Libido
Libido refers to your sex drive. Normal levels of libido and sex drive are different for each person, there is no standard that anyone should be compared to. Loss of libido is a type of sexual dysfunction and means a drop in your normal sex drive (not just lower than another person's). It is a common thing for people to experience and can be due to many different things, such as fatigue, stress, symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, difficult personal circumstances, relationship difficulties, physical health conditions or side effects of certain medication.
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What affects libido?
As people age, libido can decrease due to hormone changes. The need to take regular medications also increases with age, and the side effects of some medication can affect sex drive. Pregnancy can affect libido in different ways, some women find their sex drive increases whereas others find they have decreased libido during or after pregnancy or whilst still breastfeeding.
Healthwords pharmacists' top tips
There are some simple lifestyle changes you can try to see if they improve your libido, which includes eating a healthy diet, avoiding drinking excessive alcohol, try to optimise the amount and quality of your sleep, and trying to reduce stress levels.
Pharmacy Treatments
When should I see my doctor?
You should book a routine visit with your doctor if you have unexplained loss of libido, if it is prolonged, keeps happening, or occurred suddenly and if it is not improving. You should also see your doctor if it’s affecting how you feel, or affecting your relationship or it has occurred alongside other symptoms. Your doctor is a good person to discuss this sometimes sensitive issue with, as they are fully confidential, they will not judge you and they can help discuss potential causes and what support or treatment could help.
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