If so, you are not alone. In fact, this is a very common problem affecting many couples. We typically hear about female partners losing interest. Although that is more common, many men lose interest in sex as well. Because it is less talked about, sometimes women feel a lot of shame around this. Rest assured, it is not uncommon.
Why do men lose interest in sex?
There are a number of possible reasons why your husband has lost interest in sex. It could be due to stress, fatigue, or even depression. In addition, physical issues may cause a lower libido. Whatever the reason, it is important to talk to your partner about it. Trying to force them into having sex will only make the situation worse.
What can you do to increase their interest in sex?
There are a few things you can do to try and get your partner interested in sex again. First, try and figure out what the underlying problem is. If they are stressed, see if there is anything you can do to help them relax. If they are tired, see if there is a way to adjust their schedule so they can get more rest. Once you have figured out the root of the problem, you can start to work on fixing it. The most important thing is to offer compassion and acceptance. Approach it as a team.
Common Reasons for lower libido.
Low testosterone levels.
Testosterone is the hormone responsible for sexual desire in both men and women. However, testosterone levels naturally decline with age, which can lead to a decrease in sexual desire. If your husband has lost interest in sex, he may need testosterone therapy to help boost his levels back up. However, testosterone therapy is not without risks, so be sure to talk to his doctor about whether it’s right for him.
Underlying Health Conditions.
In some cases, low libido may be due to a health condition such as diabetes or heart disease. If you think this may be the case for your partner, encouraging him to see his doctor is the best course of action.
Medications.
Some medications may cause your husband to lose interest in sex. Low libido is a side effect for certian medicaitons. Common culprits include blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and even some over-the-counter cold medicines. If you think his medication may be to blame, talk to his doctor about alternative options that don’t have sexual side effects.
Stress.
Stress can take a toll on our bodies in many ways, including sexual desire. If your husband is under a lot of stress at work or home, it may be affecting his libido. Help him find ways to reduce stress in his life, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or talking about whatever is bothering him.
Some solutions
In some cases, medication may be necessary. If your partner is suffering from depression, they may need to see a doctor and be prescribed medication. This is nothing to be ashamed of and can be very effective in treating the problem. Not all antidepressants cause low libido in all people.
There is also therapy. If you and your partner are having trouble communicating about sex, or if there are other issues in your relationship that may be contributing to the problem, therapy can be very helpful. A therapist can help you and your partner resolve any underlying issues and learn how to communicate better about sex. Emily Nagoski’s book Come As You Are is also an excellent resource. Nagoski explains what “normal” is. Guess what–a huge range!
If your partner has lost interest in sex, it can be a very difficult thing to deal with. But it is important to remember that you are not alone and there are things you can do to help improve the situation. Talk to your partner about what might be causing the problem and try to figure out a solution together. In some cases, medication or therapy may be necessary. But with patience and understanding, you and your partner can get through this rough patch.
Our Therapists at Nurtured Well, LLC can help you cope during this bump in your relationship. Call or email now to get the help you deserve.