What You Didn’t Know Could Be Affecting Your Libido
Most men assume that a dip in sex drive is simply part of getting older.
But while age can play a role, it is far from the only factor—and in many cases, the underlying causes are completely treatable.
According to Dr. Rena Malik, a board-certified urologist and sexual health educator, there are several lesser-known reasons men may experience lower libido.
Some are physical, some psychological, and others may be hiding in plain sight.
Let’s start with medication.
Many prescription drugs can interfere with desire.
Antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are commonly linked to sexual side effects.
Drugs for high blood pressure and even certain hair loss treatments can contribute as well.
While these medications may be necessary, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice a drop in libido after starting one.
Sometimes, alternatives with fewer sexual side effects are available.
Next, consider your overall health.
Medical conditions like heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, and even past neurological events such as strokes or epilepsy can negatively impact sexual function.
Many of these illnesses affect blood flow, energy, or hormone levels, all of which are essential for healthy libido.
One often-overlooked area is hormonal imbalance.
Testosterone is the hormone most associated with male sexual desire, but its regulation is complex.
Problems in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis—essentially the hormonal messaging system between your brain and your reproductive organs—can interfere with testosterone production.
But more testosterone doesn’t always mean more desire.
As Dr. Malik points out, libido is influenced by having enough testosterone, but it isn’t a simple matter of “more is better.”
Mental health is another major factor.
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions can all suppress sexual desire.
For some men, this suppression happens slowly and subtly, which can make it harder to recognize.
It’s not just about mood—it’s about the body’s overall emotional and neurological readiness for intimacy.
Then there’s the quality of your relationship.
It might sound obvious, but it’s often the last thing people are willing to examine.
Communication issues, unresolved resentment, lack of emotional intimacy, or simply falling into routine can all suppress attraction.
Dr. Malik notes that sexual desire doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
If there’s friction outside the bedroom, it usually shows up inside it as well.
Social media and screen time may play a subtler role too.
Men who spend hours scrolling or gaming can experience overstimulation, sleep disruption, and attention fragmentation.
A 2022 analysis published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions found that excessive screen time was linked to lower sexual satisfaction and desire in men, likely due to reduced real-world interaction and altered reward processing.
So, what can you do about it?
First, don’t ignore the symptoms.
Libido is not just about sex—it’s a window into your overall health, both physical and emotional.
Talk to your doctor if you’ve noticed changes.
Consider getting your hormones checked, reevaluating your medications, or seeking out a therapist who can help you work through mental or relational stressors.
There are also medications, like Bupropion, that may help, but these should be prescribed only after a full evaluation.
The important takeaway is this: libido is a reflection of balance.
When something feels off, your body is often trying to tell you something deeper.
Listening—without shame or fear—is the first step toward getting it back.