Blame the social stigma that often discourages men from openly discussing problems like low libido or low sex drive with doctors and healthcare professionals. It is a serious problem and can have negative effects on their health, which is why it makes it more important for men to be more practical and discuss such issues with doctors and get these resolved at the earliest. Sexual drive or libido is vital for good sex life. While it is completely natural to experience a temporary loss of libido due to ill health, chronic conditions, work or family commitments and other minor changes in life, a persisting low libido can be indicative of a much deeper problem that needs a physician's intervention.

Before we dive into learning the major causes behind having low libido and how to treat them, let's first understand why getting low sexual drive treated at the earliest is important.

How Is Libido Important?

Libido plays a crucial role in a person's sexual health and well-being. A healthy sexual drive can contribute to a fulfilling sex life, which can have positive effects on a person's physical, emotional, and psychological health. Here are some good things that a healthy libido can do.

• A healthy libido can enhance intimacy and strengthen emotional bonds between you and your partner.
• A healthy libido means improved sexual activity that has been proven to reduce stress, improved cardiovascular health, and alleviate pain.
• Increased sexual activity can also have mental health benefits like reduced anxiety and depression and improved mood.

Causes of Low Libido in Men

Low libido can occur due to various physical, emotional, psychological or medical conditions. A few common causes of low libido in men include:

• Fatigue from underlying medical conditions
• Stress, anxiety or depression
• Reduced hormone levels owing to advancing age
• Excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption
• Consumption of medicines like antihypertensive or antidepressants
• Chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, cancer
• Relationship problems
• Post-traumatic stress syndrome

5 Easy and Effective Ways to Boost Libido

Here are five simple yet effective lifestyle changes that can help boost your libido:

1. Diet

Several studies have shown that daily consumption of foods with aphrodisiac properties can help boost libido.

• Dark chocolate
• Oysters
• Figs
• Strawberries
• Watermelon
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Fenugreek
• Maca
• Pine nuts
• Broccoli
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3, and fatty acids

While these foods can boost your libido, you must stay clear of foods that can harm your sexual drive. Some of these include:

• Foods high in sugar
• Foods high in saturated fats
• Alcohol

2. Exercise

There is enough evidence that correlates regular physical activity to improved sexual and reproductive health in men. Research states that strength-training workouts performed in the evening rather than in the morning can have a bigger effect on a man's testosterone levels.

3. Good Quality Sleep

Sleep deprivation has been associated with reduced sexual desire and arousal in men. Not getting enough sleep can make a person feel fatigued, low on energy and sleepy, thereby resulting in lower libido and sexual interest. People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also have low libido. A 2002 study of men at the Technion Sleep Laboratory in Israel reported that people with OSA secreted abnormally low levels of testosterone during the night. Therefore, it's advisable to visit an expert physician to treat this problem for better sexual health.

4. Quitting Smoking

Smoking cigarettes is directly linked to reducing sperm count, causing cardiovascular problems and increasing blood pressure in men. All of these can reduce the sensation of arousal and cause erectile dysfunction. Quitting smoking can improve sexual responses like orgasms, thereby boosting libido.

5. Stress Management

High anxiety and chronic stress make your body focus on producing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Therefore, when your body is more focused on producing stress hormones, it is less dedicated to secreting sex hormones like testosterone, which results in low libido. Also, stress hormones increase your heart and respiration rate while reducing other important bodily functions, another big reason behind low libido. The best way to reduce stress naturally is to practise relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. In case, it doesn't help, it's advisable to consult a doctor.

Some Other Lifestyle Modifications

Besides following the aforementioned tips, you can also abide by these points to improve your libido.

• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help improve your overall health and libido.
• Supplements like maca root or ginseng are believed to increase libido. But it is advisable to consume them only after consulting a doctor.
• Practising open communication with your partner is the key to a sexually healthy relationship. Being open and honest about your desires can help improve your libido.
• Consider going for anxiety or depression therapies if you are experiencing low libido owing to these psychological factors.

It's important to note that libido levels can vary greatly from person to person and can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as age, hormonal imbalances, stress, medication side effects, and relationship issues. If a person experiences a persistent decrease in libido, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and potential treatment options.

Consult An Apollo Sexual Health Expert

FAQs

Q. Can you boost your libido in a day?

A: While you can boost your libido with lifestyle changes, it may take a few days to begin experiencing the effects. Consuming a healthy diet and practising regular exercises can help you boost your libido in a few days.

Q. How to identify if you have low libido?

A: If you are experiencing a decreased interest in sex, reduced sexual desire, are worried or concerned about a sexual act or are unsatisfied with your current sexual interest, you may be experiencing low libido.

Q. How common is low libido in men?

A: It has been found that at least one in every five men experiences low libido.

Q. Can you boost libido in men?

A: You can restore and boost your libido with the right professional guidance and healthy lifestyle habits.

Q. At what age is the male libido at its peak?

A: Men experience the peak of sexual desire or libido in their 20s. With age, libido tends to reduce.

Consult An Apollo Sexual Health Expert

Medically reviewed by Dr Madhushree Agarwal.