<!-- date -->
<!-- /date -->
By Glenn Michael Gordon
<!-- no table found -->
(WebMD) -- The second most common sexual dysfunction in men
after premature ejaculation is low libido, according to a recent
issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. And a
loss of "mojo," as film character Austin Powers would put it, is
also very difficult for men to discuss, despite the help available
from health professionals.
What defines a low libido for an individual is subjective and
depends upon many variables, states Richard Kogan, M.D., a
psychiatrist in private practice who specializes in the treatment
of sexual dysfunction in New York City. Physical and mental health
are key factors, and although many men are happy exceptions to the
trend, sex drive generally decreases with age.
"Impotence and loss of libido are two very separate things,"
says Richard Milsten, M.D., a New Jersey-based urologist and
coauthor of "The Sexual Male" (W.W. Norton and Company). "However,
men who experience impotence commonly experience a decrease in
libido over time," he adds. When libido drops and impotence is not
a problem, there are numerous factors a doctor might suspect as the
cause.
Any medical problem or chronic physical condition can cause a
reduction in one's sex drive. If a man is diagnosed with cancer,
sex may be the furthest thing from his mind for a time. But even
minor illnesses can diminish a man's sexual interest. Conversely,
when men improve their health -- through exercise, a low-fat diet
or, if necessary, medical treatment -- their libido is likely to
increase.
While any illness can decrease sex drive, some conditions, such
as thyroid disease, tumors of the pituitary gland (which controls
most hormone production, including sex hormones) and depression,
are directly linked to low libido, according to Milsten. Similarly,
insufficient amounts of the male sex hormone testosterone may cause
low libido, though such a condition is unlikely to affect erectile
function. Kogan advises men who feel their physical condition has
decreased their sex drive to consult a physician, keeping in mind
that loss of libido is sometimes the only recognizable symptom of a
medical problem.
Drugs can also decrease libido. Many, though not all,
prescription antidepressants can diminish sex drive. Other
medications with this side effect include tranquilizers and
antihypertensive medications. Illicit substances, such as heroin,
cocaine and marijuana, when used heavily and chronically, may lower
libido, according to Milsten. He suggests that if a prescription
medicine has hampered a man's sex drive to a distressful degree, he
should ask his doctor about the possibility of swapping the
medication with a similar one that doesn't cause sexual side
effects.
Imagine this scenario: You and your dream lover are naked in bed
together. Then, all of a sudden, a stranger barges into the room
with a gun. You've just lost all interest in sex, and now the only
plan you have for your privates is keeping them out of harm's way.
In short, you've reprioritized your activities as a survival
instinct.
This is an extreme example, but any kind of stress -- whether
related to work, relationships or any other area of life -- that
preoccupies someone is going to diminish that person's sex drive.
In order to have a healthy libido, one has to be engaged in the
moment -- not angry or hurt. For example, says Milsten, "If you're
having shouting matches with your partner," your libido is nearly
certain to take a nosedive. Fortunately, if you work on your
differences and good feelings are restored, sex drive is likely to
return to baseline levels.
Some problems, however, such as depression or anxiety, intense
job stress, family worries, serious marital conflicts, experiences
of past abuse or conflicts about sexual orientation may require
professional assistance. It is essential to seek such help if
negative feelings interfere with the rest of life, if they are
overwhelming, or if you are no longer able to experience
pleasure.
