Let’s face it – there’s a certain stigma attached to having a low libido drive. For many men, it’s not only embarrassing, but also humiliating.
Low sex drive can strike at any age, and for a lot of different reasons.1
And it happens to a lot of men, so if you’re dealing with it, you’re definitely not alone. Thankfully, there are some safe, natural methods you can try in an effort to increase your libido. Here’s some information on why this problem happens – and what you can do about it.
Why Sex Drive Disappears
Many factors can contribute to a reduced sex drive. Most men typically lose some libido as they get older. But it’s not at all uncommon for men to be sexually active into their 60s, or even their 70s.2 If you’re at an age that isn’t usually associated with a lower libido, let’s look at some of the potential reasons why this is happening:
Low Testosterone
A lack of the male sex hormone testosterone is one of the main culprits when it comes to low libido. Low testosterone (a condition known as hypogonadism) can contribute to erectile dysfunction.3 This is when a man either can’t get an erection, or can’t maintain one. However, just because you have erectile dysfunction, that doesn’t automatically mean your libido is lacking. Many men with this problem have a normal sex drive.4
Chemical Imbalance
It’s possible that an imbalance of two important chemicals, dopamine and prolactin, could lead to a loss of libido. There is a theory that dopamine increases sex drive, and prolactin reduces it.5 Certain medications lead to a rise in prolactin and a decrease in dopamine.6
Obesity
Men who are overweight are typically more prone to erectile difficulty. According to one study, people who are obese have a 25 times higher risk of developing sexual issues than those who are not.7
Change Your Diet, Enhance Your Sex Life?
There is scientific evidence that certain foods may have a positive effect on sex drive. Here are just a few that you might want to consider making a part of your daily dietary regimen – as long as your doctor says it’s safe to do so.
Foods Containing Collagen
Collagen is the substance that helps to keep the skin firm. If you don’t have enough, it can make it harder to maintain an erection.8 Supplements could help your body produce more collagen. So can foods that are rich in vitamin C.9 Vitamin C, available in supplements, also helps improve blood flow, which is key to a strong erection.10
Avocados, Bananas, and Figs
These foods are said to have aphrodisiac qualities, containing minerals and vitamins that may help increase sex drive by increasing blood flow to the penis.11
Watermelon
Watermelon not only tastes great, it could also rev up your libido. The reason is that it contains nutrients that help relax the blood vessels. This, too can increase blood flow to the penis.12
Dark Chocolate
We’re not talking milk chocolate, like you’ll find in a candy bar, but dark chocolate. Consumption of this form of chocolate has been shown to stimulate the release of phenylethylamine. This chemical is believed to have qualities similar to aphrodisiacs.13
Sweet Potatoes
The humble sweet potato is loaded with potassium. Just 100 grams of raw sweet potatoes contains 337 milligrams.14 This vital mineral is known to help people suffering from high blood pressure – another contributing factor to erectile dysfunction.15
What NOT to Eat
There are a few foods that you should definitely stay away from if you’re experiencing a reduction in your sexual desire. Here are some to scratch off your list, if possible:
Sugar
Okay, it would be just about impossible for most of us to completely cut sugar from our diet. But you should try to cut down on it wherever you can. The reason is that consuming sugar, according to one study, could reduce the levels of testosterone in the blood by a whopping 25 percent. Testosterone levels can stay low hours after eating something high in sugar.16
Alcohol
Overconsumption of alcohol is never a good thing – and it can definitely ruin your sex drive.17 If you’re going to drink, stick to a glass red wine. It contains antioxidants that can help relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.18
Microwave Popcorn
Say it isn’t so! I can’t even have microwave popcorn the next time I watch a movie on my couch? Unfortunately, a study showed that this type of popcorn contains perfluoroalkyl acids. These are thought to substantially reduce sperm count.19
When to Talk to Your Doctor About Low Libido
You don’t have to sit in silence and simply accept the fact that you’ll always have a low libido. There is medical help available, and you should take advantage of it. The trick is knowing when to get that help.
If you’re constantly feeling stressed because your low sex drive is hurting your relationship, you should consider talking to a professional. It might even be damaging your quality of life – you might be worried about it constantly, or feel you’re no longer desirable. You might even be avoiding friends because you’re afraid the topic of sex will come up.20
If any of these apply to you, don’t be afraid to talk to a doctor. It could wind up being one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
One Last Note
There are many reasons for a low sex drive. Thankfully, there are many ways to address it. Try to consume more of the foods that may help increase your libido, and stay away from the ones that may decrease it. Above all, don’t hesitate to talk to a medical expert if you find that your low libido is affecting you – in or out of the bedroom.
Learn More
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Sources
1.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9122-sexual-dysfunction-in-males
2.https://news.uchicago.edu/article/2010/03/10/study-life-shorter-men-sexually-active-life-expectancy-longer
3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1476110
4.http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/sexual-health/a2251/lack-of-sex-drive-in-men-lack-of-libido
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695750
6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2376090
7.https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news-listing/obese-men-and-women-report-less-satisfying-sex-life?h=nl
8.http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/erectile-dysfunction
9.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18505499
10.https://www.diabeteshealth.com/vitamin-c-can-improve-circulation
11.https://science.howstuffworks.com/aphrodisiac3.htm
12.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630165707.htm
13.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307808771_Cocoa_and_chocolate_consumption_-_Are_there_aphrodisiac_and_other_benefits_for_human_health
14.https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3207
15.http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/LearnHowHBPHarmsYourHealth/How-High-Blood-Pressure-Can-Affect-Your-Sex-Life_UCM_301827_Article.jsp#.WlasiSMrJ3k
16.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22804876
17.https://www.everydayhealth.com/erectile-dysfunction/why-boozing-can-be-bad-for-your-sex-life.aspx
18.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212174615.htm
19.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2702407
20.https://www.healthline.com/health/treating-hsdd/talking-to-your-doctor
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