Low Libido in Men: Causes and What Can Help

Understanding low libido

Libido is your level of interest in sex. It naturally varies from person to person and over the course of a lifetime, so there is no single "normal". Low libido becomes a concern when a reduced interest in sex bothers you or affects your relationship. It is a common experience, and recognising that it has many possible causes is the first step towards addressing it.

Libido is not the same as erectile dysfunction

It is easy to confuse low libido with erectile dysfunction, but they are distinct. Libido is about desire, whereas ED is about the physical ability to achieve or maintain an erection. A man can have a healthy desire for sex but struggle with erections, or feel little desire despite no physical difficulty. The two can also overlap, which is why a thoughtful assessment matters. Our erectile dysfunction explained page sets out the difference in more detail.

Common causes

Low libido usually results from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. These commonly include:

• Hormonal factors, such as low testosterone, thyroid problems or other imbalances.
• Psychological factors, including stress, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties.
• Lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep, excessive alcohol, lack of exercise and chronic fatigue.
• Medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and long-term illness.
• Medicines, as some antidepressants, blood pressure treatments and others can reduce desire.

Why a check-up is worthwhile

Because low libido can be a signal of an underlying issue, it is worth discussing with a doctor rather than dismissing. A clinician may ask about your mood, sleep, relationships and general health, and may suggest blood tests to check hormone levels and screen for conditions such as diabetes. Identifying a treatable cause is often the most effective route to improvement.

Steps that can help

Many men see meaningful improvement through changes that support overall health and wellbeing:

• Prioritising consistent, good-quality sleep
• Reducing alcohol and stopping smoking
• Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight
• Addressing stress through relaxation, talking therapies or counselling
• Reviewing any medicines with your doctor, never stopping them abruptly on your own

Where low testosterone is confirmed by testing, a doctor may discuss treatment options. Hormone treatment is only appropriate when there is a genuine deficiency, which is why testing first is essential.

Where ED treatments fit

PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil treat erectile difficulties, not desire. They will not increase libido on their own. However, if a lack of confidence in achieving an erection has dampened your interest in sex, successfully treating the ED can sometimes help desire return. These are prescription medicines, must never be taken with nitrates, and should be used after assessment by a doctor or pharmacist. You can read our Sildenafil guide or compare options in Tadalafil vs Sildenafil for background.

Talking about it

Low libido can put strain on relationships, and silence often makes things worse. Honest conversation with a partner, framed around shared problem-solving rather than blame, tends to relieve pressure. Professional support, including couples or psychosexual therapy, can be very helpful where emotional or relationship factors are involved.

The bottom line

A reduced sex drive is common, frequently treatable, and rarely something to feel ashamed of. Because it can reflect physical, psychological or lifestyle factors, a measured conversation with a healthcare professional is the best way to find the right approach for you. To browse our wider men's health range, you can shop all.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.