Concerns about low libido or changes in sexual desire are very common and can affect people of all genders and ages. Desire is influenced by an enormously complex interplay of hormonal, psychological, relational and lifestyle factors. Therapy — whether individual, couples, or sex therapy specifically — can make a significant difference when libido concerns are causing distress.
See therapies that may helpSexual desire is not fixed — it varies naturally across the lifespan, with life circumstances, relationship dynamics, hormonal changes, stress and physical health. A reduction in libido is only a concern when it causes personal distress or relationship difficulty — there is no "correct" level of sexual desire.
Low sexual desire (hypoactive sexual desire disorder, HSDD) is the most commonly reported sexual difficulty in women, and is also significant in men. It can be lifelong or acquired, generalised or situational (occurring only in certain contexts or with certain partners), and has multiple potential contributing factors.
Common contributors to low libido include: stress and burnout, relationship difficulties, depression and anxiety, hormonal changes (menopause, postnatal, testosterone deficiency), medication side effects (particularly SSRIs and the contraceptive pill), body image concerns, trauma, and loss of emotional intimacy in a relationship.
Libido concerns may present as:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and context:
If libido changes are causing distress, starting with your GP is helpful to rule out hormonal or medication-related causes. A sex therapist or psychosexual therapist (accredited by COSRT or BASRT) can provide specialist psychological support. For concerns embedded in relationship dynamics, a couples therapist is the appropriate starting point.
Showing 11 therapies linked to Libido concerns (supportive).
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
CBT helps identify and reframe the anxious or negative thoughts about sex and performance that can suppress desire and arousal. |
| Counsellor |
strong
|
Counselling offers a safe space to talk through stress, body image and life changes that may be affecting your interest in sex. |
| Psychotherapist |
strong
|
Psychotherapy explores deeper emotional patterns, past experiences and self-esteem issues that can quietly diminish sexual desire. |
| Relationship Therapist |
strong
|
Relationship therapy looks at intimacy, conflict and connection between partners, often a key influence on shifts in libido. |
| Sex Therapist |
strong
|
Sex therapy directly addresses low desire by exploring arousal, communication and the physical and emotional factors dampening libido. |
| EMDR Practitioner |
moderate
|
Where past trauma is dampening desire, EMDR may help process those memories; evidence here is limited and it should complement specialist support. |
| EFT Practitioner |
moderate
|
EFT tapping is sometimes used to ease anxiety around intimacy; evidence is limited, so treat it as supportive rather than a standalone fix. |
| Hypnotherapist |
moderate
|
Hypnotherapy may help ease performance anxiety and self-consciousness around sex; evidence is limited, so use it alongside appropriate professional care. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Mindfulness can help you stay present and reduce distracting worry during intimacy, supporting arousal alongside other recommended care. |
| NLP Practitioner |
moderate
|
NLP techniques aim to shift unhelpful beliefs about sex and confidence; evidence is limited, so use it as a complement to proper support. |
| Regression Therapist |
moderate
|
Regression therapy revisits earlier experiences thought to affect desire; evidence is limited and it should not replace appropriate professional care. |
Low libido can have medical causes — including hormonal changes (low testosterone or oestrogen), thyroid dysfunction, chronic illness, and medication side effects — and these should be assessed. It also frequently has psychological, relational and lifestyle contributors. A GP can assess for medical causes; a sex therapist or psychosexual therapist addresses the psychological and relational dimensions.
Yes — reduced libido and sexual dysfunction are among the most common side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs. If you are experiencing significant sexual side effects, discuss with your GP — dose adjustment, switching to a different antidepressant, or adding a low dose of another medication may help. Do not stop antidepressants without medical guidance.
Yes — sexual desire naturally fluctuates with stress, relationship stage, health, life events, hormonal changes and ageing. A reduction in libido is not inherently a problem. It only warrants attention when it causes personal distress or significant relationship difficulty.
Sensate focus is a behavioural technique used in sex therapy involving gradual, non-goal-oriented touch exercises that rebuild physical connection and reduce performance pressure. It is one of the most evidence-based interventions for sexual difficulties including low libido and sexual anxiety, and is typically prescribed as homework between therapy sessions.
Yes — menopause commonly reduces libido through falling oestrogen and testosterone levels, vaginal dryness, and the broader hormonal and psychological changes of this transition. Effective options include HRT (particularly with testosterone), local oestrogen for vaginal dryness, sex therapy, and lubricants. A menopause specialist or GP can advise on hormonal options.