Loss of libido
Stress, anxiety and exhaustion
Getting older and the menopause
Pregnancy, giving birth and breastfeeding
One of the first things to consider is whether you're happy in your relationship. Do you have any doubts or worries that could be behind your loss of sexual desire?
A low libido can be the result of:
You may find it helpful to read advice about keeping the passion alive in your relationship and talking about sex with your partner .
Your GP may be able to refer you and your partner for relationship Counselling if you're having persistent problems, or you may wish to contact Relate forsupport and advice.
Another thing to consider is whether the problem is a physical issue that makes sex difficult or unfulfilling.
For example, a low sex drive can be the result of:
Click these links for more information about where to get help and how these problemscan betreated.You may also want toread more general good sex advice .
Stress, anxiety and exhaustion can be all-consuming and have a major impact on your happiness, including your sex drive.
If you feel you're constantly tired, stressed or anxious, you may need to make some lifestyle changes or speak to your GP for advice.
You may find some of the following information and advice useful:
Depression is very different from simply feeling unhappy, miserable or fed up for a short while. It's a serious illness that interferes with all aspects of your life, including your sex life.
In addition to low libido, signs of depression can include:
It's important to see your GP if you think you might be depressed. They can advise you about the main treatments for depression , such as talkingtherapies or antidepressants .
Alow sex drive can also be a side effect of antidepressants. Speak to your GP if you think this may be causing your problems.
A reduced sex drive isn't an inevitable part of ageing, but it's something many men and women experience as they get older.
There can be many reasons for this, including:
Speak to your GP if you're concerned about this. They may ask about any other symptoms you have, and sometimes they maydo a blood test to check yourhormone levels.
There are treatments to increase hormone levels if low levels are causing problems, such as hormone replacement therapy(HRT) with or without testosterone treatment for women going through the menopause.
Loss of interest in sex is common during pregnancy, after giving birth and while breastfeeding.
This can be because of:
Theseissues may improve over time. Speak to your GP if your sex drive doesn't return and it's a problem for you.
It may also help to readmore about sex in pregnancy and sex after birth .
Any long-term medical condition can affect your sex drive. Thismay be a result of the physical and emotional strain these conditions can cause, or it may be a side effect of treatment.
For example, a low libido can be associated with:
Speak to your GP or specialist if you think your low libido may bethe result of an underlying medical condition or treatment.
Certain medicines can sometimes reduce libido, including:
Check the leaflet thatcomes with your medicine to see if low libido is listed as a possible side effect.
See your GP if youthink a medicine isaffecting your sex drive. They may be able to switch you to something else.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over a long period can reduce your sex drive, so it's a good idea not to drink too much.
Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 alcohol units a week on a regular basis.
Read some tips on cutting down on alcohol and find out where to get support for a drinking problem if you think you need it.
Drug misuse is also linked to a loss of sex drive. Find out where to get help fordrug addiction .
Loss of libido, or reduced sex drive, is a common problem in men and women. Find out what can cause it and where to get help.
your GP they may be able to offer some helpful advice, or refer you to a specialistfor an assessment and treatment apsychosexual therapist your GP may be able to refer you on the NHS, or you could
Relationship problems Sexual problems Stress, anxiety and exhaustion Depression Getting older and the menopause Pregnancy, giving birth and breastfeeding Underlying health problems