What controls the male sex drive?
Physically, the male sex drive is primarily controlled by testosterone, also known as the male sex hormone. Your testosterone levels typically peak in your 20s and gradually decline as you age. With lower testosterone levels comes the potential for a lower sex drive.
But low testosterone levels are only part of the picture; many other situations or conditions affect your sex drive, including:
- Depression
- Performance anxiety
- Endocrine disorders
- Erectile dysfunction
- Relationship issues
- Injury or disease
Ultimately, low sex drive can be caused by either physical or mental conditions or a combination of the two.
What are the symptoms of a low sex drive?
Every man is different, and every situation is unique, making identifying a low sex drive difficult. For example, some men are satisfied having sex once a month, while others would consider that a problem, making frequency a poor indicator of a low libido.
It’s more helpful to explore your attitudes and behaviors toward sex to determine whether you’re experiencing a loss of sexual interest. The following questions may help:
- Do you no longer look forward to sex?
- Do you only touch in the bedroom?
- Do you find sex passionless?
- Do you feel pressured to have sex?
- Do you no longer fantasize about your partner?
If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, it might be time to address the decline in your sex drive before it progresses and becomes more difficult to reverse.
How do doctors treat low sex drive?
The health care professionals at Men’s Health Chicago start with a thorough examination and lab work to rule out physical or problems. They will also discuss any changes your history in order to narrow the list of possible causes so that the correct and proper treatment is prescribed.
Once you and the practitioner have pinned down the potential causes for your low sex drive, they may recommend any of the following:
- Medication adjustments
- Testosterone replacement therapy
- Counseling
- Behavior modifications
- Exercises to rekindle your desire
The health care team at Men’s Health Chicago provides a relaxed and confidential environment in which to discuss your problems because simply ignoring the issue may have a serious impact on your mental well-being. To learn more, call or book an appointment online.
