Causes of low sex drive in men

It’s completely normal for libido and the frequency of your sexual activity to change over time. But if you can’t remember the last time you were in the mood, you may be wondering, “Why has my sex drive decreased?” There are several causes of low sex drive in men, some mental and some physical. The good news is in many cases, it’s not a sign of a serious illness. 

If a low sex drive is something you’re worried about, it may be helpful to start thinking about the causes so you can work with your healthcare provider to treat any underlying issues and get back into the sack. 

Here are seven common causes for low sex drive in men, all backed by science.

1. Depression or anxiety

Experiencing mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, stress (including relationship issues), or low self-esteem could cause a reduced sex drive. Studies have found a strong connection between depression and lack of sex drive in men. Some men with depression (but not all) experience sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction. Depression, anxiety, and relationship problems can have significant impacts on your life and can lower your interest in activities you used to find pleasurable, including sex. 

2. Not getting enough sleep  

It makes complete sense that if you’re tired because you aren’t getting good, consistent sleep, you aren’t going to be in the mood.Not getting enough sleep can raise cortisol levels, which in turn can lead to a loss of libido. Poor sleep can also be associated with sexual performance issues such as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and increased risk of male infertility.

3. Excessive alcohol use  

Another cause of low sex drive in men is excessive alcohol use. While having one or two drinks can be helpful for getting in the mood, drinking too much alcohol can make you less likely to want to have sex. Sexual dysfunction is common in those with alcohol dependence.

This is because alcohol lowers testosterone levels, a sex hormone that strongly influences sex drive. The effects of testosterone on erections are thought to be multifactorial including direct effects of testosterone on the brain as well as direct effects on the penis. 4. Sleep apnea 

Having obstructive sleep apnea doesn’t just lead to snoring; scientific research has shown a connection to decreased sex drive in men as well. One reason for this is that it disrupts sleep, and not getting enough sleep can lead to not having enough energy to even entertain the idea of sex (masturbation included). Sleep apnea also negatively impacts the amount of oxygen that gets delivered to parts of the body, including to the penis, which doesn’t provide ideal circumstances for the sex life you’d like to have. 

4. Exercising too much

As with many things in life, moderation is key when it comes to exercise. Exercising more than what’s right for your body can negatively impact numerous aspects of your health, including your sex drive. One study found that men who were training for a marathon or triathlon had a lower sex drive than men who didn’t log quite as many miles regularly. The main theory for this was not having enough energy for sex due to being chronically fatigued from running so much. Moderate exercise (experts recommend 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week) can be better for your libido than exercising too much.

5. Low testosterone 

A decline in sex drive can sometimes be a sign of low testosterone. Low testosterone levels can be caused by different factors including obesity, sleep problems (including sleep apnea), genetic diseases, certain medications or drugs, pituitary problems, and more. Other signs of low testosterone include fatigue, feeling depressed, loss of muscle mass, and increased body fat. If you aren’t sure what your testosterone levels are, you can find out through a simple blood test administered by your healthcare provider. 

6. Medication side effects    

Certain medications can impact libido. Some examples of medications that could lower your sex drive include antidepressants (such as selective serotonin uptake inhibitors), anti-anxiety drugs (like Xanax), Proscar (used to treat hair loss in men), opioid drug use, and beta blockers (blood pressure medications). If you’re taking any of these medications and are experiencing low libido as a side effect, talk to your healthcare provider about it. They may be able to alter your dose or offer an alternative medication that may not have as much of an impact.

7. Underlying health conditions   

Noticing a dip in your sex drive or difficulties with sexual function could be an indicator of an underlying health problem you might not be aware of. Whenever you don’t feel like yourself, it could be a sign that something is not right and it’s worth talking to your healthcare provider about and getting a checkup. There are medical conditions that can cause a lower libido including endocrine diseases, urinary disorders, and issues with mental health. Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and thyroid disease may also cause sexual dysfunction and lower libido.

Having a low sex drive doesn’t necessarily mean you have any underlying medical conditions, but if lifestyle changes such as improving your sleep and cutting back on alcohol haven’t fixed your low sex drive, it may be worth seeing a healthcare provider to get more information. 

No matter what the cause of your low sex drive is, there are things you can do to investigate. If your sex drive is bothering you, here are some helpful actions to take on the path toward increasing your sex drive and sex life back to where you want it to be:

See your healthcare provider

Anytime you’re experiencing something that’s not normal for you (not just a decline in sex drive - this could also include a change in energy levels, bowel habits, or mood), it’s worth it to see your healthcare provider for a general checkup and check for underlying health issues. Expect them to ask about your medical history, do a physical exam, and perform blood work. This is a way to check for common causes of not feeling like yourself, and the types of things they check may vary based on your symptoms. Seeing a healthcare provider is also a good opportunity to talk about any medications that could be affecting the way you feel. Some medications, such as antidepressants, are known to affect your sex drive.  

Prioritize your mental health and wellness

Sometimes, the root cause of low sex drive can be mental. Managing your mental health is crucial. It’s important to have habits in place that serve as healthy ways to manage stress. This can include exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, spending time with friends and family, being in nature, and journaling. If depression or anxiety is getting in the way of your ability to enjoy life or function, consider seeing a therapist. 

Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly

When you eat poorly and spend a lot of time being sedentary, it can negatively impact your mental, physical, and sexual health. Incorporating basic healthy habits, including eating nutrient-rich foods and exercising regularly, can help keep your sex drive where you want it and make you more eager to jump into bed. 

Get consistent, good sleep as part of your general well-being

Not getting enough sleep makes everything worse. It’s recommended that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night as part of good wellness habits. If sleep problems are something you’re experiencing regularly, start by putting good sleep hygiene habits in place including limiting caffeine intake, eating dinner early in the evening, minimizing alcohol consumption, avoiding using tech devices before bed, and keeping your room cool and dark. 

If you’re still having trouble sleeping, see your healthcare provider, who can help you pinpoint and treat the cause of your sleeplessness, including with medication (if necessary).

Causes for low sex drive in men can be physical or mental. The first step to treating a low sex drive is to identify why your sex drive dropped in the first place. Then, you can take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue, which may also require the help of your healthcare provider. If your low libido is caused by erectile dysfunction, for example, there are treatments available online through Ro or through your healthcare provider that can improve your sex life. 

What’s most important to remember is that many common causes of low libido are often treatable; just because you feel this way now, doesn’t mean you always will.

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Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

July 09, 2024

Written by

Emily Laurence

Fact checked by

Raagini Yedidi, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.