When it comes to men and sex, popular culture paints a picture that doesn't always match what really happens behind closed doors.
Take libido, a.k.a sex drive, for example. It’s often said that men have raging libidos and they’re always in the mood to get it on. But if you chat to everyday guys, they’ll tell you that’s more of a Hollywood stereotype.
Levels of libido exist on a spectrum, from no desire for sex at all to wanting sex often. And what constitutes a normal sex drive differs for everyone. If you’re finding your lack of desire for sex is distressing or it's affecting your relationship, it's a good idea to seek professional advice.
Libido naturally declines with age. The degree of this decline varies, but most men maintain at least some amount of sexual interest into their 60s and 70s. Aside from age, there are a plethora of other causes for why your sex drive has taken a dive. Sometimes it’s due to one factor, but often it’s a combination of factors.
Chronic illness – The pain and fatigue associated with many chronic illnesses can take a toll on your sex drive. This is especially true for conditions such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, fibromyalgia, obesity and kidney failure.
Aside from this, chronic illness may also directly interfere with hormonal, neurological, or vascular functions central to the male sex drive. There is also a higher risk of depression in people who live with chronic illnesses.
Lifestyle changes – If your loss of libido can be linked to poor lifestyle habits, the most obvious place to start is with lifestyle changes. Do away with all the fat-laden take-away food and opt for a clean diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. If you’re a smoker, quit, and if you’re a heavy drinker, cut back on the booze. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that an average adult male should have two or less alcoholic drinks per day.
When it comes to exercise, moderate exercise is known to lower cortisol levels at night and reduce stress, which can help increase sex drive. It will also help keep your weight under control and improve your mood, helping to boost your self-image.
Lastly, prioritise sleep. Aim for at least 7–9 hours of sleep per night for optimal energy levels.
Counselling – If you and your partner are dissatisfied with your sex life, couples therapy is an option. You’ll learn: communication skills to improve the overall quality of your relationship; how to improve intimacy and affection without having sex; startegies to boost your sex drive; and more.
If depression, anxiety or low self-esteem are at play, it may be best to seek out your own counsellor or psychologist who can help you manage your symptoms.
Get in touch with a Mosh psychologist.
Treat underlying medical conditions or change your medication – Speak to a doctor if you have any medical conditions that aren’t being treated and may be contributing to your low libido, such as sleep apnoea (a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts).
And if you’re taking a medication that’s negatively affecting your libido, chat to your doctor about an alternative option or a change in the dose of your existing medication.
Try a natural supplement – If serious medical conditions have been ruled out and you’re simply in need of a natural boost, Mosh’s Energy Libido supplement supports energy levels and enhances sexual function. Active ingredients include:
Tribulus terrestris – An aphrodisiac that maintains healthy sexual function and promotes a healthy libido in males.
Zinc – Supports testosterone levels, sperm health, and maintains healthy reproductive hormones in healthy males. Zinc also aids in protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in the body. Vitamin B6 – Maintains energy levels and relieves fatigue when dietary intake is inadequate.
So, as you can see, lack of interest in sex can be caused by many things.
If your low libido is linked to issues with ED, chat to a Mosh doctor for advice.
If it’s more related to PE, our doctors can help with that too.
Or, if you feel counselling and stress management is more what you need, get in touch with a Mosh psychologist.