There are many possible reasons for having a low sex drive (loss of libido). Treating the cause should help increase your sex drive.
Some of the main causes of a low sex drive include:
- relationship problems
- stress, anxiety or depression
- sexual problems like erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness
- pregnancy and having a baby – your hormone levels change when you're pregnant, and looking after a baby can be stressful and tiring
- lower hormone levels as you get older, particularly during the menopause
- taking certain medicines, such as medicine for high blood pressure or antidepressants
- using hormonal contraception like the pill, patch or implant
- drinking too much alcohol
Some long-term conditions can also affect your sex drive, such as heart disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid or cancer.
See a GP if:
- you're worried about your low sex drive
- you're taking a medicine or using hormonal contraception and you think it may be affecting your sex drive
- your sex drive does not return to normal after pregnancy
Treatment for a low sex drive depends on what's causing it.
A GP can advise you about help you can get and any treatments that might improve your sex drive.