The Truth About Libido. And When You Should Legit Be Concerned

By Emily Shoemaker

Too high, too low, or juuust right? If your sex drive isn’t alive and kickin’, should you be concerned? Libido, a.k.a. sex drive, varies from person to person and between partners. While stereotypes definitely exist (think teenagers with raging hormones), sex drive is highly personal. In addition, depending on age, stress level, relationship status, etc., a person’s desire for sex can fluctuate. So how do you know if your libido is normal or out-of-whack? And if something is wrong, what can be done about it?

All About That Baseline

Sex therapist and New York Times best-selling author Ian Kerner, PhD, says that “normal is such an elastic word…it depends on what your baseline libido is.” He notes that while it might be normal for one person to desire sex once a day, it’s also completely normal for an asexual individual to have zero libido.

A significant deviation from the baseline is what’s ultimately a cause for concern. According to Kerner, a change in libido is only a problem when it’s a problem for you or for your partner. Sex and relationship expert Emily Morse notes that it’s not uncommon for couples to have mismatched libidos. There’s really no “normal” amount one should desire sex (or actually do the deed). Your libido is unique, as is everyone else’s. But if you feel it swinging up or down the scale, some factors could be at play.

Low Libido

If abnormally low libido is causing concern, it’s time to identify some potential causes. But keep in mind that different factors may affect different people (you guessed it…) differently.

Underlying Conditions

Underlying medical and psychological issues can depress libido to the point of non-existence. Medical conditions such as cancer or other chronic illnesses, for example, can understandably sap a person’s desire for sex. Psychological problems can also contribute to a diminished sex drive. Depression is a common cause of sexual dysfunction, and the treatment of depression doesn’t help matters Sexual dysfunction, depression, and the impact of antidepressants. Kennedy, S. H., & Rizvi, S. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2009; 29:157-164.. Research shows that certain antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs) tend to lower sexual arousal more than others Sexual dysfunction, depression, and the impact of antidepressants. Kennedy, S. H., & Rizvi, S. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2009; 29:157-164.. And given that some drugs have more possible side effects than actual effects, it’s not surprising that certain other meds can do so as well. For example, some women may experience decreased libido while on hormonal birth control, but reports aren’t consistent The effects of hormonal contraceptives on female sexuality: A review. Burrows, L. J., Basha, M., & Goldstein, A. T. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2012; 9:2213-2223.. …read more

Source:: Greatist