DECREASED LIBIDO: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Sexual attraction - Libido, which translated from Latin means lust, desire, passion, - is determined by the desire for sexual intercourse in order to obtain pleasure or release and procreation.

The power of sexual desire cannot be contained within a certain framework - each of the partners differs in its degree of sexual desire. Nevertheless, even in Scripture, orgasm was described as the highest pleasure on earth. Sexual and reproductive health is an integral part of overall health. Only a person who, along with the absence of diseases, is in complete harmony with himself in the physical, mental and social sense can be considered completely healthy.

Today's couples are increasingly faced with the problem of mismatch in sexual desire, which experts in long-term relationships attribute to age or habit. Sometimes the cause of a drop in libido is to be found in everyday hardships or a relationship problem. Also, do not forget about the mismatch of sexual needs in both sexes.

In general, a decrease in sex drive should not be immediately considered a manifestation of the disorder. The cause of low libido is most often psychological and interpersonal aspects, which over time can develop into an insoluble conflict, but in most cases they are treatable.

A bit of history

Psychoanalysis, developed by the Austrian psychologist, psychoanalyst and neurologist Sigmund Freud, is based on the term "libido".

In the teachings of the famous psychiatrist, this term is equated to the deity of love in ancient Greek mythology Eros, is interpreted as sexual desire (sexual instinct), and also defines the energy of attraction to everything that embraces the concept of “love” (to oneself, parents, children, humanity).

According to Freud's theory, libido is the basis of all human behavior, which seeks to obtain pleasure. uses this term to explain the reasons why mental disorders and neuroses arise, as well as to describe the stages of a person's psychosexual development.

According to the analytical (depth) psychology of the Swiss Carl Gustav Jung, libido is mental energy as a whole and is interpreted as the intensity of the mental process, in which sexuality is only one of the many forms of its manifestations. Jung's theory, in contrast to Freud's, identifies libido with the eastern concept of Chi (Prana) energy and, animating nature, describes a person's need for a specific form of awareness of the dynamism of mental events.

Symptoms of decreased sex drive.

Symptoms of decreased sex drive can have three degrees of manifestation:

Hypolybidemia is a decrease in sex drive.
Alibidemia is the loss or absence of sex drive.
The sexual aversion state is a complete aversion to sex.

The first case (hypolibidemia) is characterized by a complete absence (loss) of sexual desire against the background of organic disorders or disease occurring in a person. The second degree of manifestation (alibidemia) may be associated with any psychological disorders, endocrine diseases or severe intoxication. The state of sexual aversion implies discomfort and a feeling of fear (panic) before the upcoming intercourse. This degree of decreased libido is the most common and needs to be consulted by a psychologist.

Since all of the above reasons are accompanied by a hormonal imbalance, men may experience symptoms such as:

Change the tone of voice (too high tone).

Lack of hair growth.

The presence of fatty deposits on the thighs and buttocks.

Reasons for a decrease in sex drive.

Sexual attraction is characterized by individuality. The intensity of sex drive depends on a number of external and internal factors. It is influenced not only by the genetic characteristics and structure of the brain, but also by age, upbringing, personal qualities, the activity of the endocrine glands and even the place of residence.

In particular, it is generally known that dark-haired and short men, in contrast to tall blondes, are more temperamental, and overweight women are sexually inferior to thin ones. Using the example of Italians and Armenians, we can talk about a brighter sexuality of the inhabitants of southern countries, in contrast to the Germans and Estonians living in colder climates.

There are a number of factors that can lead to decreased sex drive. They are based on physiological, psychological, social, and age-related reasons. Sexual activity is in direct proportion to physical well-being, mood, emotional background and environment. It is also affected by the seasonal factor, social status and even professional affiliation of partners.

A decrease in libido can be observed against the background of a number of common diseases of the body. It is caused by neurotic disorders, endocrine diseases, taking certain medications, as well as congenital abnormalities and prolonged sexual abstinence. Decreased libido can lead to disruption of regular sex life, the development of congestion in the pelvic organs, depression and serious psychological problems.

Physiological causes.

Chronic and acute diseases of the digestive tract, cardiovascular system, weakened immunity, as well as diseases of the reproductive and urinary systems against the background of a disturbed hormonal balance often cause a temporary or permanent decrease in libido.

