A LOW libido can be worrying, but it is a common problem that affects most men and women at some point in their lives.
In most cases, a slow sex drive is nothing to worry about – but it might be worth looking into some of the possible triggers if you want to get your mojo back quickly.
Up to one in three women and one in five men in the UK will experience low libido in their lifetime, according to to look for.
O National Health Service says some of the main causes of low sex drive include:
1. Relationship problems
Relationship problems are among the most common causes of loss of libido.
If you’ve been in a relationship for a long time, it’s easy to become too familiar with your partner, which can stop you from viewing your partner in a sexual way.
How to fix it
The NHS suggests relationship counseling to help you reignite the fire.
Their family doctor may refer them for psychosexual counseling or relationship therapy.
Both types of therapy can help you and your partner discuss any sexual and emotional issues that may be causing your lack of sexual desire.
2. Mental health
Any mental health issue, be it stress, anxiety and depression, can be all-consuming and affect every aspect of your life – including your sex drive.
How to fix it
Talk to your doctor about your mental health, who will be able to offer treatment options, from talking therapies to medication, if necessary.
If you have a partner, it’s also worth sharing your concerns with them as they can offer comfort and support.
When you feel better, your sex drive is likely to return, and if it doesn’t, it’s worth seeing your GP.
3. Pregnancy and childbirth
Having a baby or being pregnant can wreak havoc on your hormones.
Caring for a baby can also be very stressful and tiring, which can make you less interested in sex.
How to fix it
Some studies show that most women are likely to be interested in sexual activity six months after giving birth.
However, many women experience lower levels of sexual pleasure and emotional satisfaction up to 18 months after giving birth.
Having a newborn can be exhausting, which means sex may be the last thing on your mind.
Likewise, there may be physical setbacks. Your body is recovering from labor and birth, and this process may be slower if you have a perineal tear or are recovering from a cesarean section.
Some women may also fear that intercourse will be painful, and for many, the first sexual encounters after giving birth can be uncomfortable.
So there’s no pressure to get back to sex right away — take time to heal and find your mojo.
4. Menopause
During and after menopause, changes in the levels of the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone can affect libido.
Testosterone, considered by some experts to be the main hormone responsible for sexual desire, drops throughout a woman’s life.
At the same time, when a woman reaches menopause, her estrogen level drops drastically.
A drop in estrogen not only affects sex drive, it can also reduce the natural vaginal fluids that help make sex comfortable.
This can result in dry vaginal tissue, which can make sex painful.
Pain during sex is also a major sign of cervical cancer, so it’s important to get this checked out if you’re concerned.
How to fix it
It may be worth talking to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you are going through menopause, as studies show that women who take HRT report greater sexual desire.
5. Medications
Some medications, such as high pressureHormonal contraception and antidepressants can have an impact on your sex drive.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the UK.
Antidepressants can make it difficult to become aroused, maintain arousal, and achieve orgasm.
Some people who take SSRIs are unable to orgasm.
How to fix it
Talk to your doctor about how your medication may be affecting your sex drive.
Your doctor may suggest switching to a different medication or type of contraception.
However, it’s worth bearing in mind that your low sex drive could be a result of the illness you’re being treated for.
For example, depression – which can be treated with SSRIs – can cause low sexual desire.
6. Drinking too much alcohol
While a cheeky glass of wine can put you in a good mood, prolonged drug and alcohol abuse can lead to a lack of libido.
This is because the drink has been proven to reduce testosterone levels – especially in men.
Current guidelines state that men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week and should take several days off per week from drinking alcohol.
This test can help you identify whether or not you have a drinking problem.
How does this fix
Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink is a good place to start.
If this is difficult and you feel like you are abusing drugs and alcohol, it is worth seeing your doctor for further help.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
