Low male sex drive? maybe this is the cause

As with women, the cause of low male sex drive can be from many factors. Low sex drive describes a decrease in men's interest in sexual activity.

In general, loss of sexual interest can occur from time to time, and the level of sexual arousal can vary throughout life. However, low male sex drive for a long period of time can cause concern for some people. The reason is that a person's low sex drive can sometimes be an indicator of certain health conditions.

Causes of low male sex drive

1. Decrease in the hormone testosterone

Testosterone is an important male hormone that is produced in the testes. Testosterone is responsible for building muscle and bone mass and stimulates sperm production. In addition, testosterone is also a factor that affects sexual drive in men.

A man is considered to have low testosterone, or low T, when his testosterone level is below 300 to 350 nanograms per deciliter (ng / dL). When men's testosterone levels decrease, the desire to have sex will also decrease. Although a decrease in testosterone is very natural as a person ages, this drastic decrease in testosterone levels can cause a significant reduction in male sex drive.

2. Medicines

The cause of low male sex drive can also be due to the effects of taking certain drugs that affect testosterone levels. For example, blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers can prevent ejaculation and erections. In addition there are several drugs used to treat depression, and other chronic diseases sometimes have side effects of suppressing libido.

3.Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. A study found that men with RLS had a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction than people who did not have RLS. Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man cannot or maintain an erection.

4. Depression

People who are depressed will usually feel a decrease or a lack of interest in the activities they enjoy, including sex. In addition, a person's low sex drive can also result from the side effects of antidepressant drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

5. Chronic disease

Certain diseases, such as cancer, can reduce a man's sperm production because their body focuses on fighting cancer-causing cells in order to survive. In addition, kidney disease, diabetes or HIV infection can also suppress testosterone levels and reduce sperm production.

6. Sleep disturbances

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) found that men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experiences lower testosterone levels, leading to decreased sexual activity and libido.

In essence, a decrease in testosterone levels can be caused by not having good and healthy sleep quality. So physically, lack of sleep will increase levels of cortisol (stress hormone) which can suppress libido.

7. Aging

Decrease in testosterone levels will generally be seen at the age of 60-65 years. However, it does not rule out if the decrease in testosterone levels can occur more quickly due to the influence of lifestyle. When you are no longer young, it will take you longer to orgasm, ejaculate, and become aroused during sexual intercourse.

8. Stress

Low male sex drive can also occur due to stress. This is because stress can disrupt your hormone levels by releasing adrenaline and cortisol. A study in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease supports the notion that stress, apart from psychological problems and relationship quality, has a direct effect on a person's sexual problems. In addition, tres can also cause constriction of blood vessels, which can lead to erection problems.

How to increase male sex drive?

Based on the various causes that have been mentioned above, several ways that can be done to increase male sex drive are:

Doing a healthier lifestyle. By improving diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, avoiding all activities that will cause stress, reducing smoking and drinking alcohol.
Replace drugs that do have the effect of lowering testosterone levels in the body, thus affecting your libido
Conduct counseling to a doctor or sex specialist. Later, the doctor or sex specialist will recommend that you do therapy if the cause of the decrease in sexual desire is a psychological problem. In many cases, low sexual desire indicates a desire to have a closer relationship with a partner, but not only about sex.
In essence, get to know your body and feel free to tell your doctor how you feel. Don't hold back. That is the only way for your doctor to know what the root problem is from your low sexual desire, whether due to physical, psychological, or both factors.