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 Someone whose sex drive has decreased loses interest in sex, does not fantasize about sex, and feels little or no pleasure during sexual activity. It is common for a person to experience a temporary loss of sex drive, or libido, at some point in his or her life. However, a long-term decrease in a person's sex drive may become a problem if it causes distress either to the individual concerned or to his or her sexual partner.

Sex drive is partly controlled by sex hormones, which decrease gradually as you grow older. As a result, sex drive also declines naturally with age. However, men and women have different patterns of sexual desire. Sex drive is most intense in young men in their teens and 20s, whereas most women reach their sexual peak later in life, often not until their 30s. Different people have different levels of sex drive and activity. For this reason, a decrease in your sex drive should be judged only in comparison with your own normal sex drive and activity, not in comparison with the claims of other people.




What are the causes?
What can I do?
What might the doctor do?
Self-help: Communicating your sexual needs
Risk Factors


What are the causes?

Many women experience a temporary decline in sex drive after childbirth or gynaecological surgery, and sometimes during pregnancy. Menopausal women may also be affected both because of fluctuations in the levels of their sex hormones and because of their emotional responses to the menopause. Many women experience regular fluctuations in sexual desire that reflect the normal changes in hormone levels that occur during the menstrual cycle.

A number of psychological problems may trigger a loss of interest in sex in either men or women. Such problems may include anxiety disorders, depression, stress, and general problems with the relationship.

A reduction in sex drive may be a side effect of certain drugs, including some contraceptive pills; some types of antidepressant drug; and certain antihypertensive drugs, such as beta-blockers. Heavy drinking may also decrease sex drive.

Other possible causes include illness and tiredness as well as a few rare genetic disorders, such as Klinefelter's syndrome, which affects only males and results in low levels of sex hormones.




What can I do?

You may be able to identify the reason for your loss of sex drive. If you suspect that stress or heavy drinking may be the cause, try changing your lifestyle. If you think that the cause is an underlying problem in your relationship, it may help to discuss the issue with your partner. If you cannot improve the situation, consult your doctor.




What might the doctor do?

Your doctor will discuss your lifestyle and relationship with you to determine which factors are contributing to the problem. If your doctor suspects that your decreased sex drive is the result of a physical condition, he or she may examine you and arrange for tests to look for a disorder. For example, blood tests may be used to check for abnormally low hormone levels in men. If your decreased sex drive is a side effect of a particular drug, your doctor may give you a different medication. The doctor may also suggest changes in your lifestyle, such as reducing stress or cutting down on alcohol intake. If the cause seems to be psychological, your doctor may recommend that you and your partner have sex therapy.

Most people who consult a doctor about a decrease in their sex drive can be treated successfully.




Self-help: Communicating your sexual needs

Many people feel that the sexual side of their relationship could be better. The key to improving your sex life is communication with your partner and mutual understanding. Bear the following points in mind when you discuss your problems with your partner:

Think carefully about your words and timing to avoid sounding hostile or critical.
Talk about the positive aspects of your sex life.
Suggest things that you would like to do or would like to spend more time on; watch your partner's reaction carefully.
Keep your comments open and your suggestions positive.
Listen to what your partner says.
Create an action plan together, and include the points that you would both like to work on.