Lack of libido can happen to anyone and is related to a series of hormonal, physiological and psychological factors. Anxiety, stress, depression, use of certain medications and chronic illnesses are some of the most common causes for decreased sexual desire.
“Libido is a complex phenomenon that involves both psychic and neurobiological aspects, being modulated by factors internal and external to the organism. In other words, in general, low libido can be connected to factors such as psychic or physical”, explains Fernanda Purificação, psychologist and sexologist, to CNN .
The expert explains that, although hormones such as testosterone, in men, and estrogen, in women, are deeply related to sexual satisfaction, psychological factors must be taken into consideration when investigating the possible causes of lack of libido.
“The lack of desire in short periods is not necessarily a problem, but when it becomes chronic/daily or negatively affects the quality of life, or the relationship, it can be a warning sign”, warns Purificação. “It is important to be aware of excessive disinterest. It is also important to note whether this interferes with both behavior and feelings regarding sex”, he advises.
What are the main causes of lack of libido?
According to the sexologist, the main physical causes for reduced sexual desire include:
- Chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure and heart disease);
- Obesity;
- Sleep disorders;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Use of controlled medications.
According to Purification, the combination of these factors can vary from one person to another. “I need to emphasize that, in the case of women, a lack of libido can often be associated with the contraceptive pill, postpartum, menopause and even a ‘failed’ relationship.”
In these cases, some tests can help identify the cause of the lack of libido, such as blood tests (testosterone, vitamin B12, estriol, progesterone and blood glucose, among others) and imaging tests, in some cases. Furthermore, a good evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist, urologist or endocrinologist, can help in investigating the condition.
Among the psychological factors, the main ones are:
- Stress;
- Emotional overload;
- Anxiety;
- Depression;
- Self-esteem problems;
- Traumatic experiences;
- Problems in the relationship (such as lack of communication and connection and discomfort in intimacy).
In relation to emotional and psychological factors, the help of mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, can be useful to identify traumas and other causes involved in sexual disinterest.
How to reverse the lack of libido?
For Talita Pavarini, nurse and leader in integrative practices, to treat lack of libido it is important, first, to understand that sexual health is part of physical and mental health. “It is necessary to look generously and kindly at these issues that are still taboo”, he states.
Among the practices that can be adopted to improve sexual desire are taking care of your diet, carrying out physical activity, checking hormonal levels and using tools to reduce stress, such as meditation, aromatherapy and psychotherapy.
“The use of some essential oils with aphrodisiac aromas can help, such as ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), ginger essential oil (Zingiber officinale) and Chinese cinnamon (barks) (Cinamomum cassia)”, says the specialist.
Furthermore, it is essential to seek help from a healthcare professional to investigate the causes and treat them, if necessary. In the case of using medications that may be associated with the symptom, it is possible to evaluate with the doctor the adjustment in medication or treatment, for example.
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This content was originally published in Lack of libido? Understand possible causes and see how to reverse it on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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