men s health issues
Decreased Libido in Men
Introduction
Decreased libido is a reduction in sex drive. Possible causes include psychologic factors (such as depression, anxiety, or relationship problems), drugs, and low blood levels oftestosterone. Depending on the cause, doctors may suggest psychologic counseling, prescribe a different drug, or recommendtestosteronesupplementation therapy. (See also Overview of Sexual Function and Dysfunction in Men .) Sex drive (libido) varies greatly among men and may be decreased temporarily by conditions such as fatigue or anxiety. Libido also tends to gradually decrease as a man ages. Persistently low libido may cause distress to a couple. Occasionally, low libido can be a life-long problem that results from traumatic childhood sexual experiences or from learned suppression of sexual thoughts. Most often, however, low libido develops after years of normal sexual desire. Psychologic factors, such as depression, anxiety, and relationship problems, are often the cause. Chronic Kidney Disease can decrease libido. Some drugs (such as those used to treat depression, anxiety, or advanced When libido is decreased, men have fewer sexual thoughts and fantasies and less interest in sex, and they engage in sexual activity less frequently. Even sexual stimulation, by sights, words, or touch, may fail to provoke interest. Men with low libido often retain the capacity for sexual function and may sometimes continue to engage in sexual activity to satisfy their partner. A blood test can measure the level oftestosteronein the blood. The diagnosis of lowtestosterone(called hypogonadism) is based both on the man's description of his symptoms and his low blood levels oftestosterone. 