What Decreases Libido?
There are many factors, both psychological and physical, that can cause reduced libido. Psychological causes for low libido include: • Stress • Fatigue • Depression • Poor body image and low self-esteem • Sexual performance anxiety • Past sexual abuse, assault, or trauma • Hang-ups from childhood • Serious relationship problems • etc. Physical factors affecting libido include: • Levels of certain hormones (testosterone and estrogen) in the bloodstream • Certain medications (tranquillizers, antidepressants, beta blockers, blood pressure medications, hormonal contraception, etc.) • Certain diseases (diabetes, neurological diseases, anemia, cancer, etc.) • Severe obesity or being very underweight • Malnutrition • Post-childbirth and breastfeeding • Onset of menopause • Menstrual cycle • Inability to achieve orgasm (anorgasmia) • Pain or discomfort during sex (dyspareunia) • Alcoholism and drug abuse • etc.
