Low Libido
Mismatched Sexual Desire
Online Therapy For Individuals and Couples is Also Available Throughout Maryland, Texas, and Florida
Low Libido
or
Mismatched Sexual Desire
Having questions about your sex drive?
Low libido is where an individual is noticing a decrease in sexual desire. Mismatched sexual desire is noticing where one partner in the relationship has a significantly different level of sexual desire compared to their partner.
Both conditions can be complex, often requiring a multifaceted approach that can be supported through Sex Therapy!
What Are The Causes Of A Low Sex Drive?
It can be influenced by various factors that affect both men and women differently. Let’s look at the some most common causes of a low sex drive:
Stress ~ Increased amounts of cortisol and adrenaline are created by stress. These stress hormones interfere with the production of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which are essential for sexual desire and arousal.
Medications ~ Some medication such as antidepressants, antihistamines and certain hypertension medicines can influence libido.
Depression ~ Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in activities once enjoyed, including sex.
Anxiety ~ cause excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating, which can distract from intimacy and reduce sexual desire.
There are other influences and discussing your unique circumstances with a therapist can help identify additional factors.
Do I want sex too often?
Am I only good for one thing?
Mismatched sexual desire or low libido is a common problem and it’s a solvable one!
There are a number of factors that can affect it and it is important for those with a lower libido to be clear about the reasons they’re not in the mood so that their partner doesn’t think it’s them they’re rejecting.
How can Sex Therapy Help?
With a sex therapist you can start to address psychological, emotional, relational, and physical factors. Sometimes we can feel embarrassed or ashamed to tell others about what is and isn’t working in our lives — especially when the topic shifts to our sex lives. But there is nothing wrong with seeking support when you and your partner have hit a wall or even a bump in the road. Sex therapy is a specific branch of therapy that focuses on helping clients to talk about any sexual discrepancies that they may be having in the relationship. While sex is not all that a partnership is, it oftentimes forms a large part of the overall feeling of intimacy and connection between partners
Sometimes talking about it with your partner can be a sensitive topic where conflict could occur, or you are unsure of what the underlining factors are. Working with a sex therapist, a nonjudgmental third party, can be a supportive step by providing insights and offering solutions and plans that you can implement to navigate issues — such as mismatched sex drives or low libido.
FAQs
-
You should consider seeking therapy if:
Mismatched sexual desire is causing distress, frustration, or resentment in the relationship.
Low libido is affecting emotional connection or overall intimacy.
Communication about sex feels difficult or causes conflict.
You or your partner are experiencing performance anxiety, stress, or relationship issues that are impacting sexual desire.
You’ve tried to address the issue on your own without significant improvement.
-
Yes, it is normal for libido to decrease with age due to factors like hormonal changes, health conditions, medications, and lifestyle changes. However, a significant or sudden drop in libido may indicate an underlying issue that can be addressed through therapy or medical intervention.
-
If mismatched sexual desire is causing distress or affecting the relationship, it’s a good idea to seek professional help sooner rather than later. Waiting too long can lead to frustration, resentment, and further emotional disconnection. A sex therapist can help identify the underlying causes and work on strategies with a client to support improvements important to them.
-
Yes, it’s possible to have different sexual needs and still maintain a healthy relationship. The key is understanding, empathy, and compromise. Both partners can explore ways to meet each other’s needs without pressuring one another. Open communication and seeking professional help from a sex therapist can help couples navigate mismatched desires effectively.
