Talking About Health And Medical

Many men will experience a decrease in libido. This generally occurs as testosterone levels decline, but men without low testosterone may face challenges. Finding the cause of low libido will open a world of treatment options that can get you back to normal.

Mental Health

Both mental health concerns and some of the medications used to treat them can affect libido. Some of the common mental health issues that can affect libido are depression and anxiety. Even if your mental health does not reach the level of being a diagnosable condition, just daily stress can make you less interested in sex. If you believe you are struggling with anxiety and/or depression, your first point of contact is your primary care provider.

Fortunately, primary care providers are trained in identifying some mental health issues and can even provide medication until you can see a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you are already taking medications, you should consult with your provider if you believe this is the cause of low libido. Generally, antidepressants are more likely to cause libido issues and your provider can try switching you to a different medication or adjusting your dose.

Physical Health

A wide variety of physical health concerns can decrease libido. Some of the more basic causes are recent weight gain and eating a poor diet. Gaining weight and eating a poor diet can make you feel sluggish. Switching to a more nutritious diet that is lower in empty calories can help. Not only can it help you reduce excess weight, but eating a nutrient-dense diet can provide you with more energy that may be associated with a higher libido.

Similarly, men who exercise regularly and lift weights often find they have fewer issues with libido. Chronic diseases, especially autoimmune diseases, can cause a decrease in libido because of extreme fatigue. Unfortunately, the only way to improve the situation is to find medications that successfully manage the underlying illness. If you have an autoimmune disease, you may find your libido increases during times when the disease is in remission or disease activity is lower.

Low Testosterone 

All men will experience decreased testosterone as they age, but not all of them will experience severe symptoms. If your decreased libido is caused by low testosterone, you should consider testosterone replacement therapy. Testing will be done to determine your testosterone levels. If your testosterone is low, your doctor will determine if you are a candidate for hormone replacement. Some men with a past history of prostate cancer or those who have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer may not be ideal candidates.

If your doctor thinks you would benefit from testosterone replacement, there are several options for administration. Testosterone can be taken as an injection, topical gel, nasal gel, or orally. You and your provider can discuss which route of administration works for your needs and makes it easier to be consistent with your treatment. 

Low libido in men can be caused by any number of concerns, from physical to mental health. Finding the underlying cause of low libido will make it easier for you and your provider to reach a treatment decision. 

For more info, contact a company like Family Medicine Austin.