What Affects Sex? Loss of Sexual Desire: Causes and Solutions

Sexuality is one of the most important aspects of human life; it can bring joy, fulfillment, and a deep connection with a partner. However, for many people, sex becomes a source of frustration and even fear. Why does this happen? 

Intimate health and satisfaction in relationships are important aspects of a fulfilling life, and understanding why love can stop being joyful is the first step to restoring them.

In this article, let's look at the reasons behind this problem and discuss solutions for those who experience it. 

What is Sex Drive?

Sexual desire is the desire to have sex and to be sexually active, which can vary in frequency and intensity. The natural consequence of sex drive is sexual arousal. 

Decreased libido is much more common in both sexes than hypersexuality. The extreme degree of decreased sexual desire in women is frigidity - a complete lack of sexual arousal and inability to experience orgasm.

An abnormal increase in libido in females is called nymphomania, and in males - satyriasis. Both of these conditions are accompanied by constant sexual dissatisfaction and the desire for frequent sexual intercourse.

One of the causes of changes in sex drive is chronic illness. Other factors that affect libido are:

• Hormonal malfunctions;
  
  
• Stress, overwork;
  
  
• Family conflicts, problems in relationships with a partner;
  
  
• Mental disorders;
  
  
• Sexual traumas;
  
  
• Insufficient or excessive physical activity;
  
  
• Childbirth;
  
  
• Unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking, drinking alcohol);
  
  
• Surgery on the reproductive organs;
  
  
• Uncontrolled use of medications;
  
  
• Biological aging of the organism.

Why Does a Person Not Want Sex? 

People who suffer from clinical forms of depression have almost no sexual desire.

Warning signs:

• anxiety;
  
  
• depression;
  
  
• bad mood;
  
  
• sleep disorders;
  
  
• loss of strength;
  
  
• weight fluctuations;
  
  
• lack of appetite;
  
  
• inability to concentrate;
  
  
• irritability.

If at least some of the above symptoms appear, you need to seek help from a psychotherapist.

Causes of low libido

Low libido, when you don't want sex at all, can affect both men and women. A person's interest in sex often fluctuates at different periods of life due to hormonal changes, age, and stress. There may be a decrease in libido even in their 20s. The reasons why do not want sex can be both psycho-emotional and physiological in nature.

Hormonal disorders

Why don't you want sex? Sex and hormones are directly connected. In the female body,with ages there is a decrease in the level of estrogen, because of which the vaginal muscles become less elastic, and the genitals release much less lubrication. Men may experience desire problems due to low testosterone levels, elevated estrogen and/or prolactin, cortisol imbalance, and thyroid issues. To find out why you no longer want sex and solve this problem, you need to take an analysis that determines the amount of hormones in the thyroid gland and hormones in the blood (thyroid and sex are interrelated). 

Menopause

Menopause affects the sex drive, and this is due to a decrease in female hormone levels. Desire may occur less often, and touching may be irritating. Hot flashes and sweating affect mood and self-esteem, reducing the quality of intimate life.

Diseases

The reasons for not wanting intimacy may lie in diseases that reduce sexual desire. The most common example is sexually transmitted infections. STIs do not manifest themselves immediately and have a detrimental effect on the female and male body. Such diseases cause discomfort and pain, which is why you may not want sex. In order to rule out STIs, it is necessary to have regular check-ups with a doctor, even if there are no symptoms. This is especially true when changing sexual partners and the appearance of suspicious signs.

Effect of medications

Many medications can cause a lack of desire for sex. Oral contraceptives often have a similar effect, especially in the first days of taking them, until the body adapts to the new drug. Antidepressants that regulate serotonin levels can also reduce sexual desire.

Stress and fatigue

Stress and fatigue are one of the main reasons why both men and women do not want sex. Constant and prolonged stress can trigger a surge of hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol, which, in large quantities, cause a decrease in sexual desire. In addition, arteries can narrow during stress. This narrowing limits blood flow and potentially causes ED (erectile dysfunction). With fatigue, everything is very clear: if you have no energy, you have no strength for sex.

Solutions to Sexual Unwillingness

In order to develop a treatment plan for sexual reluctance in both women and men, the underlying cause must first be determined. After filing an application with health care institutions, the diagnostic process first involves a medical examination.

There are several ways to solve the problem:

• One of the key ways to resolve sexual satisfaction problems is to improve communication and understanding in the partnership. An open conversation that includes discussing preferences, desires, and expectations will help to understand each other better and create a more satisfying dynamic. Empathy, support, intimacy, and mutual understanding are important in establishing a more intimate connection.
  
  
• Seeking the help of professionals such as sexologists, psychologists, and doctors. Experts can help explore the causes of the problem, offer personalized strategies and techniques, and provide support and resources to improve sexual function and satisfaction.
  
  
• Changing your approach to sexuality can have a significant impact on satisfaction. This may include improving overall physical and emotional health, regular exercise, healthy eating, and reducing stress levels. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will contribute to better sexual function.
  
  
• Exploring new methods and techniques to achieve satisfaction can also be beneficial. This can include learning about sexual practices, experimenting with different positions and techniques, and using sex toys and other tools to enhance the intimate experience.

If you feel constantly tired, stressed, or anxious, you may need to change your lifestyle and consult a therapist. Uncontrolled stress can negatively affect not only your lifestyle and attitude towards yourself but also develop into depression.