Desire is regulated by the sex hormones testosterone (male) and estrogen (female), which are produced in both sexes. In a strong half of humanity, testosterone prevails, which is produced in the testes and adrenal glands. Therefore, male libido is less dependent on the health and mood of the partner. The estrogen produced in the body of the fair sex is much weaker in terms of sexual desire, and the sexual activity of women fluctuates within the monthly cycle.

Normal serum testosterone levels depend on the functioning of the endocrine system. The production of female and male sex hormones in the ovaries is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The central and peripheral nervous systems are responsible for erection and ejaculation. Failure in the work of any of them entails a decrease in libido.

Taking hormonal contraceptives has a negative effect on testosterone, contributing to a drop in sexual activity. Also, the use of tranquilizers, antipsychotics, diuretics and drugs for diabetes and hypertension can lead to a decrease in libido in both sexes. This side effect may persist for some time after you stop taking them.

A sedentary lifestyle, causing blood congestion in the genitals, or injuries to the intimate area, resulting, in particular, from shaking from frequent driving or motorcycles or poorly performed physical exercises, can lead to a decrease in sexual activity.

In addition, the level of sex drive is determined by genes, in particular, the structure of DNA. Scientists have found that, depending on the variant of the D4 gene, the degree of sexual desire can also vary. In particular, 60% of people have a variant of the D4 gene, which leads to decreased sex drive.

Psychological reasons.

The psychological state of partners has a significant effect on the strength of sexual desire. The suppression of testosterone production can occur due to conflict in the family, stress, panic attacks in one of the partners, and even against the background of a struggle for social status. The most sensitive to such facts is the female libido.

The psychological aspect of decreased libido is difficult not only to detect, but also in terms of eliminating the causes. In particular, the fear of sexual activity can be caused by depression on the background of unsuccessful previous sexual experience or problems in the relationship with a partner. The most vulnerable in this regard is male reproductive health.

Very often, factors such as sexual boredom and monotony affect a decrease in partners' attraction to each other. At the same time, a happy life and well-being have a positive effect on sexual activity.

Another important aspect that reduces libido can be behavioral habits, in particular, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, drug use, and chronic lack of sleep.

It should also not be forgotten that both prolonged abstinence and excessive activity in sexual life contribute to a decrease in sexual activity.

Age factor.

Age is one of the most important causes of decreased libido. It requires constant manipulation to maintain appropriate hormonal levels.

The age factor includes the difference in the dynamics of sexual desire among representatives of different sexes. So, the peak of men's sexual activity occurs at the age of 16 to 25 years, and in women it occurs much later - in the period from 30 to 40 years. In addition, in contrast to the stronger sex, in women the age range of the period of greatest sexual activity often shifts.

Decreased sex drive in men.

Sexual activity plays an important role in the life of any man. With the loss of male power, the representatives of the stronger sex lose their sense of existence and feel panic at the mere thought of being ridiculed by their partner.

A decrease in libido under the influence of certain factors in our time is noted in every fifth man.

A decrease in a man's sexual activity is expressed in a disorder of sexual function, leading to a weakly expressed sexual desire. At the same time, the age of men, according to the latest data from experts, is not decisive.

Experts name a number of the most important reasons for this phenomenon:

Psychological disorder and nervous strain.
All kinds of injuries and illnesses.
Hormonal imbalance.
Bad habits.
Uncontrolled use of certain medicines.

Psychological disorder is expressed in a long stay of a man in depression or in a state of nervous overstrain, which negatively affects his sexual desires. Difficulties at work, family conflicts, as well as chronic fatigue and constant lack of sleep can provoke such a condition. Often a man underestimates the effect of his condition on sexual activity, believing that he is still sexually at his best.

Injuries and certain illnesses, in particular obesity, diabetes, and heart problems, can further exacerbate the processes of sexual dysfunction. And a decrease in testosterone levels, which is responsible for the saturation of sexual desire, leads to a violation of hormonal levels, contributing to a loss of interest in sex.

Addiction to bad habits - alcohol, drugs, smoking - causes addiction and gradually disrupts the functions of the whole organism, including the reproductive system. Also, a decrease in sexual activity can be facilitated by prolonged sexual abstinence and uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs, antidepressants and anabolic steroids.

If we talk about the age factor, then it is rather a provocative one, since in the fifth decade, most of the stronger sex have time to acquire a number of chronic diseases that reduce libido. But there are also those who do not need help until the end of their lives.

