At Men’s Vitality Center, we offer testosterone replacement therapy for men with low testosterone. Most often, men come in for our services because they are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, low mood, and trouble concentrating. One symptom that is often the main reason men come to our testosterone replacement clinic is low libido.
What is low libido?
Libido refers to your sex drive. Low libido is not the same as erectile dysfunction. It is not your ability to have sex, but rather, your desire to do so, whereas men with erectile dysfunction may desire sex, but not be able to perform sexually. A man with low libido simply does not feel sexual desire as strongly as he usually does, or he may feel no sexual desire at all. Low libido doesn’t mean that you don’t like sex; it means that your sexual desire is not at its normal level. While sex drive varies from person to person, it is generally simple to assess whether or not you have low libido. In a situation during which you would normally feel sexual desire, you may find that you just don’t feel the need for it. When assessing your libido, consider whether it seems to be normal for you.
Causes of low libido
Low libido can be caused by several different factors. When you come to your physician at Men’s Vitality Center, we will work with you to determine the cause, which will inform us of the proper treatment.
Low testosterone
A very common cause of low libido is low testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for bone and muscle mass, sperm production, and sex drive. When your testosterone levels are low, your libido decreases. While testosterone naturally decreases with age, if your testosterone levels are below 300 ng/dL, they are considered low. Talk to your doctor about this possibility, and we will test your testosterone levels and determine if this is the cause.
Certain medications
There are several prescription medications that can have an impact on sex drive. If you are on medications for high blood pressure, depression, cold and flu, and chronic pain, it could be affecting your libido. You may be able to switch to a different medication for treatment, so talk to your doctor.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that manifests in the uncontrollable need to move your legs, particularly at times of rest. A recent study found that men with RLS are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction and low libido.
Depression
When you have depression, it impacts your life in many different ways. One way is that depression can inhibit your sex drive. Because depression often manifests in a lack of interest in activities that you used to find pleasurable, sex can be among them. Additionally, as mentioned above, if you are on antidepressants, many can have an impact on your sex drive. If this is the case, talk to your doctor about low libido and your options for treating depression.
Stress
In times of stress, sexual desire often decreases. There are several reasons why this might be. First of all, if you are stressed out, you may find yourself distracted and exhausted, so sex is the last thing on your mind. Stress also has an impact on our hormone levels and restricts blood flow, so it may have a physical impact on your ability to become aroused.
Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can have an impact on a man’s testosterone levels, which in turn, can impact sexual desire. Additionally, if you have trouble sleeping, you may not have the energy for sex, resulting in a lack of desire for it.
Chronic illness
If you have a chronic illness that causes you pain, sex is likely not at the forefront of your mind. Certain illnesses such as cancer can also kill sperm production and cause erectile dysfunction, which may inhibit sex drive.
Treatments for low libido
Testosterone replacement therapy
If low testosterone is the culprit, your physician at Men’s Vitality Center may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy. Many of our patients see great success with this treatment, including a significant increase in sex drive. Contact us to learn more about this treatment option.
Lifestyle changes
Many men find that putting certain lifestyle changes into play is enough to improve their sex drive. If you have low libido but your doctor has tested you for low testosterone and found that you are in the normal range, getting healthier in general may be the next logical step. Get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly, and you may see improvements in your sexual desire.
New medication
If your doctor determines that your low libido is caused by medication, they may be able to prescribe a different medication without that side effect. Speak with your doctor about this option.
Counseling
If your doctor has ruled out any physical causes, it may be that your low libido is caused by a psychological issue. In this case, counseling may be helpful in getting back to your normal self. You can talk to your doctor about counseling options, or consult with your health insurance to find a therapist who is covered under your plan.
At Men’s Vitality Center, we understand that low libido can have a negative impact on your well-being, your relationship, and your self-esteem. Contact us to learn more about testosterone replacement therapy and what else we can do for you.