Loss of Libido

Sexuality and sex drive are complicated, and many factors can contribute as to why our libidos can decrease or fluctuate throughout our lives. The most common causes include:

• Stress
• Menopause
• Relationship problems
• Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction or vaginismus
• Depression
• Pregnancy
• Anxiety
• Aging
• Fatigue
• Hormonal issues
• Low testosterone levels
• Medications such as antidepressants
• Health conditions such as diabetes
• Contraception
• Pregnancy
• Alcohol or illicit drugs

Health Screening: The treatment for low libido will depend entirely on what is causing it in the first place. The first action should be to rule out any physical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, diabetes, and thyroid issues, to name a few. We recommend booking a health screen with your GP who can conduct blood tests and take your blood pressure reading to ensure your health is in good order. It is also worth discussing any medication you are taking with your GP, as antidepressants or contraception have been found to impact libido in many individuals.

Individual Therapy or Sex Therapy: If physical health conditions and medications have been ruled out, there may be a psychological cause to your low libido. This could be anything from chronic stress, depression, low self-esteem, negative body image, or feeling unsatisfied in your relationship. At Private Therapy Clinic, our therapists will work with you to understand what may be the root causes of the low libido, and create an individualised treatment plan for you. Much of the time, our therapists will use a cognitive-behavioural approach to challenge any unhelpful beliefs you may have towards yourself, any sexual fears or inhibitions, or assign action plans for you to do outside of the sessions, such as relaxation or mindfulness exercises. You might also be encouraged to masturbate (if culturally appropriate) and explore your sexual fantasies to understand what naturally increases arousal for you.

Couples Therapy: As mentioned previously, low libido can also be perpetuated by problems in your relationship. If this is the case, we are happy to offer couples therapy where one of our therapists will support you and your partner in healthy communication, and address any dissatisfaction within the relationship. The most common issues which may contribute to low libido are a lack of trust, loss of sexual attraction, and unresolved conflict.

Low libido can certainly be treated professionally, however, there are many things you can try individually. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as keeping physically active, eating a balanced diet, prioritising sleep, and limiting alcohol intake can all contribute to improved sexual health. Additionally, engaging in mindfulness or meditation can decrease stress levels and bring our attention to the present moment, consequently improving our sexual desire. Here are some useful tips to try and elevate libido on your own:

• Meditate
• Practice yoga
• Limit alcohol intake
• Communicate your sexual desires to your partner
• Eat whole nutritionally dense foods
• Engage in strength training
• Masturbate if this is culturally appropriate for you
• Explore new ways of being intimate with your partner
• Get enough sleep
• Plan date nights with your partner
• Focus on foreplay
• Quit smoking
• Take Vitamin D supplements

If you would like to talk to someone about low libido treatment, please get in touch with the Private Therapy Clinic on Whatsapp message at: +447511116565 email, chat bot or book online to arrange an appointment.

Loss of libido (reduced sex drive) – RWT Primary Care. (2021, July 1). RWT Primary Care. Link

Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Low libido (Low sex drive). Cleveland Clinic. Link

West, S. L., D’Aloisio, A. A., Agans, R. P., Kalsbeek, W. D., Borisov, N. N., & Thorp, J. M. (2008). Prevalence of low sexual desire and hypoactive sexual desire disorder in a nationally representative sample of US women. Archives of Internal Medicine, 168(13), 1441. Link

Villines, Z. (2023, January 3). 10 ways to boost libido. Link