Low sex drive (loss of libido)

Some of the main causes of a low sex drive include:

• relationship problems
• stress, anxiety or depression
• sexual problems like erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness
• pregnancy and having a baby – your hormone levels change when you're pregnant, and looking after a baby can be stressful and tiring
• lower hormone levels as you get older, particularly during the menopause
• taking certain medicines, such as medicine for high blood pressure or antidepressants
• using hormonal contraception like the pill, patch or implant
• drinking too much alcohol

Some long-term conditions can also affect your sex drive, such as heart disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid or cancer.

• you're worried about your low sex drive
• you're taking a medicine or using hormonal contraception and you think it may be affecting your sex drive
• your sex drive does not return to normal after pregnancy

Treatment for a low sex drive depends on what's causing it.

A GP can advise you about help you can get and any treatments that might increase your sex drive.

Common causes of a low sex drive include relationship problems, sexual problems, and stress, anxiety or depression.

Treatment for a low sex drive depends on the cause. Counselling may help with relationship problems, and medicines can help some sexual problems.