses you or affects your relationship. Cleveland Clinic describes the main symptom as wanting sex less often or less strongly than you used to, along with thinking about sex less often and feeling upset or worried about the change.

Low libido is not the same as erectile dysfunction, although the two often overlap. Difficulty getting or keeping an erection, or problems with ejaculation, can lower confidence and desire, and low desire can in turn make erection problems worse. It can also come and go: a dip during a stressful month is different from a persistent change lasting weeks or months.

What causes low libido in men?

There is rarely one simple explanation. Several factors often act together:

Psychological and relationship causes

• Stress, anxiety and depression. The NHS lists stress, anxiety and depression among the main causes of low sex drive. Feeling exhausted or low can leave little energy or interest for sex.
• Relationship problems. Unresolved conflict, poor communication, resentment or a loss of emotional closeness can all reduce desire.
• Performance anxiety. Worry about erections or pleasing a partner can make sex something to avoid rather than enjoy.
• Low self-esteem and body image worries. These can reduce confidence and interest in intimacy.

Physical and medical causes

• Low testosterone. Testosterone influences sex drive, and levels can fall with age or because of a medical condition. Cleveland Clinic lists low testosterone among the main reasons for a drop in sex drive in men.
• Long-term conditions. Heart disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid, obesity and cancer can all affect sex drive, either directly or through tiredness and low mood.
• Sexual problems. Erectile dysfunction and premature or delayed ejaculation can lower desire.
• Poor sleep. Ongoing tiredness and untreated sleep problems drain energy and desire.

Lifestyle and medicines

• Alcohol and smoking. Drinking too much or smoking can affect circulation, mood and sexual function.
• Low activity and poor diet. Bupa notes that drinking or smoking too much, a poor diet and too little exercise can all play a part.
• Medicines. The NHS lists medicines for high blood pressure and antidepressants among those that can lower sex drive. Never stop a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.

Signs that point to a cause

Other symptoms alongside low libido can give your GP useful clues. Tiredness, weight gain or low mood may suggest an underlying condition; erection problems may point to circulation or anxiety; and a sudden change after starting a new medicine is worth mentioning. Keeping a brief note of when the change began and what else changed can help the conversation.

What can help low libido in men?

What helps depends on the cause, so the first step is working out what is going on. Steps that often help include:

• Talk about it. Talking honestly with your partner about pressure, tiredness or worries can itself ease the problem. A GP or psychosexual therapist can help if the conversation feels stuck.
• Manage stress and sleep. Regular physical activity, a consistent sleep routine and cutting back on alcohol can improve energy, mood and desire.
• Look after general health. Keeping active, eating well and not smoking support circulation and hormone health, which are closely linked to sexual health.
• Review medicines. If you think a medicine is affecting your sex drive, ask your GP or pharmacist about it — they may be able to adjust the treatment.
• Get checked for underlying conditions. A GP can check for diabetes, thyroid problems, low testosterone and other causes with blood tests and a general health review.

Be wary of unregulated products or supplements marketed for libido: talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying anything, and never buy prescription-only treatments from unregulated sellers.

Low libido and mental health

Low desire and low mood often feed each other. Depression can lower libido, and a loss of sex drive can damage confidence and relationships, which deepens low mood. If you have felt down for more than a few weeks, or you have lost interest in things you used to enjoy, mention this to your GP — treating the mood problem often improves sex drive too.

When to see a doctor

See a GP if low libido worries you, has lasted a few weeks or more, started after a medicine change, or comes with other symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, erection problems or low mood. A GP can check for medical causes, review your medicines and refer you for talking therapy or specialist care if needed. Many men find the conversation awkward, but GPs discuss this every day — it is nothing to be embarrassed about.

In an emergency call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112 (EU).