Short answer: Low sex drive in men usually has more than one cause. The most common are stress, anxiety or depression, relationship problems, poor or short sleep, heavy drinking, certain medicines (such as some antidepressants and blood pressure drugs), long-term conditions like diabetes, heart disease or an underactive thyroid, and hormonal problems such as low testosterone.[1][3] If the change lasts more than a few months or bothers you or your partner, see a doctor: the right fix depends on the cause.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Desire comes from body, mind and relationship working together. A problem in any one of them can lower drive even when the other two are fine.
- Low testosterone is a real cause, but low sex drive on its own does not prove it. Diagnosis needs two morning blood tests.[3]
- Many common medicines list lower desire or sexual problems as a side effect. Never stop a prescription on your own; ask your prescriber about options.[4]
- Low sex drive is listed as a physical symptom of depression, so mood deserves attention in its own right.[5]
- Occasional dips are normal. Problems that last more than a few months or cause distress are worth a medical visit.[2]
- No supplement is a treatment for low libido. Treating the underlying cause is what tends to help.[1]
What “low sex drive” means in men
Sex drive, or libido, is your level of interest in sex. It is not the same thing as erections. A man can have normal erections and little interest, or strong interest and erection difficulties. The two often travel together, though: worry about performance can lower desire, and low desire can make arousal harder.
There is no “normal” number. Drive varies widely between men and changes across a lifetime. MedlinePlus notes that sexual problems in men are common, become more frequent with age, and that occasional problems are not necessarily a sign of anything serious.[2] What matters is change: a clear drop from your own usual level, especially one that persists or worries you.
Clinicians usually look at three overlapping areas:
- Body: hormones, energy, sleep, chronic illness and medicines.
- Mind: stress, anxiety, depression, self-image and mental bandwidth.
- Relationship: closeness, trust, conflict and time together.
Causes of low libido in men
The NHS lists relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety or depression, other sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, ageing, some medicines, drinking too much alcohol and long-term conditions (including heart disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid and cancer) as common causes of a low sex drive.[1] MedlinePlus adds that stress, illness, medicines and emotional problems may all play a part.[2] The table below groups the main causes and points to our deeper guides on each.
| Cause | How it can lower drive | What a doctor may check | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low testosterone | Reduced sex drive is one of the signs most closely linked to testosterone deficiency, often alongside weaker erections, fatigue and low mood.[3] | Total testosterone on two separate morning samples | Signs of low testosterone |
| High prolactin | A pituitary hormone that, when raised, can suppress the hormones that drive testosterone and desire. | Prolactin blood test, sometimes pituitary imaging | High prolactin in men |
| Underactive thyroid | Listed by the NHS among long-term conditions that can affect libido.[1] Often comes with tiredness and weight gain. | TSH and thyroid hormone tests | Hypothyroidism symptoms in men |
| Medicines | Some antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, opioid painkillers and others can reduce desire or sexual function.[1][4] | Full medication review, timing of symptoms | Hydrochlorothiazide, opioids, prednisone |
| Depression and anxiety | Low sex drive is a recognized physical symptom of depression.[5] | Mood screening questions | Performance anxiety |
| Poor sleep | Short or broken sleep drains energy and mood; untreated sleep apnea is also linked with lower testosterone. | Sleep history, snoring, sleep study if apnea is suspected | Sleep apnea, insomnia |
| Relationship strain | Unresolved conflict, routine and little time together are among the most common reasons for lower desire.[1] | Referral to counselling or sex therapy | Couples counselling |
| Alcohol and recreational drugs | Drinking too much can lower libido; alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, opioids and nicotine can all affect sexual function.[1][4] | Honest alcohol and drug history | Cutting back, support services |
| Chronic illness | Heart disease, diabetes and cancer can all affect libido.[1] Obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with low testosterone.[3] | Blood sugar, lipids, blood pressure, weight | Health screenings for men |
Hormonal causes: testosterone, prolactin and thyroid
Low testosterone
The Urology Care Foundation lists reduced sex drive and reduced erectile function among the signs most directly tied to testosterone deficiency, with lower energy, poor focus and low mood as less specific signs.[3] The American Urological Association defines low blood testosterone as less than 300 ng/dL.[3] Because levels are lower later in the day, the test should be done on two different occasions before noon, and not while you are ill.[3] Our guide on the best time to check testosterone explains the details.
Importantly, the same source says low sex drive alone may not mean you have testosterone deficiency.[3] Many men with a dip in desire have normal levels, which is why a test beats guessing.
Prolactin and thyroid
Two less obvious hormones are worth asking about when testosterone is low or borderline. Raised prolactin, often from a benign pituitary growth or a medicine, can switch off the signals that tell the testes to make testosterone. An underactive thyroid slows the whole system down and is named by the NHS as a condition that can affect libido.[1] Both are simple blood tests.
