Decreased Libido: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Decreased libido is a decrease in the desire for sexual activity. It can be caused by physical or psychological factors, or a combination of both. It is important to note that decreased libido is a common issue and not necessarily an indication of any underlying medical condition.

• Primary Decreased Libido: This type of decreased libido is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as depression, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances.
• Secondary Decreased Libido: This type of decreased libido is caused by lifestyle factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, or excessive alcohol consumption.
• Medication-Induced Decreased Libido: Certain medications can cause a decrease in libido due to their effects on the body's hormones and neurotransmitters. Examples include antidepressants and blood pressure medications.
• Psychological Decreased Libido: This type of decreased libido is caused by psychological issues such as relationship problems or trauma from past experiences that can lead to an aversion to sex.

• Stress: Stressful life events, such as job loss or the death of a loved one, can cause a decrease in libido.
• Low Testosterone: Both men and women who have low testosterone levels may experience a decline in desire.
• Depression: Depression is linked to low libido and can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, medications, and psychological issues.
• Medications: Antidepressants and birth control tablets, for example, might interfere with the body's hormonal production naturally and lower libido..
• Relationship Problems: Difficulties in relationships can lead to decreased sexual desire due to feelings of insecurity or mistrust between partners.
• Alcohol and Drug Use: Drug usage or excessive alcohol use can impair sexual performance and lower desire levels.

• Loss of interest in sexual activity
• Difficulty becoming aroused
• Inability to reach orgasm
• Low sex drive or libido
• Reduced frequency or absence of sexual thoughts and fantasies

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can improve sexual performance and support the maintenance of a healthy libido.
• Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can cause weariness, which might
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet full of fresh produce, whole grains, lean meats, and other nutrients may help boost libido.
• Reduce stress: Stress can interfere with sexual desire and performance, so reducing stress levels may help improve libido.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol: Excessive use of drugs or alcohol can cause decreased libido or erectile dysfunction in men and women alike.

• Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to detect various hormones that are related to libido, such as testosterone and oestrogen. Low levels of these hormones may indicate a decreased libido. Other blood tests can help rule out underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to a decreased libido, such as thyroid disorders or anaemia.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To look for any anatomical abnormalities in the brain.
• Pelvic ultrasound: to look for tumours or obstructions in the reproductive organs.
• CT scans: To check for any issues with the adrenal glands.
• Psychological evaluations: Psychological evaluations are a method of assessing an individual's mental health and well-being. They involve interviews, questionnaires, and tests that are designed to assess an individual's psychological functioning. The purpose of these evaluations is to determine the underlying cause of a decrease in libido, such as depression, anxiety, or stress.

• A challenge in establishing and sustaining close connections.
• despair and a low sense of self.
• Stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
• Poor physical health due to lack of exercise or poor nutrition.

• Ashwagandha: Consume 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder with warm milk daily to increase libido and fertility.
• Mucuna Pruriens: Take a teaspoon of Mucuna Pruriens powder with warm milk daily for increased libido and improved fertility.
• Shatavari: Consume 1 teaspoon of Shatavari powder mixed in warm milk or water twice a day to increase libido and fertility.
• Tribulus Terrestris: Take 1 teaspoon of Tribulus Terrestris powder mixed in warm milk or water twice a day to increase libido and improve fertility.
• Gokshura: Have 1 teaspoon of Gokshura powder mixed in warm milk or water twice a day for increased libido and improved fertility.
• Amalaki: Consume 1 teaspoon of Amalaki powder mixed in warm milk or water daily for increased libido and improved fertility.

• Foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.
• Foods high in B vitamins, such as leafy greens, nuts, beans and whole grains.
• foods rich in potassium, such as bananas.
• Foods like dark chocolate that contain antioxidants may also help to improve libido by increasing circulation and reducing stress hormones like cortisol.
• Incorporating healthy fats into the diet, such as avocados and olive oil, can help improve blood flow to the genitals and increase libido.

• Foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates: These can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to fatigue and low libido.
• Processed meats: Erectile dysfunction risk is increased by consuming processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs.
• Trans fats: Trans fats found in margarine, store-bought cookies, crackers and cakes can decrease testosterone levels and affect libido.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to decreased sexual desire due to its depressive effects on the body's hormones.
• Caffeine: High consumption of caffeine has been linked to decreased libido due to its stimulating effects on the body's nervous system.

• Lifestyle changes: Get regular exercise, improve sleep habits, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy diet.
• Medications: Hormone therapy or medications such as Viagra may be prescribed if there is an underlying medical cause for your decreased libido.
• Psychological treatments: Psychotherapy or counselling might assist in locating and addressing any underlying psychological problems that might be causing the reduced libido.
• Hormonal treatments: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help to restore hormone balance, which can improve libido.
• Surgery: If the decreased libido is caused by a physical condition or hormonal imbalance, then surgery may be an option. Depending on the underlying cause, the type of surgery required could vary. For example, if the decreased libido is caused by endometriosis or uterine fibroids, then a hysterectomy may be recommended.

A doctor specialising in sexual health, such as a urologist or gynaecologist, is the best person to consult for decreased libido. They will be able to assess the underlying cause of the decreased libido and provide treatment options. Depending on the cause, they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist if there is an emotional or psychological component. Other medical specialists that may be consulted include endocrinologists (for hormonal imbalances) and cardiologists (for cardiovascular issues).

• Testosterone replacement therapy: A synthetic form of testosterone can be used to help restore libido in men and women who have lost it due to hormonal imbalances.
• Oestrogen therapy: For women who have gone through menopause, oestrogen therapy can help restore libido by increasing the body's natural production of hormones.
• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants can cause decreased libido as a side effect, but others may actually increase it by improving mood and reducing anxiety.
• Supplements: Certain vitamins and minerals such as zinc, vitamin B-12, and omega-3 fatty acids may help improve sexual desire in both men and women by providing essential nutrients for hormone production.

Recovering from decreased libido can take a variety of lengths of time, depending on the underlying cause.Generally, when the root cause is addressed, such as through lifestyle changes or treatment for an underlying medical condition, libido can be restored in a relatively short period of time.However, if the cause is not identified and treated properly, it could take much longer to restore libido.

No, the treatment's effects are not irreversible. Depending on the type of treatment, they may last for a few weeks or months. However, if the underlying cause of decreased libido is not addressed, it may return after treatment has ended. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to identify and address any potential causes of decreased libido in order to maximise long-term results.

• Talk to Your Doctor: It's critical to discuss any changes in libido with your doctor if you see them following treatment. They might be able to alter your regimen or recommend different therapies that could raise your libido. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal remedies as they may interact with other medications or treatments you are taking for hormone therapy or other medical conditions you have.
• Make Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes can help improve libido after hormone therapy. These changes may include exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress levels.
• Try Alternative Therapies: Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, meditation, yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction may help improve libido after hormone therapy by reducing stress levels and improving overall health and wellbeing.
• Seek Professional Help: If lifestyle changes and alternative therapies do not help improve your libido after hormone therapy then it is important to seek professional help from a mental health professional such as a psychologist or sex therapist who can provide counselling that can help address any underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to the decreased libido

The cost of treatments for decreased libido in India can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Generally, medications and counselling can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees, while hormone replacement therapy may cost up to ₹20,000.

• Decreased libido treatments can cause a range of side effects, including:
• Reduced sexual desire, fatigue, depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
• In some cases, the side effects may be more severe and include decreased muscle mass and joint pain.
• Additionally, some people may experience changes in their menstrual cycle or breast enlargement or tenderness as a result of treatment.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to decreased libido then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like stress, depression, poor physical health, etc. in which treatment courses can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.