Common Causes of Low Libido in Men

Losing interest in sex can be unsettling, particularly when you do not know how to describe the change. Desire, erections and satisfaction are different questions. Begin with what has changed for you rather than measuring yourself against someone else's expectations.

Common contributors to consider

Relationship difficulties, stress, depression, some medicines and excessive alcohol use are recognised contributors to low desire. A list of possibilities is not a diagnosis. [1]

Write down when you first noticed the change and whether it affects every situation. Distinguish “I do not feel interested” from “I want sex but worry about an erection.” That wording gives a clinician a clearer starting point than a general label such as poor performance.

Changes in health and circumstances

Mayo Clinic identifies fatigue and endocrine disorders among possible explanations and recommends discussing concerning or sudden loss of desire with a doctor. [2]

Bring the context with you: changes at work, caring responsibilities, illness and your relationship situation. You do not need to decide which one is responsible before arranging an appointment. A simple account is more useful than a theory you feel obliged to defend.

When testosterone enters the discussion

Low desire can occur with testosterone deficiency, but hormone diagnosis needs symptoms and appropriately repeated blood measurements. Desire alone cannot establish it. [3]

Treat hormone testing as a question for the consultation, not a shopping list. Our testosterone results guide explains why a laboratory range and a treatment decision are different things.

Review medicines without changing them yourself

Some medicines can affect sexual function. If you suspect a connection, ask the prescriber to review it; do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. [4]

Bring names, packaging or an accurate list of everything you take, including supplements. Record whether the change followed a new prescription. Do not assume timing proves causation, and do not conceal a product because it was bought online.

Prepare for an assessment

Sexual-health assessment can include medical and sexual history, a physical examination and selected tests. [5]

Useful questions include: “What possibilities are you considering?”, “Would a test change the plan?” and “When should we review this?” You can ask to speak privately or explain that discussing sex feels unfamiliar. If you want a partner involved, decide together what would be helpful to share.

Make the conversation specific

Instead of asking how to restore a supposedly normal frequency, describe the change that matters to you. Perhaps you miss interest in intimacy, avoid initiating affection or feel pressure about sex. These are examples of ways to explain a concern, not diagnostic criteria.

A reasonable next step

Arrange a consultation if the change concerns you. Bring your questions and be clear about what you hope to understand. You do not have to buy a treatment before the reason has been explored.

Further reading

• Stress and sexual performance.
• Sleep and sexual health.
• When to see a doctor.

Men’s Sexual Health