Low Libido: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Introduction: Understanding Low Libido

Libido, in simple terms, is a person’s sexual desire or interest in sexual activity. When this interest diminishes or almost disappears for an extended period, and this reduction leads to distress, dissatisfaction, or relationship issues, it is often called "low libido”. Clinically, it is known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), or in women, Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD). HSDD can impact both men and women.

Low libido is far more common than many people realise, and it is not a sign of “abnormality”, moral failing, or weakness. In fact, studies find that sexual problems, including low desire and lack of arousal, are widespread. These findings highlight that low libido is a common and treatable concern. Proper medical and psychological care can improve quality of life, relationships, and self-esteem.

Let us understand low libido meaning, why it happens, and the treatments available.

Normal Libido vs Low Libido

Libido is neither a static nor an absolute measurement. It varies greatly between individuals, age brackets, periods of life, and personal situations. What is “normal” for one may be low for another.

Many people also consider fluctuations in libido as “normal”, especially during busy phases of life, stress, ageing, or after childbirth.

Because of this variability, low libido becomes a concern only when:

• The drop in sexual desire is persistent (not just a temporary lull).
• The drop is new or significant compared to earlier levels.
• The drop leads to distress, dissatisfaction, or relationship problems.

Too often, low libido meaning is conflated with performance issues (like erectile dysfunction, lubrication problems, or inability to orgasm). But libido is about “wanting” sex, that is, the desire or drive to engage in sexual activity, rather than just “doing” sex. Thus, someone may have no trouble with arousal, erection, or lubrication, but still suffer deeply from a lack of desire.

Recognising this distinction is important because the causes and solutions for low libido (desire) are often quite different from those for performance problems.

What are the Key Symptoms of Low Libido?

Low libido manifests in many varied ways. Some signs to watch out for include:

• A lack or absence of sexual thoughts, fantasies, or desire for sexual activity that is persistent.
• Lack of interest in initiating sex, even when a partner may be interested.
• Emotionally or physically reduced response to sexual stimuli or advances of the partner.
• Loss of interest even in planned sexual activity and being unable to enjoy sex.
• A feeling of distress, guilt, shame or frustration because of reduced desire.
• Avoiding situations that may lead to sex; withdrawal from intimacy.
• Relationship strain: a feeling of misunderstanding, anger, or emotional distance due to a desired mismatch.

This reduced desire persists over time, extending from weeks to months and causing distress.

When to See a Doctor?

If low libido persists for a number of months and impacts your self-confidence, mental health, or relationship, then it would be wise to seek professional help. Depending on your symptoms and other related problems, you may consider visiting a:

• Urologist/Andrologist (for men)
• Gynaecologist (for women)
• Sexologist/Sexual-medicine specialist
• Psychiatrist/Psychologist (if stress, depression, anxiety or relational issues are involved)

In India, cultural, social and educational factors contribute to significant under-reporting of low libido. Shame, myths, reluctance to discuss sexual issues and lack of awareness often prevent people from seeking help. Recognising low libido as a medical and treatable condition is a crucial first step.

Diagnosis of Low Libido

Diagnosis is performed based on:

• For a clinical diagnosis, reduced desire should persist for about six months or more and cause significant personal or relational distress.
• The severity and persistence of low desire.
• Presence of distress or impairment: personal or relational.
• Exclusion of other causes - e.g. underlying physical illness, medications, psychiatric conditions, or performance-related problems (erection, lubrication, pain)

Low libido is a medical disorder and can be treated; the first step is recognising it as such.

Are There Any Treatment options?

So, how to increase libido? The treatment depends on the underlying cause, and a holistic, biopsychosocial approach often works best. Common strategies include:

• Lifestyle Interventions.
• Stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation.
• Physical activity, like regular exercise, weight management, and a healthy diet.
• Sleep hygiene includes sufficient sleep and avoidance of sleep deprivation.
• Decreasing unhealthy behaviours – smoking cessation and alcohol consumption.
• Open communication with partner, creating safety, understanding needs, scheduling intimate time to rebuild emotional connection.

These changes often help improve libido, energy levels, and general health.

Psychological/Relationship Work

• Individual counselling: Addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, body image, or past trauma.
• Couples' therapy/sex therapy: Aimed at promoting better intimacy, communication, mutual understanding, expectations, and sexual confidence.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy: This may help in challenging negative beliefs about sexual matters, guilt, shame, or performance anxiety.
• Addressing the cultural taboos: Sexuality education, normalising sexual health in the context of general well-being.

Medical and Clinical Treatment

• Men: If an underlying hormonal deficiency is found, such as low testosterone or TDS, treatment will be based on hormone replacement under medical guidance; management of co-morbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome; adjustment or review of medications which may reduce libido; and addressing erectile dysfunction or other sexual performance issues.
• Women: If low desire is due to hormonal changes (e.g. menopause, postpartum, thyroid, PCOS), appropriate hormonal therapy may be suggested by your doctor. In some cases, local treatments (e.g. vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, estrogens where indicated) may help. In other cases, systemic hormonal therapy may be considered under specialist supervision. Long-term safety and regulatory approval may be limited. Guidelines recommend a careful biopsychosocial evaluation before hormonal therapy in women with HSDD.

Practical Tips for Low Libido

The good news is that low libido is treatable once the underlying cause is identified. In India, many avoid discussing sexual concerns due to shame, cultural stigma, or lack of awareness. Seeking help early can significantly improve mental health, relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

Here are some tips:

• Openly engage your partner in a non-judgmental conversation about needs, fears, and desires to help ease guilt/shame and re-establish intimacy.
• Review medications with your doctor because some can lower libido; alternatives or dose adjustments may be possible.
• Prioritise healthy lifestyle factors: Regular exercise, good sleep, stress management, a nutritious diet, and quitting smoking/alcohol.
• Address mental health issues: If you are feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, or experiencing relationship problems, seek counselling or psychotherapy.
• Consult a qualified doctor/sexologist if low libido persists for months, affects your emotional well-being or relationship instead of relying on unverified “sex–boosters” or online supplements (many of which are misleading and may even be harmful).

Remember, sexual health is an important part of overall well-being. Low libido is not a moral failing; it’s often a sign that something in your body, mind, or life may need attention.

Final Takeaway

Low libido or low sexual desire is common in India and affects many men and women across all ages. Yet, because of social taboos, shame, or lack of awareness, it often goes unspoken and untreated. Understanding the meaning of libido, recognising when a drop in desire becomes a problem, and seeking help can make a major difference.

Open conversations, learning, and consulting a professional can improve sexual health, intimacy, confidence, and overall well-being. If you or someone you care about is experiencing low sexual desire, remember that support and help are available.