Understanding Low Libido Medicine: Causes and Types
Allo Health is dedicated to personalized well-being, offering support and trusted information tailored to individual health goals. The platform emphasizes human-generated content, led by a distinguished medical team of experts, including physicians and sexual health specialists. Their commitment to credibility involves rigorous fact-checking, authoritative research, and continuous updates to ensure accurate, up-to-date information. Allo Health's unique approach goes beyond conventional platforms, providing expert-led insights and a continuous commitment to excellence, with user feedback playing a crucial role in shaping the platform's authoritative voice.
A psychologist with clinical specialization and experience working with sub-clinical and clinical populations. Her areas of interest and expertise include anxiety-related disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, addictions, sexual health and wellness, relationship issues, stress, and geriatric mental health.
Anoush Gomes is a seasoned Content Writer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in various writing styles such as medical content, creative writing, storytelling, and research papers. Anoush embarked on a unique journey, starting with pre-medical studies at the Dante Aligheri Academy and the University of Miami, where she earned a Bachelor's degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Having pursued medical school and completed clinicals, Anoush transitioned to the world of medical content writing, where her passion for both healthcare and writing converged. Her writing skills encompass persuasive, narrative, expository, and descriptive styles, making complex medical concepts accessible to diverse audiences. Beyond her professional endeavors, Anoush is a multi-faceted individual with a rich tapestry of interests. A writer, artist, poet, avid reader, certified nerd, and hopeful author, she finds inspiration in the intersection of creativity and science. Whether crafting engaging medical narratives or weaving captivating stories, Anoush combines her diverse background and writing expertise to deliver compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Why This Was Upated?
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information became available.
Updated on 26 December, 2023
- Article was updated as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
"The following blog article may discuss medical treatments and interventions. However, it is important to note that the information provided is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.
Book consultation
Medical treatments are complex and should be tailored to individual circumstances. The information presented in this blog may not be applicable to everyone, as each person's medical condition, history, and needs are unique. Only a qualified healthcare professional can evaluate your specific medical situation, consider relevant factors, and provide appropriate recommendations for diagnosis, treatment options, and monitoring.
It is crucial to note that self-diagnosis, self-medication, or relying solely on the information provided in this blog for treatment decisions can have serious health consequences. "
Disclaimer: It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication, as they can help determine the appropriate dosage, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications or conditions. Self-medication can be dangerous and may result in severe health consequences. Therefore, we strongly advise against using medications without proper medical guidance and supervision.
Low libido or low desire for sex is a common sexual dysfunction among men and women. It is defined as a decrease in the sexual desire or sex drive that affects the quality of life. It can be caused by various factors, including stress, hormone level imbalances, medications, and medical conditions. The treatment for low or loss of libido depends on the underlying cause.
What Causes Low Libido?
Low libido, or a decrease in sexual desire, can have a variety of causes in both men and women. Some common causes of low libido in men include:
Aging: As men age, their testosterone levels may naturally decrease, which can result in a decrease in libido.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can lower libido as a side effect.
Chronic illness: Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity can contribute to low libido.
Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can all affect sexual desire.
Relationship issues: Problems within a relationship, such as communication difficulties or unresolved conflicts, can impact libido.
Similarly, some common causes of low libido in women include:
Hormonal changes: Women’s hormonal levels naturally fluctuate throughout their life, such as during pregnancy or menopause, which can affect libido.
AdvertisementsMedications: Similar to men, certain medications can lower libido in women.
Chronic illness: Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and cancer can impact libido in women.
Psychological factors: Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can all affect sexual desire in women.
Relationship issues: Problems within a relationship, such as communication difficulties or unresolved conflicts, can also impact libido in women.
Sexual Dysfunctions That Cause Low Libido
There are several sexual dysfunctions that can cause a reduced sex drive. Some of the most common ones are:
Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where an individual has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. This can make sex less enjoyable and lead to a decrease in libido.
Premature ejaculation: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a condition in which an individual ejaculates too quickly during sexual activity. This can lead to feelings of frustration and a decrease in libido.
Delayed ejaculation: Delayed ejaculation is a condition in which an individual has difficulty ejaculating during sexual activity. This can lead to feelings of frustration and a decrease in libido.
Anorgasmia: Anorgasmia is a condition in which a person is unable to achieve orgasm during sexual activity. This can lead to feelings of frustration and a decrease in libido.
Vaginal dryness: Vaginal dryness is a condition in which an individual’s vagina is not lubricated enough during sexual activity. This can lead to discomfort and a decrease in libido.
