Causes of Decreased Male Libido

According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the libido is the component of sexual arousal that a male is aware of, also referred to as sex drive. Low libido is present when a man loses interest in sexual activity and experiences fewer sexual thoughts than he would with a normal libido. There are a number of factors that can lead to the development of low libido in males.

Hormone Fluctuations

• As a man ages, the amount of the hormone testosterone in his system decreases. Testosterone affects a man's sex drive, and the decrease of this particular hormone can cause a man to experience a low libido.

Physical Health

• Physical health can have a major effect on the male libido, and medical problems that lead a man to feel chronic pain can reduce a man's sex drive. Other conditions that can reduce libido include diabetes, anemia, neurological problems and cardiovascular disease. Chronic fatigue can also lead to a decreased libido.

Mental and Emotional Heath

• Mental and emotional health problems can negatively affect a man's libido. A man suffering from depression or who is experiencing a great deal of stress will most likely have a reduced sex drive. A man who is suppressing anger or hostility toward his partner, or toward women in general, also might develop a low libido. In some cases, a prior sexual trauma can trigger a reduced sex drive.

Medication Side Effects

• Certain medications can lead to a decreased libido. Antidepressants used to treat a condition that causes a reduced sex drive might reduce libido themselves. Antipsychotic medications can lower sex drive as well. In addition, blood pressure medications, medications used to treat diabetes and excessive alcohol consumption can reduce libido.