CONDITIONS

Reasons for Decreased Libido and Our Approach to Reversing It

Loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem that affects many men and women at some point in their lives. While it is often linked to relationship issues, stress or fatigue, it can also be a sign of an underlying medical problem, such as reduced or imbalanced hormone levels. Our approach to reversing low libido begins with determining the root cause of it. By understanding what is causing your decreased libido, we can remedy the issue effectively.

Diagnosing Low Libido

Discerning low libido from tiredness, stress or emotional distress is not always easy. If you find yourself uninterested in intimacy with your partner, consider whether you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

  • Having no interest in any type of sexual activity, including masturbation
  • Never or seldom having sexual fantasies or thoughts
  • Being concerned by your lack of sexual activity or fantasies

For men, libido has everything to do with physical stimulation, while for women, libido begins in the brain. This is why women who have had a hard day are usually uninterested in sex. While this is normal, women may also be uninterested in sex if it is painful, which is not normal. Painful sex creates a negative feedback loop to the brain, which begins to associate sex with pain. At Coyle Institute, we can determine the reason you may be experiencing painful sex and find ways to create a positive feedback loop.

Common Causes of Low Libido

A low libido can be the result of:

  • Relationship problems
  • Sexual problems
  • Stress, anxiety and exhaustion
  • Depression
  • Getting older and experiencing side effects of menopause
  • Pregnancy, giving birth and breastfeeding
  • Underlying health problems
  • Medicine and contraception
  • Alcohol and drug use

At your appointment, be prepared to answer questions about your medical and sexual history to help us identify the cause of your low libido. A pelvic exam may also be performed to check for signs of physical changes contributing to low sexual desire such as thinning of your genital tissues, vaginal dryness or pain-triggering spots. You may need a few blood tests to check hormone and thyroid levels and to screen for diabetes, high cholesterol and liver disorders that could be keeping you from feeling your best.

Treatment Options for Low Libido

Your treatment for low libido will be entirely personalized based upon the unique needs of your body. In most cases, low libido can be reversed with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). After testing your body’s hormone levels, BHRT works to safely replenish hormones that are too low for optimum health.

When hormones are rebalanced, libido typically returns. In cases where orgasmic function needs improvement, O-Shot® may be recommended as a safe and effective way for women to experience greater sexual stimulation and satisfaction without surgery or long recovery time. If the reason for low libido is vaginal dryness, diVa® vaginal laser therapy can help by resurfacing the layers of the vaginal wall and replacing them with brand new, healthy tissues. If you have lichen sclerosis, pain is always a factor with sex. This can be reversed with one TULIP® treatment, where a laser is used to eliminate damaged tissue and encourage the growth of new, healthy skin. In some cases where painful sex is the cause of low libido, we may recommend the use of vaginal dilators to help re-establish a positive feedback loop to the brain.

Treating low libido requires personalized care, which is what we proudly offer to every patient of Coyle Institute. Rather than continuing to suffer through having low libido, call us today for an appointment at 850-637-8258.