Physical and emotional exhaustion, personal problems, stress, insecurities or couple arguments are some factors that can reduce sexual desire.
Last update: April 23, 2022
Sexual desire, or libido, can be influenced by many factors, which we do not know or which we do not give due importance. Factors that limit sexual desire can be organic, psychological, emotional, or social.
The decrease or lack of sexual desire is a problem or even a dysfunction when it is experienced as a lack and with a discomfort that generates anguish.
But let's start by asking ourselves what sexual desire is. Although it is a difficult concept to define, in sexology we mean the energy or tendency of the will to attain and experience pleasure. It is the product of a complex interaction between cognitive and physiological processes, neurophysiological and biochemical mechanisms.
Sexual desire is strongly linked to the experience of pleasure, so much so that an experience that generates discomfort or aversion will generate sorrow. Consequently, faced with the possibility of feeling sorry, even in other circumstances and contexts, there will be an inhibition of sexual desire.
Pleasure leaves an emotional mark that gives rise to desire, and only by remembering it is it possible to activate it. This is what happens with sexual fantasies and erotic objects that act as triggers for sexual desire.
Do I have enough sex drive?
Many people tend to compare their sexual desire with that of other people and their partner. This is a mistake, since sexual desire is personal, so everyone experiences it differently as a result of various reasons and factors.
Sexual desire causes problems when the person experiences it with discomfort, regardless of whether it is greater or less than that of the partner.
It should be borne in mind that sexual desire is a secondary need (related to the quality of life), it is not vital for survival. It may happen that some basic needs are not met, such as rest, which is why sexual desire takes a back seat.
Sexual desire feeds on our excess energy, so it is reduced (hypoactive sexual desire) if this is absent or is aimed at other activities that we have prioritized.
Our current rhythms of life are a natural enemy of the libido as they often cause stress and accumulated fatigue.
Factors that limit sexual desire
Fatigue is the enemy of libido
Fatigue, both physical and mental, is a major factor in our lives; it affects decisions, behaviors, motivations, feelings and, of course, our ability to feel pleasure.
According to a study of over 5000 men, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, fatigue and stress are among the main factors limiting sexual desire.
Giving the fatigue factor the importance it deserves in our sexual relationships helps us to be more understanding and not feed misconceptions that lead to misunderstandings.
Factors Limiting Desire: Relationship Problems
We cannot ignore the fact that sexual intercourse is a fundamental aspect in the relationship of the couple. Sexual dissatisfaction can deteriorate the relationship.
In turn, relationship problems, such as anger, conflict, lack of communication, insecurity, etc., are direct causes of decreased libido and unsatisfactory intimacy.
Couples who feel intense sexual desire after a furious quarrel have eroticized the conflict, that is, they have associated pleasure and discussion.
With this exception, generally anger and discomfort with the partner inhibit sexual desire (inhibited sexual desire).
Other factors that limit sexual desire
Biological causes
Among the biological factors related to decreased libido are drugs: antidepressants, birth control pills and all drugs that lower dopamine levels; as well as those that increase serotonin levels.
Psychological causes
Following bad experiences, intimacy can be associated with danger. The inhibition of desire follows. The latter is also affected by depression, anxiety and problems.
Emotional causes
Emotions such as fear, anger, shame also have an inhibiting effect on sexual desire. Among the social factors, it is worth highlighting the affective models of reference, the repressive education, the lack of sexual information, the experiences of the first sexual experiences and the expectations that are formed.
Conclusions
Factors that limit sexual desire are associated with more complex specific problems. Lack of desire is a problem and causes sexual dysfunction for those who experience it with discomfort, distress and as a deterioration of one's quality of life.
For these people, it is advisable to consult a sexologist, a doctor or a psychologist, depending on the predominant factors.