Low libido is simply low sexual activity. It is natural for libido levels to vary from time. Partners may not necessarily match each other’s passion. Of course, it is a frustrating moment when a partner can’t match up to your interests but this is normal. However, prolonged low libido levels should raise concern and need for health check-up because it might be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Here are some of the reasons why libido levels in men drop

Low testosterone

This is an important hormone in males because it stimulates production of sperms. The hormone is produced in the testicles where it enhances bone growth and muscle strengthening in the body, especially on sexual organs of a man. The fact that testosterone is responsible for production of sperms means it plays a big role in sexual performance. It has nothing to do with desire but has everything to do with performance. But what is desire without performance in sex? Nevertheless, when testosterone level decrease sex desire also decreases.

When testosterone levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter, it is considered low hence low sexual desire and performance.

Restless legs syndrome

This is a health condition that makes it difficult to control leg movement. Men experience the urge to move legs every other time, sometimes unconsciously. While it can be assumed as individual preference or sitting comfortability, it is a health condition that if unmanaged can lead to impotence.

Affected individuals either gently or vigorously move legs, swinging from left to right for an extended period. It happens whenever such a person sits; irrespective of whether their minds are busy or not, legs move uncontrollably. The condition leads to erectile dysfunction that affects libido levels. Prolonged conditions lead to impotence. Such men are at a 50% risk to be impotent than men without the condition.

Depression

Mental unrest and stress affects all other processes of the body including sex. When a man is depressed, the desire for activities that were of pleasure before lose taste. In sex, there is no performance without desire. Depression inhibits functioning of essential hormones in a man’s body including testosterone. The moment testosterone reduces its activity or stops functioning, the testicles stall hence low libido levels.

Besides, antidepressants are known to affect libido levels. When undergoing stress, the drugs taken should be as per doctor’s prescription. However, this is not a universal effect hence the need to consult doctor on specific antidepressants before taking any. Also, if you sense decrease in libido over a considerable period, consult a doctor.

Sleep problems

Obstructive sleep apnea is directly linked to testosterone levels in a man’s body. Sleep apnea entails frequent interruptions during sleep. Typically, the sleep interruption instances are brief and may only take 3 seconds; however, the frequency in one night denies an individual consistent and smooth sleep. People affected with this condition experience dizziness and inactivity during the day because their bodies are tired, they did not rest, which is the essence of sleep.

Sleep apnea inhibits functions of testosterone hence low libido. Most body tissues grow and enhance during sleep; testosterone production of sperms also happens during this time when the body is at rest. Failure to rest means no or little sperm production, which is a cause of impotence.

Chronic illness

Chronic illnesses such as Cancer deny a patient pleasures of life. Apart from pain the body is strained and only focuses on fighting infections and other primary body processes. Pleasure from sex is the last thing on such an individual’s mind. Trying to engage such a person in sex only calls for disappointment from both of you; actually, you might be causing pain to the patient.

Chronic diseases affect normal functioning of hormones. Sperm count is likely to reduce because of hormonal inactivity and general body stress. It is important for couples to go through counseling sessions on intimate matters when one is suffering from a chronic disease. Doctors can suggest other ways of finding pleasure.

Age

As men advance in age, testosterone levels significantly reduce; it is a natural process. Typically, men have high testosterone levels in their late teens then the graph starts going low. At 60 years, it is common for men to experience low libido levels. At this age, erection and ejaculation takes a noticeably long time. Even after the penis finally erects after a long wait, it is not hard enough for penetration. While it is a natural process and men should understand and not raise alarm, there are medications that can help boosting erectile dysfunctions even at old age.

Stress

Stress is detrimental to overall health of a human body. Unsettled mind states interfere with normal functioning of body cells and tissues. In men, pressure and prolonged periods of stress affect hormone levels, which are crucial in arousal and foreplay. When testosterone levels decrease, libido levels decrease hence low sexual desire and low performance.

Also, stress leads to narrowing of blood vessels. Arteries in particular become small hence decrease blood flow. For proper erection to take place, blood flow should be consistent and in high volumes. The wider the arteries in the penis the faster and harder the erection. Apart from psychological problems associated with stress, sexual activity is directly affected.