What is low libido?
Low libido is probably one of the least likely things you’ll hear a man freely talking about. But that doesn’t mean it’s not happening to men. With that said, low libido, also known as low sex drive, is a subjective feeling of disinterest in having or lack of desire to have sex. Sometimes this means there is a lack of desire for masturbation, too. Low libido is also known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
Low libido can cause a strain on relationships when one partner wants to have sex more often than the other. It’s important to be open when discussing sexual desire and needs with your partner. It’s easier for partners to accept a decreased interest in sex as medical problem when you talk about not having lost attraction, too. Low sex drive doesn’t mean you don’t find your partner attractive, pretty, handsome, etc.
It’s important to keep in mind that there’s no average for how much sex a person is supposed to want to have. Everyone is different. That being said, low libido is about you feeling like you don’t want to have sex often enough. If that’s the way you feel, let’s talk about bringing back your desire through acupuncture and herbal treatments.
What are the symptoms of a low libido?
Low libido is simply defined as having low sex drive; that is, a low desire to have sex.
What causes a low libido?
The causes of low libido can be both physical and psychological, and may include:
- Age
- Psychological disorders, such as depression and stress
- Hormone levels (especially low testosterone)
- Endocrine disorders
- Certain medications
- Alcohol and other recreational drugs
- Sleep deprivation
How is a low libido in men diagnosed?
Low libido becomes a medical condition when it negatively affects a man’s (and perhaps his partner’s) life. There is not a specific test for low sex drive because it is subjective, but the specific cause of low libido in a male patient can be diagnosed with medical tests.
Blood vessels and nerves
A doctor will likely perform:
- A medical history will inform a medical professional if the male patient is taking any medications that cause low libido or if he is overly fatigued due to sleep deprivation
- A psychological analysis will reveal if low libido is psychological/mental in nature or caused by stress.
- Blood and urine laboratory tests can detect if a hormone imbalance is causing low sex drive
How does acupuncture and Chinese medicine diagnose low libido in men?
The biggest difference between Chinese medicine and Western medicine is the amount of talking we acupuncturists do. First time patients are often surprised by how many questions we ask and the level of detail we’re trying to gain. The contrast is especially stark by comparison since we all know about the quotas and patient minimums doctors are forced to fill.
In addition to all of the questions we ask about your general health, mental state and your specific health concerns, we also feel your pulse, palpate your abdomen and look at your tongue. There is no reason to examine your genitals as part of the diagnosis.
The reason we ask so many questions is because the major diagnostic methods of Chinese medicine were created thousands of years before the medical tests we have come to know today. You can read more about how acupuncture and Chinese medicine work, by visiting this page.
How is a low sex drive treated by Western medicine?
Once the cause for low sex drive is identified, that cause can be treated to improve a man’s libido.
Treatments to improve sex drive include:
- Finding alternative medications that do not affect sex drive
- Counseling to improve a man’s mental-emotional outlook
- Testosterone supplements, which can be in the form of shots, patches, or gels
How does acupuncture treat low libido?
I employ thus usual suspects when treating low sex drive – acupuncture, herbal medicine and dietary therapy. In addition, I may suggest you take some nutritional supplements. In essentially all cases, I will also teach you some exercises and self-massage techniques. Self-massage is something you can also do with your partner to build intimacy.
To make an appointment with me for treatment, please go to the Appointments page. If you have further questions, feel free to ask me through the Contact page.