Medicines and substances that can lower desire
A new medicine is one of the most fixable causes, so timing matters: did the change start within weeks of a new prescription or a dose change? The NHS specifically mentions blood pressure medicines and antidepressants.[1] For example, the NHS lists “low sex drive (loss of libido)” among the common side effects of the antidepressant sertraline.[6]
MedlinePlus keeps a longer list of drugs that may cause sexual problems, including:[4]
- Several antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines
- Blood pressure medicines and diuretics (thiazides are named as the most common culprits in this group, followed by beta blockers)
- Opioid painkillers such as oxycodone, morphine and methadone
- Prostate medicines such as finasteride and dutasteride
- Hormonal cancer treatments such as LHRH agonists
- Recreational drugs, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine and nicotine
MedlinePlus is clear: “Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your provider.”[4] Your doctor can often lower the dose, change the timing or switch to a different drug.
Mind, sleep and relationship
Stress, anxiety and depression
Long-term stress leaves little mental space for desire. Depression goes further: the NHS lists low sex drive as one of its physical symptoms.[5] If you have also lost interest in things you used to enjoy, feel flat most days or sleep badly, tell your doctor. Talking therapies such as CBT and, where appropriate, medicine are standard treatments.[1] Worry about sexual performance can also become a loop of its own; see our guide to sexual performance anxiety.
Sleep
Sleep is where energy and mood are restored, so chronic short sleep, shift work and untreated sleep apnea are common background causes of low drive. Loud snoring, gasping at night or daytime sleepiness should be checked. Our sleep routine guide covers the basics.
Relationship
The NHS lists relationship difficulties first among the causes of low libido and recommends relationship counselling when this is the issue.[1] Resentment, routine and lack of time together can lower desire even when everything medical is normal.
When to see a doctor about low sex drive
MedlinePlus advises seeing a health care provider if sexual problems last more than a few months or cause distress for you or your partner.[2] The NHS suggests seeing a GP if you are worried about your sex drive or think a medicine may be the cause.[1] Book a visit sooner if low desire comes with:
- Erection problems, smaller testes, loss of body hair or less beard growth[3]
- Persistent low mood, loss of interest in life or thoughts of self-harm (seek help urgently)
- Headaches or vision changes, which can point to a pituitary problem
- Fatigue, weight change, or symptoms of diabetes or heart disease
- A clear start after a new medicine or dose change
Expect questions about your mood, sleep, relationship, alcohol and medicines, a physical exam, and blood tests that may include morning testosterone, prolactin, thyroid function and blood sugar. As the NHS puts it, treating the cause should help increase your sex drive.[1]
Everyday habits that support overall health
While you work out the cause with your doctor, the basics support energy and mood in general: regular sleep and wake times, daily movement, moderate alcohol, short stress breaks during the day and regular time with your partner away from screens and chores. These habits are not a treatment for low libido, but they remove common background drains.
Some men also look at herbal supplements. No herb is an approved treatment for low sex drive, and supplements are not a substitute for finding the cause. If you are curious about one, check the label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take prescription medicines.
Ultra Bann, by DL Bioproducts, is a natural male vitality supplement taken as one capsule every 2 days. It lists seven botanicals with exact amounts on the label (Thai Butea superba, Panax ginseng, Cynomorium songaricum, black ginger, tongkat ali, epimedium and reishi) and no proprietary blend. You can read the full label on our ingredients page or see it in the shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of low sex drive in men?
There is rarely a single cause. Stress, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties are among the most common, often combined with poor sleep, alcohol or medicines.[1] Hormonal causes such as low testosterone are important but are not the explanation for most men.
Can low testosterone cause low libido without other symptoms?
It can, but low sex drive on its own does not confirm low testosterone.[3] A combination of low desire, weaker erections and tiredness or sadness is a stronger reason to get tested with two morning blood samples.
Which medications lower sex drive in men?
Some antidepressants, blood pressure medicines and diuretics, opioid painkillers, prostate drugs such as finasteride and some hormonal cancer treatments can affect desire or sexual function.[4] Do not stop any medicine without talking to your prescriber.
Is it normal for a man’s sex drive to drop with age?
Sexual problems become more common with age, and hormone levels drift down over time.[1][2] A sudden or large drop is not something to write off as “just age,” though, and is worth checking.
Can low libido in men be fixed?
Often, yes, once the cause is clear. Options include counselling for relationship issues, talking therapy or medicine for depression, changing a problem medication, treating sleep apnea or managing a hormonal or long-term condition.[1]
References
- Low sex drive (loss of libido). NHS.
- Sexual Problems in Men. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Low Testosterone: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. Urology Care Foundation.
- Drugs that may cause erection problems. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
- Symptoms: Depression in adults. NHS.
- Side effects of sertraline. NHS.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is for information only and is not medical advice.
Ultra Bann natural male vitality support
1 capsule every 2 days. Free US shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee on your first order.
See Ultra BannThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
