The intensity of sexual desire varies throughout life. It happens, at certain periods and under the influence of various factors, that the desire to indulge in sexual practices diminishes. Although they are affected differently by this phenomenon, both men and women can be affected by a drop in libido. What could this loss of sexual desire be due to?
1. Psychological disorders causing a drop in libido?
Sexual desire responds to particularly complex mechanisms involving numerous factors. Mental health is one of them. Indeed, stress, weariness or even depression constitute all psychological states likely to hinder the biological and neuronal construction of sexual arousal. Additionally, loss of libido can also be induced by intense emotional or physical trauma. Sexual assault or bereavement are, for example, psychological experiences that are particularly difficult to understand and can have significant repercussions on a person’s sexual life. On the other hand, sexual dissatisfaction can also explain a gradual loss of interest in sexual activities, which then do not provide enough pleasure.
2. Physical disorders causing a reduction in desire
Certain pathologies such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes can cause erectile and/or ejaculatory problems in men. However, sexual impotence is a factor likely to lead to a notable decrease in male sexual desire (according to The MSD Manual). In women, certain sexual function disorders can also lead to a noticeable loss of libido. It is estimated that between 30 and 50% of women will experience a disorder of sexual function during their lifetime (according to The MSD Manual). Vaginal or uterine infection, atrophic vaginitis, ovarian cyst, pelvic inflammatory disease, vulvodynia, anorgasmia… The physical causes that can lead to a reduction in female sexual desire are diverse and varied. This is the reason why any pain and any disorder must be the subject of a gynecological consultation.
3. Difficulties within the couple and diminished desire
Relationships within a couple represent a fundamental foundation on which sexual desire is built over time. In this regard, lack of communication or things left unsaid constitute possible obstacles to fulfilling sexuality, and can lead to a gradual decline in sexual arousal. Thus, unresolved or repetitive conflicts contribute to creating a negative emotional climate within the couple. Denigration, infidelity, criticism, anger or even reproaches are all negative emotions which destroy life as a couple and, in fact, sexuality. In addition, physical distance (long-distance relationship) can also generate a loss of libido. To remedy this type of difficulty, it may be interesting to consider couples therapy, in order to restore communication that is often degraded, and to find solutions to rekindle the flame.
4. Hormonal imbalance influencing libido
Hormonal fluctuations, which mainly affect women, can explain a drop in sexual desire. Pregnancy, contraception, menopause… women’s lives are also punctuated by significant variations linked to the menstrual cycle, which can, ultimately, influence their sexuality. In addition to modifying progesterone and estrogen levels, the hormonal variations that mark women’s lives can also alter the quality of vaginal lubrication, which increases the risk of pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). In men, an excessive drop in testosterone levels sometimes occurs with age. However, this sex hormone plays a major role in building sexual desire in men. When its production drops drastically, we then speak of age-related androgen deficiency.
5. Taking medication: a risk of impact on desire
Antiepileptics, antidepressants, neuroleptics, anticancer drugs… Many drug classes can have an unfavorable impact on sexual desire, whether female or male. Generally, these side effects are transient and disappear when treatment is stopped. For people who must follow long-term therapy, the latest generation drugs are often preferred, because, in most cases, they have less serious side effects thanks to a more targeted mode of action. On the other hand, the consumption of narcotic substances or alcohol also represents a significant risk factor for loss of libido. For example, the THC – psychoactive compound – contained in cannabis impacts the secretion of testosterone in men, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. In women, it will tend to prevent orgasm.
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