There are many possible reasons for having a low sex drive (loss of libido). Treating the cause should help increase your sex drive.

Causes of a low 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

Treatments for a low sex drive

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.

• Cause: Relationship problems. Possible treatment: Relationship counselling
• Cause: Sexual problems like vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction. Possible treatments: Medicines to treat the problem, such as vaginal lubricants or medicines to help you get an erection
• Cause: Menopause. Possible treatment: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Cause: Mental health problems like depression. Possible treatments: Antidepressants or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Cause: Medicine, contraception and health conditions. Possible treatments: Changing to a different medicine or type of contraception, or discussing treatment options if you have a health condition

Find out more

Sexual Advice Association: lack of sexual desire