Painful intercourse: Painful intercourse is a condition in which a person experiences pain during sexual activity. This can lead to feelings of discomfort and a decrease in libido.
Medications Used in the Treatment of Low Sex Drive
Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. It is also present in women but in smaller amounts. Testosterone therapy is used to increase the levels of testosterone in the body. It is prescribed for men who have low levels of testosterone due to medical conditions such as hypogonadism or aging. Testosterone therapy can increase sexual desire, improve erections, and increase muscle mass. However, it is not recommended for women because it can cause masculinization.
PDE5 Inhibitors
PDE5 inhibitors are a class of drugs that are used to treat erectile dysfunction. They work by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, which is responsible for the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is a molecule that is responsible for relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the penis and causing an erection. PDE5 inhibitors can improve sexual function in men by increasing the levels of cGMP in the penis.
Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant that is used to treat depression and smoking cessation. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Bupropion has been shown to increase sexual desire in those who have hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). HSDD is a medical condition in which individuals have a persistent lack of sexual desire that causes distress.
Addyi
Addyi (flibanserin) is a medication that is used to treat HSDD in women. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that are involved in the regulation of mood and sexual function. Addyi has been shown to increase sexual desire and decrease distress in women with HSDD. However, it has not been shown to be effective in improving sexual function in men.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Estrogen is a hormone that is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics. It is also present in men but in smaller amounts. Estrogen therapy is used to increase the levels of estrogen in the body. It is prescribed for women who have low levels of estrogen due to medical conditions such as menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries. Estrogen therapy can improve sexual desire, increase vaginal lubrication, and decrease vaginal atrophy. However, it is not recommended for men because it can cause feminization.
Mechanisms In Which They Work
- Testosterone therapy works by increasing the levels of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics, such as the growth of facial hair, deepening of the voice, and increased muscle mass. Testosterone therapy can improve sexual desire, improve erections, and increase muscle mass.
- PDE5 inhibitors work by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, which is responsible for the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is a molecule that is responsible for relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the penis and causing an erection. By inhibiting the degradation of cGMP, PDE5 inhibitors increase the levels of cGMP in the penis, leading to improved sexual function in those with erectile dysfunction.
- Bupropion works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are involved in the regulation of mood and sexual function. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, bupropion can improve sexual desire.
- Addyi works by increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that are involved in the regulation of mood and sexual function. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, Addyi can improve sexual desire and decrease distress in women with HSDD.
- Estrogen therapy works by increasing the levels of estrogen in the body. Estrogen is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics, such as breast development and menstrual cycles. Estrogen therapy can improve sexual desire, increase vaginal lubrication, and decrease vaginal atrophy.
Treatment Options For Specific Low Sexual Desire Cases
Testosterone therapy is prescribed for men who have low levels of testosterone due to medical conditions such as hypogonadism or aging. Hypogonadism is a medical condition in which the testes do not produce enough testosterone. Aging is a natural process that can cause a decrease in testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy is not recommended for women because it can cause masculinization.
PDE5 inhibitors are prescribed for men with erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition in which a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
Bupropion is prescribed for individuals with HSDD. HSDD is a medical condition characterized by a persistent lack of sexual desire that causes distress.
Addyi is prescribed for women with HSDD. Addyi has been shown to increase sexual desire and decrease distress in women with HSDD.
Estrogen therapy is prescribed for women who have low levels of estrogen due to medical conditions such as menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries. Menopause is a natural process that can cause a decrease in estrogen levels. Surgical removal of the ovaries can also cause a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen therapy can improve sexual desire, increase vaginal lubrication, and decrease vaginal atrophy. However, it is not recommended for men because it can cause feminization.
Medications For Mental Health Conditions That Cause Low Libido
There are various mental health conditions that can cause low libido, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Medications used to treat these conditions can also contribute to sexual dysfunction, including low libido. However, it is essential to note that everyone responds differently to medications, and some individuals may experience sexual side effects while others may not.
Here are some medications commonly used by mental health professionals for mental health conditions that may cause low libido:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are used to treat depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and arousal. Examples of SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil.
Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders. These medications can affect the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to sexual dysfunction, including low libido. Examples of antipsychotics include Risperdal, Seroquel, and Abilify.
Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers are used to treat bipolar disorder and can also cause sexual dysfunction, including a decrease in sex drive. Examples of mood stabilizers include Lithium and Depakote.
Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and can cause sexual dysfunction, including low libido. Examples of benzodiazepines include Xanax and Ativan.
