Low sex drive, often known as low libido, is a lack of interest in sexual desire. Many people lose interest in sex, primarily due to low sex hormone levels. It is common and can be either short- or long-lasting. Libido varies from person to person and can fluctuate over one's lifetime.

However, if a drop in libido is giving you concern, you should consult a healthcare specialist to determine the cause and address it rather than ignoring it.

Low libido causes by a number of conditions, including:

Psychological Factors:

• Stress, anxiety or depression
• Past trauma or negative sexual experiences
• Relationship problems

Physical Factors:

• Sexual problems like erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness
• Your hormone levels fluctuate when you're pregnant
• Lower hormone levels during the menopause
• Taking certain medicines for high blood pressure or antidepressants
• Using hormonal contraception such as pill, implant or patch
• Health conditions can also affect, such as heart disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid or cancer

Lifestyle Factors:

• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Poor diet
• Lack of sleep.

Symptoms of low sex drive include: 

• No desire to engage in any form of sexual behavior or masturbate.
• Lack of interest in romantic or sexual cues from a partner.
• Most sexual experiences involve few or no bodily sensations.
• No sexual desires or fantasies.
• Not wanting to initiate sexual contact with a partner.
• Less or no pleasure from sexual activity.

There are many simple natural and medical ways to boost your libido:

Natural ways include:

• Exercise on a regular basis to improve blood flow and boost endorphins
• Reduce or stop drinking alcohol
• Balanced diet for good health and boosting libido
• Adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night)
• Stop smoking
• Manage to control stress and anxiety
• Open communication with your partner about desires and concerns
• Creating a romantic atmosphere
• Exploring new ways, new positions or changing locations to get intimate
• Scheduling quality time together
• To bring the next sex drive into your bedroom, try using lubrication or a sensational condom, like one from Durex.

Medical ways include:

• Consult a healthcare expert or therapist who specializes in sexual issues to address what is making you uncomfortable in sex. It could be a past traumatic event, relationship counseling, or a medical evaluation.
• Therapy can help overcome emotional and psychological distress.
• Get treated for health-related issues like heart disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid or cancer.

Remember that all medication for low sex drive should be administered under the guidance of a healthcare expert to ensure the best and safest treatment possible.

Can stress cause low sex drive?

When you experience stress, your body goes through a sequence of changes. Create a busy, agitated mind, which will distract you from wanting or being present during sex. It can also affect your mood, causing anxiety and depression, both of which can reduce libido.

How to increase sex drive?

Natural or medical remedies are the most effective approaches for both men and women to increase their libido. Natural methods include managing stress, improving relationship quality, focusing on foreplay, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, trying therapies, and other factors that may raise a person's desire for sex.

If you have any form of medical issue, you should have it treated, as well as the type of medication you are taking. Sometimes the medication affects your mood for sex. So, get rid of any health conditions that are interfering with your sexual drive.

In conclusion, poor sex drive is common in South Africa. However, it is possible to improve and enjoy sex as before with a high sex drive. To do so, you must first identify the causes and find the proper treatment before it is too late.

Consult a healthcare expert as soon as possible to receive proper treatment. Don't forget to use lubricant to make your sexual encounters more comfortable and communicate your wants to your partner.