Reasons for low sex drive in men and women

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

According to experts, the rate of decrease in sexual desire usually increases with age, the older the age, the higher the rate of decrease in libido. However, in recent years this rate has been trending in the opposite direction - the number of young people with decreased sex drive is increasing in both sexes. So what causes this situation?

Decreased libido is a sexual dysfunction, characterized by a decrease or absence of sexual-related thoughts, fantasies or desires. This symptom may persist continuously or intermittently, lasting at least 6 months.
Both men and women can suffer from decreased libido. In which, according to statistics, about 43% of women and 31% of men have experienced this condition. This disease is usually diagnosed in middle-aged and older people, suffering from chronic stress and gynecological and male diseases.

There are many causes leading to the general decline in sexual desire in men and women, which may be due to psychological factors, influences from daily life or diseases:
Stress: The hormones caused by When your body is under stress, adrenaline and cortisol can make you lose sex drive. Stress can also take over your mind, leaving you with no time to think about the issue of sex; Fatigue: Research in the Journal of Sex Medicine also shows that sleep deprivation increases levels of the hormone cortisol, which leads to a decrease in sex drive; Hormone imbalance: Your low testosterone and estrogen levels naturally lead to low sex drive; Depression: Poor mental health, depressive symptoms or any mental illness can affect libido. Antidepressants also affect quality of sex life; Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism affects metabolism, thereby slowing down the production of hormones that regulate libido; Inactivity: Physical inactivity, weight gain, and emotional stress can all cause changes in hormone production, especially the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. In addition, the decrease in sex drive in women can also be caused by reasons such as: lack of water causes vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable; Menopause causes women to lose their sex drive due to a drop in estrogen levels. This drop makes the vagina dry and makes intercourse difficult. In men, low testosterone is the main cause of decreased libido and difficulty in getting an erection. The decline in testosterone can be caused by many reasons such as unsecured health conditions in some parts such as the pituitary gland, penis ... and a number of other factors. This often occurs in men with diabetes and obesity. In addition, the decrease in sex drive in men is also due to the effects of age.

Decreased libido is just the tip of the iceberg, behind it are major health problems. These are lifestyle issues, overwork, mental stress; problems of physical decline, chronic diseases, metabolic cardiovascular diseases...
The tendency of young people to suffer from sexual decline is the opposite side of a modern society, when life is too hectic, there is too much pressure, polluted environment... negatively affect people's psychological and physical health and the values ​​of family life.
To prevent decreased sex drive, you should practice sports, get proper rest, relieve stress in life, give up bad habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs. stimulants, addictive substances; get enough sleep, check your health periodically...
It is important to create opportunities and time for yourself to maintain regular and healthy sex activities; In addition, you need to communicate with your partner. Couples should learn to communicate openly and honestly to maintain a strong emotional connection, leading to better sex.
When there are symptoms of decreased sex drive, do not hesitate to see a specialist for advice and timely treatment.