Allo Journal | Is Your Lack Of Sex Drive Normal?

Low sexual desire, or low libido, is a decrease in sex drive. The causes involve physical, mental, and emotional factors that result in different symptoms. Low sexual desire can be influenced by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalance, advanced age, medication side effects, chronic illnesses, and addictive or compulsive behaviour. A treatment plan is only considered after a holistic evaluation is done to determine the underlying cause. Low sexual desire can co-exist with other sexual disorders, either as a symptom or a cause.

Some causes of low libido include:

- Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, etc
- Sexual dysfunctions such as ED and PE
- Hormonal conditions such as low testosterone and estrogen levels
- Lifestyle factors such as obesity and substance abuse
- Interpersonal concerns within relationships

The symptoms of low sexual desire include:

- Lack of interest in initiating and/or engaging in sexual activity
- Challenges to feeling pleasure from sexual activity
- Inability to feel pleasure through sexual stimulation
- Little or no sexual thoughts or fantasies
- If sexual activity is initiated by a partner, the inability to join in

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Low sexual desire is most commonly a symptom of a condition called Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). However, this is only diagnosed if the patient frequently experiences the symptoms mentioned above. However, it is important to remember, that the intensity and even existence of sexual desire are subjective, dependent on many factors, and, don't remain the same throughout anyone's life.

While low libido is often experienced by many, it is by no means "abnormal"—due to the many factors that can lead to it, the symptoms can be inherently subjective. If you feel that your symptoms of low sexual desire have been affecting your physical and mental health, we encourage you to reach out to a professional.

The stigma associated with sexual dysfunction or concerns related to sexual health is unnecessary. Sexual disorders are common and treatable. Understanding the cause behind these symptoms will help you understand that it’s perfectly normal to experience low sexual desire.

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Sexual health is as important as physical and mental health. In most cases, one consultation can go a long way. Personalised, discreet, and judgment-free treatment at your fingertips—book an online consultation with one of Allo’s leading experts.

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Erectile Dysfunction is defined as the inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The condition can affect anyone at any age.

Remember - the blood flow (BF), the nerve supply, and the balance of sex hormones - a concern in any of these can lead to Erectile Dysfunction. Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by a physical (a ‘hardware’ problem) or psychological (mental health effects) - mental health can play a huge part.

Did you know that Erectile Dysfunction can be an indication of cardiovascular concerns? Chronic health conditions affecting blood flow can lead to Erectile Dysfunction.

If a man lasts less than 2 minutes after penetration (all or most of the time), and/or if it leads to frequent dissatisfaction for him or his partner, he may have Premature Ejaculation.

The causes of Premature Ejaculation include:
(1) Physical Factors: Medical conditions, chronic health conditions, or sexual disorders are some physical causes of Premature Ejaculation.
(2) Psychological Factors: Depression, Anxiety

Did you know that Erectile Dysfunction can be a cause of Premature Ejaculation?

Premature Ejaculation can lead to other sexual dysfunctions, but that is not a wide-known fact.

Vaginismus is a condition in which the muscles in the vagina tighten up during penetration.

Vaginismus is commonly caused by psychological factors. Women don't have control over the tightening, and it can be uncomfortable. Due to the physical discomfort, the anxiety or fear response gets worse, and this can lead to a cycle of avoidance.

Did you know that there are four types of Vaginismus?
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(1) Primary Vaginismus

(2) Secondary Vaginismus

(3) Situational Vaginismus

(4) Global Vaginismus

Low sexual desire, commonly referred to as low libido, is a decrease in sex drive.

Individuals that experience low sexual desire due to various causes are impacted physically, mentally, and emotionally by the symptoms the condition can cause.

Like other most common sexual disorders, low sexual desire can be influenced by many aspects, such as hormonal imbalance, increased age, side effects of medications, chronic illnesses, and addictive or compulsive behavior.

This would include concerns with infertility and/or conception. Sexual disorders such as Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, and Vaginismus can lead to challenges with pregnancy attempts.

There could be various causes of infertility, such as sexual dysfunctions, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions leading to low sexual desire and a low sperm count. A sexual health professional should evaluate the causes of failed pregnancy attempts because there can be a variety of causes.

Porn addiction refers to a person becoming excessively dependent on pornography leading to a disruption in their everyday life. This could include their job, relationships and at times, their day-to-day lifestyle.

The causes behind porn addiction could be:

(1) Negative sexual experiences

(2) Incorrect understanding of porn and its uses

(3) Initially trying to learn about sexual experiences, resulted in dependency

(4) Experiencing mental health disorders such as OCD (an anxiety disorder) or depression

Watching porn isn’t a bad thing, nor should it be associated with any shame. However, compulsive porn watching can have negative effects on your sexual, physical and mental health.

Is Your Lack Of Sex Drive Normal?

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