Sex-Drive Killers

Sex-Drive Killers

Sex-Drive Killer: Stress

Some people do many things well when they're stressed. Feeling sexy usually isn't one of them. Stress at work, home, or in your relationships can happen to anyone. Learning how to handle it really helps. You can do a lot of it yourself, and a counselor or doctor can also help.

Sex-Drive Killer: Alcohol

A drink may make you feel more open to sex. But too much alcohol can numb your sex drive. Your being drunk can also be a turn-off for your partner. If you have trouble drinking less, seek help.

Sex-Drive Killer: Too Little Sleep

If your sexual get-up-and-go is gone, maybe you're not spending enough time in bed. Do you go to bed too late or rise too early? Do you have a sleep problem like trouble falling or staying asleep, or a condition such as sleep apnea? Anything that messes with a good night's rest can mess with sex. Fatigue saps sexy feelings. Work on your sleep habits, and if that doesn't help, talk to your doctor

Sex-Drive Killer: Medication

Some drugs turn down desire. They include some of these types of medications:

Antidepressants

Blood pressure medications

Birth control pills (some studies show a link; others don't)

Chemotherapy

Anti-HIV drugs

Finasteride

Switching drugs or dosages may help -- ask your doctor about that and never stop taking any medicine on your own. Tell your doctor, too, if  your sex drive stalls soon after you start taking a new drug.

Sex Drive Killer: Poor Body Image

Feeling sexy is easier if you like how you look. Work on accepting your body as it is today, even if you're working to get in shape. Feeling good about yourself can put you in the mood. If your partner has low esteem, assure them that they're sexy.

Sex-Drive Killer: Obesity

When you're overweight or obese, desire often dims. It could be that you don't enjoy sex, can't perform like you want to, or are held back by low self-esteem.  Working on how you feel about yourself, with a counselor if needed, may make a big difference

Sex-Drive Killer: Erection Problems

Men with ED (erectile dysfunction) often worry about how they will be able to perform sexually, and that worry can drain their desire. ED can be treated, and couples can also work to keep it from affecting their relationship

Sex-Drive Killer: Low T

The "T" hormone, testosterone, fuels sex drive. As men age, their T levels may drop a bit. Not all lose the desire for sex as this happens, but some do. Many other things -- from relationships to weight -- also affect a man's sex drive and testosterone levels, so there's not a one-size-fits-all answer for every man.

Sex-Drive Killer: Depression

Being depressed can shut off pleasure in many things, including sex. That's one of many reasons to get help. If your treatment involves medication, tell your doctor if your sex drive is low, since some (but not all) depression drugs lower sex drive. Talk about it with your therapist, too.

Sex-Drive Killer: Having Kids

You don't lose your sex drive once you're a mom or dad. You do lose some time to be close, though, with kids under foot. Hire a babysitter to nurture some time to be partners as well as parents. New baby? Try sex during nap time.