Where does libido disappear to: what affects sexual desire and can it be restored?
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- Where does libido disappear to: what affects sexual desire and can it be restored?
Decreased sexual desire is not always associated with relationship problems or age. According to experts, libido is affected by a range of factors, from hormonal changes and chronic stress to medication and emotional burnout. Experts told us in which cases a decrease in interest in intimate life is considered the norm, and when it can signal health problems. All the details are in the Izvestia article.
When is a decrease in libido considered a reason to consult a doctor?
Lidia Bindyukova, an endocrinologist at Invitro, explained to Izvestia that the level of sexual desire is different for each person, so it's worth focusing not on a conditional norm, but on changes compared to the usual state.
According to the expert, a short-term decrease in libido due to fatigue, stress or life changes is considered a natural reaction of the body. However, if the decrease in desire persists for a long time, causes discomfort or affects the quality of life, it is worth contacting a doctor.
"Menstrual irregularities, severe fatigue, dryness of the mucous membranes, discomfort during intimacy and a constant decrease in energy can also be alarming signals. Experts call hormonal disorders one of the most common causes of such changes. For example, in women, sexual desire may decrease with estrogen deficiency, which is typical for menopause, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding. This condition is often accompanied by dryness of the mucous membranes and painful sensations," the specialist explained.
In addition, testosterone levels play an important role, which affects libido not only in men, but also in women. Its decrease can reduce sensitivity and sexual interest.
Among other common causes, the doctor identified thyroid dysfunction and increased prolactin levels, which can also be accompanied by hormonal disruptions and decreased sexual desire.
What diseases and medications can reduce interest in sex
Decreased sexual desire often accompanies chronic diseases. According to Bindyukova, libido can be affected by diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the genitourinary system, chronic pain syndromes, as well as depression and anxiety disorders.
The doctor paid special attention to medications. The most common causes of decreased libido are antidepressants, especially SSRIs, hormonal contraceptives, certain hypertension medications, sedatives, and medications that affect hormonal balance. The expert stressed that it is impossible to cancel the treatment on your own. If such side effects occur, it is necessary to discuss the situation with your doctor.
How Stress Destroys Libido
Clinical psychologist and sexologist Ekaterina Makarova believes that stress is the main enemy of sexual desire. According to her, professional burnout, anxiety, financial difficulties, accumulated resentments and lack of emotional intimacy gradually deprive intimate life of an emotional component, turning it into a mechanical process.
"Thoughts about how a person looks in the eyes of another, whether he behaves correctly and meets expectations, shift attention from the natural living of the moment to internal control. This increases tension, reduces relaxation and prevents full—fledged emotional contact," the expert told Izvestia.
Why does desire change in a long-term relationship?
Sexologist Ksenia Khazova also noted that a decrease in sexual desire in long-term relationships is largely due to natural neurochemical processes. According to her, at the beginning of a relationship, sexual attraction is maintained by high levels of dopamine, the hormone of novelty. However, over time, the body adapts, and the previous intensity of emotions decreases.
The expert stressed that this does not mean the inevitable extinction of passion. In her opinion, the key role is played by the couple's ability to maintain emotional play, flirting, novelty and joint development of relationships. She added that in mature relationships, sexual intimacy can become deeper precisely due to trust and psychological security.
Is it possible to regain sexual interest
Khazova stated that it is impossible to return the very passion that is characteristic of the beginning of a relationship in its original form. This is due to the peculiarities of the hormonal system: the effect of novelty is provided by a surge of dopamine, which gradually decreases as you get used to your partner. To do this, it is necessary to focus on the development of relationships within the couple — to maintain emotional engagement, create new joint experiences and work on trust. This is what allows you to maintain sexual interest in the long term.
In addition, according to Bindyukova, it is important to check the state of health, adjust the hormonal background if necessary, adjust sleep and rest, reduce stress and work on the quality of communication in a couple.
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