Low Sex Drive in Men? Here's How to Increase Your Libido

It's common for men to experience low sex drive at various stages of life. However, if the lack of sex drive persists over time, it can affect both your enjoyment of life and your relationships. Here are some of the most common causes of low or no sex drive, and more importantly, some tips on how to increase sex drive again.

Jul 20, 2024by Miriam Johansen
5 min read
Man with low sex drive, lying in bed with his back to his partner

Low Sex Drive in Men Affects Their Quality of Life

Sex drive, also known as libido, can have a significant impact on your quality of life. For some people, experiencing low libido can not only be deeply frustrating, but it can also be a strain on the partner.

Having a low sex drive means having a reduced interest in sex. But this is not the same as loss of libido, which involves physical loss of sexual function.

The good news is that a lot of research has been done on low and high libido today.

Typical Reasons for Men's Low Sex Drive

A common cause of low sex drive is that hormones are out of balance.

Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that have a number of key functions for sleep quality, metabolism, mood - and also your sex life.

In men, testosterone deficiency in particular can cause low or no sex drive.

Table of average testosterone levels for men in each decade. The amount decreases, which can cause loss of sex drive or decreased sex drive.
The average amount of testosterone in men decreases from the age of 35. This can affect sex drive.

Low Testosterone and Low Sex Drive in Men

Testosterone is an important male hormone. In men, it is mainly produced in the testicles. Its job is to build muscle and bone mass and stimulate sperm production.

It's normal to experience a drop in testosterone levels as you get older. However, if levels drop too much, the consequence is often a loss of sex drive.

A level below 300 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL) is considered low. Low testosterone levels in men are called hypogonadism.

What is Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone (hypogonadism in men) is a condition where the testes do not produce enough testosterone.

In men, testosterone helps maintain and develop:

  • Penis
  • Sex drive
  • Sperm production
  • Deepening the voice during puberty
  • Beard growth
  • Muscles
  • Bone growth

Low testosterone can affect many men. However, it's difficult to define normal testosterone levels as levels vary throughout the day and are affected by body mass index (BMI), nutrition, alcohol consumption and age.

Some medications can also affect men's sex drive.

Depressed man sitting in a couch
High stress levels can disrupt hormone levels in the body and contribute to loss of sex drive.

Older Men and Sex Drive

It's common for testosterone levels to drop as men get older. Levels peak in the late teens, but as men get older, it can take longer to reach orgasm and many may experience problems with potency.

It's common to experience low testosterone levels as early as 30-40 years old, and production drops particularly sharply in the 70s.

READ MORE: Male Menopause: How Does It Affect You

Too Much Stress Can Affect Your Sex Drive

A high level of stress can disrupt hormone levels in the body.

It is not always easy to avoid stress. It could stem from relationship problems, divorce, financial worries, a new baby, or a busy work environment. Various life events can greatly affect sexual desire.

Some techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and talking to a therapist, can help with stress in many cases. Other times, you have to take courage and make the necessary changes in your life.

A scientific study in which participants underwent an 8-week stress management program showed a significant improvement in erectile function in the participants afterwards.

A Lot of Alcohol Can Cause Low Libido

If you are a man and consume large amounts of alcohol, it can affect your testosterone production. Over time, large amounts of alcohol can contribute to a loss of sex drive.

The average adult man should drink no more than two alcoholic drinks a day.

Man mixing a drink
Alcohol in large quantities can reduce sex drive.

How to Increase Sex Drive for Men

If low libido is suspected, it is important to treat the underlying problem.

For example, if decreased libido is due to an underlying health condition, you may need to change medications.

If your lack of sex drive has psychological causes, a therapist can provide valuable advice.

However, there are also several things you can do yourself to regain your sex drive:

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Learn stress management.
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins.
  • Consider whether the right dietary supplement might help.

READ MORE: Erection - Know the Hard Facts

Testosterone for Increased Libido

Daily intake of the dietary supplement 4HIM TestoBalance supplies the body with zinc, which helps maintain normal testosterone levels in the blood, as well as Panax ginseng, which can help maintain good sexual relationships. Magnesium and vitamin B6 help reduce fatigue and exhaustion. Magnesium also contributes to normal energy metabolism, normal muscle function and to normal psychological function.