Indore, MP
A drop in sexual desire can happen for many reasons and is not a reflection of your worth or attraction to your partner. Professional evaluation can help identify the root causes and restore your vitality.
Recognising the Signs
If you experience any of the following, talk to a professional.
Many people blame themselves for low sexual desire, believing it reflects a lack of attraction to their partner or a personal deficiency. This is not accurate. Low libido is a medical concern with identifiable causes, including hormones, medications, depression, stress, and relationship factors. It is treatable, and seeking help is the first step.
Understanding the difference
| Feature | Normal Fluctuation | Clinical Low Libido |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Temporary, resolves with stress reduction or life changes | Persistent for months, not explained by circumstances |
| Distress | Does not cause significant personal distress | Causes significant distress, guilt, or relationship problems |
| Pattern | Matches life circumstances (stress, illness, new baby) | Occurs regardless of circumstances or partner |
| Physical response | Sexual response is normal when desire is present | Desire is absent or significantly reduced even in favourable conditions |
| Seeking help | Self-resolves without intervention | Persists despite efforts and benefits from professional evaluation |
About this Condition
Decreased libido, or low sexual desire, is one of the most common sexual concerns affecting both men and women. It is defined as a persistent lack of interest in sexual activity that causes personal distress. While desire naturally fluctuates with age, stress, and life circumstances, a significant and distressing drop in libido is a medical concern that benefits from evaluation and treatment.
In men, low libido may be related to low testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, depression, chronic stress, medication side effects (particularly SSRIs and antipsychotics), obesity, sleep deprivation, or relationship difficulties. When a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection, he may lose desire as a protective response, avoiding sexual situations where failure is feared.
In women, decreased libido is even more common and even more underreported. Causes include hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, contraceptive use), depression and anxiety, medication side effects (SSRIs, hormonal contraceptives), relationship difficulties, stress, body image concerns, past sexual trauma, and medical conditions. In India, where female sexual health is heavily stigmatised, many women suffer in silence for years.
Libido is not a simple on/off switch. It involves a complex interplay of hormones (testosterone, oestrogen), neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin), psychological state (mood, stress, self-esteem), relationship quality, and physical health. Treatment requires understanding which of these factors are contributing in your specific case.
The good news is that decreased libido is highly treatable once the underlying cause is identified. Treatment may involve medication adjustment, hormonal evaluation, psychotherapy, couples work, or lifestyle modifications. I provide a completely confidential, non-judgemental environment to address this sensitive concern.
Understanding the roots
Low testosterone in men, menopause or hormonal contraceptives in women, and thyroid disorders can all reduce sexual desire. Hormonal evaluation is a key part of assessing decreased libido.
SSRIs (antidepressants), antipsychotics, hormonal contraceptives, antihypertensives, and other medications can significantly reduce libido as a side effect. Medication adjustment may resolve the problem without affecting your mental health treatment.
Depression, anxiety, chronic stress, body image concerns, past sexual trauma, and low self-esteem all reduce sexual desire. These conditions affect the brain's ability to generate desire and arousal.
Relationship conflict, lack of emotional intimacy, routine, boredom, sleep deprivation, obesity, and substance use can all contribute to decreased libido. Addressing these factors often improves desire.
Clinical Profile
These are the most commonly reported signs.
By the numbers
Men Affected
15 to 25%
of men experience clinically low libido
Source: Journal of Sexual Medicine
Women Affected
25 to 40%
of women experience low sexual desire at some point
Source: International Society for Sexual Medicine
SSRI-Related
30 to 60%
of patients on SSRIs report reduced libido
Source: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Outcomes
Before Your Visit
Knowing what to expect can ease the anxiety of your first appointment.
The Process
How we deliver treatment in Indore
A thorough, non-judgemental evaluation of your decreased libido, medical history, medications, hormonal status, and psychological factors. Co-occurring conditions are screened for.
Based on evaluation, we determine whether the cause is hormonal, medication-related, psychological, relational, or multifactorial. Blood work and hormonal testing may be arranged if indicated.
For hormonal causes: testosterone or oestrogen therapy in consultation with specialists. For medication-related: switching or adjusting medications. For psychological causes: CBT and psychoeducation. For relational causes: couples work.
Once desire is restored, the focus shifts to maintaining gains and building long-term sexual health. Regular follow-up ensures ongoing effectiveness and addresses any new concerns.
Questions
While libido can naturally fluctuate with age, a significant, distressing drop is not something you simply have to accept. There are often treatable underlying causes, including hormonal changes, medications, depression, and relationship factors. Evaluation helps identify what is driving the change.
Yes, many common antidepressants, particularly SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine), can reduce sexual desire in 30 to 60% of patients. This is one of the most common side effects. If this is the cause, I can discuss switching to a medication with fewer sexual side effects (like bupropion) or adding a corrective medication while maintaining your mental health treatment.
Yes. Testosterone is the primary hormone driving sexual desire in men. Low testosterone (hypogonadism) can significantly reduce libido, energy, and mood. It is diagnosed through blood tests and treated with testosterone replacement therapy when appropriate. I evaluate and manage this as part of comprehensive sexual health care.
Yes. Declining oestrogen levels during menopause can cause vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and reduced desire. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments can address these changes. I work with gynaecologists and endocrinologists to provide integrated care for menopausal sexual health concerns.
It depends on the cause. If medication side effects are the trigger, improvement may be noticeable within 2 to 4 weeks of switching medications. If hormonal treatment is needed, effects may take 6 to 12 weeks. Psychological causes may require 8 to 12 sessions of therapy. I give you a realistic timeline after the first evaluation.
No. Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterised by a lack of sexual attraction to others, and it is not distressing to the individual. Low libido is a decrease from your previous level of desire that causes personal distress. The key difference is distress and change from baseline.
Yes, significantly. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, weight management, and reducing alcohol consumption can all improve sexual desire. These factors affect hormone levels, mood, energy, and overall wellbeing. Lifestyle changes are an important part of treatment, though they may not be sufficient alone if an underlying medical cause is present.
Partner involvement can be helpful, particularly if relationship dynamics are contributing to low libido. However, individual evaluation is also valuable, and the decision is always yours. I discuss the options and recommend what is most likely to help your specific situation.
Your Doctor
I provide comprehensive, confidential evaluation and treatment for decreased libido in both men and women, addressing hormonal, psychological, medication-related, and relational causes. I work collaboratively with endocrinologists and gynaecologists when hormonal treatment is needed. My clinic is based in Indore and sees patients from across Madhya Pradesh.
Learn more about Dr RajvardhanExplore
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