Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Eleven things that will KILL your sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

Note: Our intent here is to provide good and clean content on sexual health. We want to resolve all the mis-conceptions and curiosities about this subject. If you feel uncomfortable because of any article in this section, please let us know.

In a society filled with sexual imagery, it seems rather absurd that some people might have no desire for sex. Low sexual desire amongst couples is one of the biggest issues in achieving intimacy. There is virtually nothing that can kill a relationship faster than low libido.

There are many factors that contribute to a decreased sex drive. These range from lifestyle changes to side effects from certain medications. Knowing them would facilitate treating them!

A libido basically means the desire to have sex. It is fairly fragile at times and depends on many different human aspects which can be emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual. Get one aspect out of place and the entire tree comes crashing down. So what are these sex drive killers?

1. Obesity

In overweight men, the fat cells produce estrogen (the female hormone) which reduces sex drive. And sex happens to be one of the most powerful incentives to lose weight! People who exercise regularly have higher sex drives.

 is one of the most trusted source of information about good health and wellness. To those who want to manage their health themselves, LifeMojo provides necessary information, tips, tracking tools and support to help them stay informed and motivated.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

2. Stress

Life has become pretty fast these days. People fail to find time for sex amidst work, friendships, kids, school and homemaking. Stress at the workplace, financial troubles or simply a hectic lifestyle with poor eating habits can take a toll on your sex life.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

3. Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep is one of the biggest killers of sex drive. This can happen because of irregular work routines, extreme fatigue, insomnia etc. Too little sleep makes you fatigued and you lack stamina.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

4. Alcohol

Alcohol numbs your libido in the long term. A drunken partner may also put off the other partner.

This problem can be resolved by cutting down on alcohol consumption although it is best to totally give up the practice of drinking alcohol.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

5. Medications

Antidepressants are some of the best-known agents responsible for low libido and for producing adverse effects on orgasm. Certain chemicals present in medications produce negative impacts on the brain and affect your libido. If you are facing this problem, talk to your doctor about your sex drive.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

6. Depression

One of the hallmarks of depression is the lack of interest in sex. Depression is a double-edged sword as it reduces sex drive and the medications to treat depression also produce similar effects.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

7. Poor diet

Diet plays a major role in overall happiness and well-being. After all, we are what we eat. If we ingest processed food and harmful chemicals, we are going to bear the brunt of it.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

8. Low testosterone

Sex drive is influenced by the levels of testosterone. This is true for women as well. If your testosterone levels dip too low, your libido is likely to decline. This can be fixed by testosterone therapy.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

9. Parenting

If you have a new baby in the home, you will need to give him proper attention on a 24/7 basis. As a result, you don't get time to do anything else. Plus, handling a child saps most of your energy.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

10. Erectile dysfunction

Some men suffer from this condition when they have difficulty in having an erection. This condition also causes sufferers to worry excessively. Their sex drive falls and they fail to make the best use of any opportunity.

Eleven killers of sex drive

Last updated on: June 2, 2011 13:09 IST

11. Low intimacy

There can be low sex drive with too little intimacy. Therefore, couples need to build up intimate relationships between them in order to make their sex lives interesting.

You can see that a low sex drive might be the result of factors outside your romantic relationship. Health conditions and lifestyle patterns play major roles in causing low libido. Make sure you take the right steps to eliminate them. Strong sex can serve as the foundation of a strong bond.