Factors Affecting Low Libido in Couples

According to Weston, the definition of low libido is subjective--and defined by the person who has one"A man has to perceive his libido as low, and it has to be distressing to him, "A woman usually does not see low libido as a problem but instead sees it as an opportunity not to be interested in sex. Couples need not feel they have to have sex a certain number of times a week to have a good sex life. "It's really about compatibility," Weston says.

You may be experiencing a transition in yourself, from being an energetic individual with an interest in having sex, for someone who no longer yearns for sex. Low libido may put your relationship or marriage in the brink of collapsing. There are several factors responsible for reducing sex drive more common  ones  are physiological and psychological. Take a look at some of them however, there could be more factors.

Stress:  Stress is one of the common causes that could mar you in several forms. The body reacts to stress by releasing adrenaline and cortisol.  Stress from work, money troubles, caring for a sick family member and more. Chronic stress in particular can also reduce your libido by distracting you and taking your mind off sexual desire.

Depression: This can change the body's biochemistry and therefore reduce libido. It can lower your sex drive antidepressants. Men experience erection problems sometimes due to depression while women experience difficulty in reaching orgasm.

Low Self-Esteem:  It's hard to feel sexy when your self-confidence is drown or when you have an unhealthy body image. For instance, when you feel ashamed of being out of shape and believe that it may douse intimacy. One of the solutions for lifting your morale is working out, which also increases your sex drive.


Alcohol: A little of it may set the tone for intimacy at times, but not always. It can lower your sex drive, besides being a turn off for your partner. Same applies to drugs. Other drugs can decrease your sex drive  as well for example marijuana suppresses the pituitary gland, which regulates the production of testosterone.

Lack of Sleep: A good night's rest might be hard to come by, but you need sleep to keep a sharp mind. If you are not sleeping well it may result in low libido. Insomnia, sleep apnoea, sleeping difficulties results in low testosterone levels, reduced level of the hormone is responsible for low libido.


Medication: Some medications used to treat depression, high blood pressure, anti HIV drugs and other common illness can affect libido or disrupt your normal sexual functions.

Sexual disorders:  Sex disorders may lead to low libido by affecting sexual organs or brain functions. Sexual dysfunctions are also responsible for pain during intercourse, or they may lead to inability of orgasm.

Hormone Imbalance: Libido is directly influenced by testosterone levels. Therefore, low libido is often caused by low testosterone levels - a hormone imbalance.  Injury inflammation and tumors  in the testicles are the reasons for low testosterone in men.

Menopause: Women may experience low libido during menopause for a number of reasons Estrogen levels drop suddenly during these years, causing vaginal tissue to become dry. That, in turn can lead to discomfort and pain during intercourse and discourage a woman's sexual desire. Menopause can also lower testosterone, the hormone that boosts libido in women as well as man.

Health Conditions: Serious systemic illness, such as cancer or kidney disease, can suppress testosterone levels and reduce sperm production. Other illness, such as renal disease, HIV and diabetes are medical conditions that may also decrease libido.

Lack of Time: Have you ever been too busy for sex? The hectic schedules of daily life can put your sex life on the back burner. You should plan everyday activities in a way that allows time with your partner for intimacy.

Edited by Dr. N. Valentine