Definition of Low Libido

The desire for sex is very similar to a desire for food, in that both can be defined as a type of ‘appetite’. Just as we can have a loss of appetite for food, so can we lose our desire for sex.

A low libido refers to a lack of sexual desire or interest in having sexual intercourse. While low libido can affect both sexes, it is more commonly reported in women than in men.

Sexual desire varies from person to person and desire, in most instances, depends on a range of circumstances. Sometimes a low libido is a result of underlying physical conditions, while at other times it may be linked to psychological issues or a combination of the two.

Low libido can cause a range of relationship difficulties and may also affect self esteem. For men, especially, this type of sexual dysfunction is often hard to come to terms with and is a subject not easily discussed.

Because men are portrayed as highly sexual individuals, lack of libido may bring about feelings of guilt, depression, anger, stress shame and low self–esteem, even though this image incorrect.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms and signs of low libido include reduced sexual desire, less frequent sexual thoughts and fantasies, and a reluctance to initiate sex. Additionaly, less frequent masturbation takes place and a lack of desire for sex still occurs even when there have been no sexual encounters for days, weeks, or even months.

What are the Causes?

Low libido can result from physical or psychological factors or a combination of the two in both men and women. Since male and female sexual desire is experienced differently we will look at a few of the possible underlying causes for low libido in each gender. Other factors such as fatigue ( sexual incompatibility, lack of time and privacy can also contribute to low male libido and low female libido).

Common physical factors that may contribute to low libido include:

1. Prescription Drugs
2. Obesity
3. Anemia
4. Constipation
5. Low Levels of Dopamine
6. Fibromyalgia
7. Lyme Disease
8. Diabetes
9. Heart Disease
10. Kidney Disease
11. Hypothyroidism
12. Alcoholism and Drug abuse

Physical factors that may contribute to low male libido include:

1. Impotence
2. Male Menopause
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
4. Premature Ejaculation

Physical causes of low libido in women include:

1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
2. Medications such as Antidepressants and Contraceptives
3. Postpartum Depression
4. Anemia
5. Constipation
6. Low Levels of Dopamine
7. Fibromyalgia
8. Thrush
9. Urinary Tract Infection
10. Menopause
11. Vaginismus
12. Dyspareunia

Common psychological factors that may contribute to low libido include:

1. Depression
2. Stress
3. Anxiety
4. Poor Self Image
5. Sexual Abuse and Trauma
6. Sexual Identity Crisis
7. Relationship Issues with Partner

Natural Remedies

It is advisable that people with low libido thoroughly research their options before agreeing to prescription drugs with their risk of side effects and potential for addiction. While medication may be appropriate when there are physical causes for male low libido, or female low libido, there are many safer and effective options which have been recommended by herbalists for thousands of years in traditional medicine.

Natural treatments such as herbs have a long history of effectively increasing libido naturally along with sexual performance. Selected herbs can enhance sexual arousal without the negative side effects of prescription medication.

Some examples of natural aphrodisiacs that increase libido include Smilax ornata (Sarsaparilla), Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian Ginseng) and Sabal serrulata. Herbal treatments for decreased sex drive not only help to increase libido, but also have the added benefit of improving overall health and body functioning without the side effects of prescription drugs.