In short
Stress, tiredness, low mood, relationship problems, medicines and alcohol are the most common causes. Hormone problems are less common but worth checking.
On this page
Low sex drive in men is common and usually has more than one cause. Stress, tiredness, low mood, relationship problems, medicines and alcohol are the most frequent. Hormone problems such as low testosterone are less common but worth checking when it persists.
What counts as low?
There’s no normal amount of desire. It’s a problem when it has dropped from what’s usual for you, it has lasted months, and it bothers you or your partner. Desire also naturally eases with age and in long relationships.
Everyday causes
- Stress and tiredness. Work, money, young children and poor sleep leave little room for desire.
- Depression and anxiety. Loss of interest in sex is one of the common symptoms.
- Relationship difficulties. Resentment, poor communication and unresolved conflict show up here first.
- Alcohol and drugs. Regular heavy drinking lowers desire and testosterone.
- Erection worries. Avoiding sex to avoid a problem can look like low desire.
Not sure what your symptoms or results mean?
An Australian GP can go through them with you by phone or video, and arrange any tests you still need.
Medicines that can lower sex drive
- Antidepressants, especially SSRIs.
- Opioid painkillers taken long term.
- Some blood pressure and prostate medicines, and finasteride for hair loss.
- Anabolic steroids, during use and after stopping.
Don’t stop a prescribed medicine on your own. A GP can often adjust it.
Medical causes
- Low testosterone. Usually with fewer morning erections, tiredness and low mood.
- High prolactin. A hormone from the pituitary gland. Uncommon, and found on a blood test.
- Thyroid problems, diabetes and obesity.
- Sleep apnoea.
- Long-term illness or chronic pain.
What a GP will do
Ask about your mood, sleep, relationship, alcohol and medicines, then decide whether blood tests would help. These usually include morning testosterone, and sometimes prolactin, thyroid and blood sugar. See testosterone test in Australia.
What helps
It depends on the cause. Treating depression, changing a medicine, cutting back on alcohol, sleeping better and losing weight all raise desire. Couples counselling or sex therapy helps when the relationship is part of it. Testosterone treatment is only for men whose blood tests confirm they’re low.
Next step: talk to a GP
Request an appointment and we’ll be in touch to arrange a time. A consultation doesn’t guarantee a prescription.
References
- Healthy Male: Low sex drive
- Healthdirect Australia: Loss of male libido
- Therapeutic Guidelines: Sexual and reproductive health
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.