Over time, these reasons can lead to a state of sexual aversion - a decrease in interest in sexual life, up to a complete disgust for it. Symptoms of this condition are constant tremors, severe sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea against a background of severe fear or stress.

The following factors can provoke a state of aversion:

Improper sex education in childhood.
Psychological trauma of the sexual plan.
Compulsion to have sex.
Lack of sexual satisfaction in a partner.
Conflicts due to sexual orientation.
The following symptoms may indicate a decrease in sex drive in men:
Erectile dysfunction, manifested in the evasion of sexual intercourse under any pretext.
Having problems with ejaculation.
Raising the timbre of the voice to the notes inherent in women.
Loss of hair in places typical of men.
Breast enlargement.
Attacking a partner with accusations of unattractiveness and lack of understanding, caused by decreased libido.
An unexpected change in sexual orientation caused by a low concentration of male hormones.

Decreased sex drive in women.

Sexual attraction in women manifests itself much later than in men. There is even an opinion that a woman's "taste for sex" comes with the birth of a child, so there is no need to expect sexual activity from a young girl.

However, there are a number of reasons that contribute to a decrease in libido in the fair sex.

Psychological disorders.

The refinement of the female psyche leads to the fact that sexual desire is capable of "killing" one frivolous remark from a man, for example, about overweight or small breast size of a partner. For a female libido, a suitable environment for intimacy, attentiveness and accuracy of a partner, as well as his lack of sexual selfishness, are important.

Excessive female responsibility for children and family, or stereotypes about sex embedded in childhood can contribute to a decrease in sex drive. The psychological barrier that leads to a decrease in libido can also be immediate severe or chronic stress, constant fatigue, sexual inexperience and fear of becoming pregnant.

Another important stumbling block on the path of sexual relations can be a conflict with a partner, both on an everyday basis and in personal or social spheres (for example, a difference in political or religious views).

Hormonal disruptions.

The physiological factor also plays an important role. Thus, uncontrolled intake of certain medications can "extinguish" a woman's sex drive. These include both hormonal contraceptives and antihypertensive drugs, as well as tranquilizers and antipsychotics. Very often, a drop in libido provokes the intake of antidepressants.

The reason for a decrease in libido in the beautiful half of humanity can be damage to the endocrine glands, for example, in cases of an excess or lack of thyroid hormones that affect the genital area. In addition, a decrease in sexual activity in women can be observed against the background of an increase in a hormone such as prolactin during pregnancy and lactation. Nature has ordered that it literally neutralizes the effect of testosterone, so that a woman can fully devote herself to the baby. In all other cases, an increase in prolactin levels in both sexes is a consequence of serious illness.

Age and menopause.

Age-related wilting is an important factor. Over the years, the functioning of the ovaries slows down, the level of estrogens (female sex hormones) in the blood gradually decreases, and menopause occurs in women. It is manifested, among other things, by vaginal dryness, in connection with which intimacy becomes unpleasant and even painful for a woman. With the onset of menopause, in some women, sexual desire completely disappears and they do not experience any discomfort from it.

Diseases.

Some diseases, both general somatic and gynecological, can reduce the sex drive of women. So, diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the cardiovascular and urinary systems and inflammation of female organs negatively affect female libido.

The most insidious in this regard are neurological diseases, accompanied by impaired cerebral circulation, which causes damage to the centers responsible for sexual desire. Neurological symptoms are one of the most difficult to identify.

Infectious diseases of the reproductive system cause inflammation of the external genital organs. In particular, with colpitis (inflammation of the vagina), sexual intercourse becomes impossible due to severe pain. There is no need to talk about attraction in such cases.

Another case when an intimate relationship becomes impossible is a painful spasm of the vaginal muscles - vaginismus. Its causes are rather psychological in nature and can be caused by severe fear during intercourse in the past or gross sexual violence. In such cases, women can only feel disgust for sexual intercourse.

A drop in sex drive in women can be the result of work-related injuries or constant beatings in the family. In such circumstances, a decrease in libido occurs due to a violation (hematoma) of the structures of the brain that control the intimate sphere.

Bad habits.

Female alcoholism, drug addiction and tobacco abuse can have a psychological and neurophysiological negative impact on sexual desire, since these factors reduce the activity of the centers of the brain that regulate the processes of arousal and sexual attraction.

At the same time, it is necessary to distinguish whether the decrease in libido is associated with any of the listed factors or is it a banal refusal to have sex right now and with a particular partner.

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