Decoding Libido Meaning: The Dynamics of Male Desire

This refers to the overall sexual drive or sexual desires level that is unique to every person. What do we mean by that? It means there is no standard level of sex desire that could be related to everybody. Some may feel like having sex three times a week, while some are satisfied with one intercourse per month. This blog post focuses on the general meaning of libido and the causes of high or low levels of it for having a healthy sex life.

What is Libido? Definition and Meaning

Libido refers to how frequent someone would like to engage in any type of sexual activity, also called sex drive. Desire for sex is determined by people, not by doctors and researchers. There is no right or wrong level for desire in men. No one can say how many times you should have sex in a specific time. This is a completely subjective issue and people’s opinion highly matters. This is more about preference and personal desire to have any type of relationships.

Low libido or decreased libido is what we refer to as the decrease of sex hormones in a person, compared to his previous level of sex drive. On the contrary, high libido is the high level of sex drive in people compared to their previous desire. Any change in frequency and quality of sex should be addressed in comparison to the individual’s previous desire, not comparing to anyone else’s or any standards. Everyone has a sexual desire standard for himself.

Is it okay to have no sex drive?

Men lose sex desire as they age and may feel like they do not need to have sexual intercourse. This is okay because their testosterone levels have dropped dramatically. Having no sex drive at younger ages may be caused due to some mental or physical troubles. If checked by a medical doctor and tests showed no abnormal physical and psychological signs, then you should not worry.

Some people have very low or even no sexual desire in some period of their lives. It all depends on individual preferences. If you are okay with it, then move on and enjoy your life. Otherwise, you should seek help from therapists and urologists to increase desire for sex. Of course we are here to help you, contact us from this form:

What causes low libido in men?

Do you think you suffer from lowered libido? Here are some possible reasons for low sexual desire in men, but do not forget to discuss about these factors with your medical doctor and do not take any serious actions.

Age

Normally, a decrease in sexual drive occurs when men reach the age of 60. Sex drive is not stable throughout life.

Obesity

A research by David B. Sarwer and his colleagues (this link) examines the association between obesity and sexual functioning. Studies have indicated that obesity is tied to sexual dysfunction in both men and women. The exact mechanism responsible for this connection is yet to be fully comprehended, although it may involve physical, hormonal, and psychological factors. Weight loss, regardless of whether through bariatric surgery or less demanding interventions, has been demonstrated to enhance sexual performance.

Possible Explanations why obesity can affect sex drive

The association between obesity and sexual dysfunction is thought to be multifactorial, involving a combination of these factors:

• Physiological Factors: Obesity can lead to changes in hormone levels, such as testosterone and estrogen, which can lead to decreased sex drive. It can also contribute to physical issues such as erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and decreased genital sensation.

• Hormonal Factors: Excess body fat can disrupt the production and metabolism of sex hormones, particularly testosterone and estrogen.

• Psychological Factors: Obesity can negatively impact self-esteem, body image, and overall mood, which can contribute to decreased libido and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, obesity may lead to stress and anxiety, which can further impair sexual function.

Chronic health conditions

Chronic health conditions may reduce sex drive, either as a side effect of the disease itself or the medication and treatment method used to cure it. Sometimes psychological effects of health conditions, such as tiredness and low self steam, lead to loss of sex drive.

• Heart Disease: Heart disease can damage blood vessels and impair circulation, reducing blood flow to the genitals and diminishing arousal or lubrication.

• High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure can also affect blood circulation.

• Diabetes: Prolonged high blood sugar levels can impair blood vessels and nerves, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and reduced blood flow to the female genitals.

• Cancer: Cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, can all influence libido.

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Research suggests that untreated obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to low libido.

• Osteoarthritis: Stiffness and joint pain can hinder sexual activities.

Testosterone deficiency or other issues

Men who have a hormonal imbalance due to any reason can experience this problem because their body does not produce enough sex hormone. Furthermore, Sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction and premature or retarded ejaculation have a negative effect on male sexual desire. In these cases, you can consult with our MD, Doctor Afshin Arya (Former Sabzi) with more than 19 years of experience.

Cultural and religious beliefs

Highly restrictive religious or cultural beliefs lower the levels of sexual drive as this is considered a no “godly” action. Some cultures also consider love and sex life as taboo, while it is only a natural need for a human being.

Libido booster foods

Aphrodisiac fruits, herbs, chocolate, vitamin supplements, and certain spices such as saffron can increase desire for sex in men. Let’s read more about libido booster foods in “How to increase testosterone levels naturally?“.

What causes high libido in men?

High sex drive is the result of:

• Regular exercising: Regular physical activity results in having a higher sex drive. 

• Taking drugs: Those who take stimulant drugs, such as cocaine, may have a higher sex desire.

• Testosterone: Increase of testosterone, as a result of special treatment or medication, or hormonal imbalance can lead to increased desire for sex in men.

• Neurotransmitter changes: Hypersexuality and higher sex drive happen in people with Parkinson’s disease, because of receiving dopamine replacement therapy. Dopamine is an example of a neurotransmitter that can act as a booster in men. 

A healthy diet and stress management also play an important role in increasing sex drive. 

What is libido in psychology?

Sigmund Freud’s theory suggests that libido is the driving force of all behavior not only sexual desire and sexual energy. Nowadays, libido is used more in reference to an individual’s sex drive. Whereas in Freud’s opinion, this is more than simple biological desires for sex, and it can include psychological and social factors that are essential to sexual activities.

Psychological and social factors can play an important role in sexual desire. Stress, age, relationship problems, past experience, lifestyle, and personality are examples of psychological factors that influence sex desire. Low body image, lack of self-esteem, depression, and experiencing sexual fantasies, abuse and trauma have reverse effects on men’s desire for sex.

How to increase male libido?

Surely, there are many ways to increase desires for sex. Exercising, enough sleep, taking aphrodisiacs, medications, and testosterone replacement therapy (in cases with physical causes of hormonal imbalance) can boost sexual drive in men. Libido pills may have good temporary effects, but they result in certain side effects. You can learn about the latest effective treatment here in this blog post: “What is Shock Wave Therapy for ED?“

Conclusion, how to overcome sexual problems?

Low sexual drive in most severe cases should be treated under doctor supervision. There are certain treatments and medications for low libido in men. Urologists carry out a range of physical examinations, blood tests, and medical histories to identify the physical causes of low libido. And then, they propose the best treatment way for your case. One of the most effective ways with least side effects is using shockwave therapy. Dr. Arya at Excellence Health clinic can help men with low libido. If you live in Aurora or Toronto, you can make an appointment and get your sexual troubles checked.