Loss of libido

Overview

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:

Some long-term conditions can also affect your sex drive, such as heart diseasediabetes, 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



The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by NHS UK NHS website nhs.uk
Last Updated: 30/11/2022 14:11:45