Loss of sexual desire

What is it?
A condition in which you lack interest in sex, causing concern to you and/or your partner.


What are the main symptoms?
You never or rarely feel like having sex – or you feel like having sex far less often than your partner, causing relationship problems.


What's the risk?
Surprisingly high – about 15% of men aged 18–59 say they lack interest in sex, according to a recent large survey.


What causes it?
There are a wide range of causes, including relationship difficulties, sexual boredom with a partner, depression, exhaustion, stress and a low level of testosterone.
It's possible that you simply have a naturally lower level of sexual desire than your partner and that your real problem is finding a way to negotiate some sort of compromise.

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How can I prevent it?
Improve the quality of your sleep, cope better with stress, sort out any relationship problems, find ways of spicing up your sex life.
Get help if you're depressed.
Regular exercise may also increase your sense of well-being and feelings of sexual desire.


Should I see a doctor?
If your low level of sexual desire concerns you or is causing problems in a relationship. You should certainly get advice if you have other symptoms, such as exhaustion, a reduction in facial hair growth or a loss of body hair, shrinking testicles or muscle weakness (these could all be signs of testosterone deficiency).
If you would prefer not to see a doctor, you could contact a sex therapist for counselling. If s/he believes you could have an underlying medical problem, you will still be advised to get it checked out.


What are the main treatments?
Sex therapy and, in a few cases, testosterone supplements.



How can I help myself?
Talk to your partner about your feelings and find ways of developing intimacy and closeness that aren't only linked to sex.
Avoid quack remedies, including so-called aphrodisiacs – there's no good evidence that any of them work.


What's the outlook?
Good.