Low libido — reduced or absent sexual desire — is one of the most common sexual concerns for both men and women, affecting around 1 in 5 men and up to 1 in 3 women at some point. It has multiple causes including hormonal factors, medication effects, relationship issues, mental health, stress and life stage changes. Identifying the specific contributors directs the most effective management.
See therapies that may helpSexual desire is influenced by a complex interplay of hormonal, neurological, psychological and relational factors. Low libido may be lifelong (primary) or acquired (developing after a period of normal desire), global (affecting all sexual contexts) or situation-specific (absent with a partner but present in other contexts), and may or may not be associated with distress.
Common causes include: hormonal changes (menopause, low testosterone, thyroid disorders, hormonal contraception); medication side effects (particularly SSRIs, antihypertensives, antipsychotics); depression and anxiety; chronic illness and fatigue; relationship dissatisfaction or conflict; stress and exhaustion; body image concerns; past trauma; and simply a mismatch in desire levels between partners.
Low libido presentations include:
Management of low libido depends on the underlying cause:
A GP is the appropriate first contact for low libido — to assess for hormonal, medication and health contributors. A psychosexual therapist (COSRT-accredited) is most appropriate for the psychological dimensions. For menopause-related libido concerns, a menopause specialist or GP with menopause training can advise on hormone therapy options.
Showing 12 therapies linked to Low libido.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
Helps identify and reframe anxious or self-critical thoughts about sex and performance that can dampen desire and arousal. |
| Counsellor |
strong
|
Offers space to explore stress, body image or life changes affecting libido, and to talk openly about intimacy concerns. |
| ISTDP Practitioner |
strong
|
Works to surface buried emotions and inner conflicts about intimacy that may be quietly suppressing sexual desire. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
strong
|
Teaches present-moment awareness that reduces performance anxiety and helps you reconnect with bodily sensation and arousal. |
| Psychotherapist |
strong
|
Explores deeper emotional patterns, past experiences and relationship dynamics that can shape and lower sexual desire. |
| Relationship Therapist |
strong
|
Addresses relationship tensions, communication gaps and resentment between partners that often underlie a drop in sexual desire. |
| Sex Therapist |
strong
|
Targets the sexual difficulty directly, using structured exercises and education to rebuild desire, arousal and intimacy. |
| EMDR Practitioner |
moderate
|
May help where past trauma is dampening desire by reprocessing distressing memories; evidence here is limited and it supports, not replaces, proper care. |
| EFT Practitioner |
moderate
|
A tapping-based approach some try to ease anxiety around intimacy; evidence for low libido is limited and it is not a substitute for professional care. |
| Herbal Medicine Practitioner |
moderate
|
Some herbal remedies are taken hoping to support desire, but evidence is limited and quality varies, so discuss safety with a clinician first. |
| Hypnotherapist |
moderate
|
Used to ease performance anxiety and shift unhelpful associations around sex; evidence is limited and it complements professional care. |
| NLP Practitioner |
moderate
|
Some use NLP techniques aiming to reframe beliefs about sex and confidence; evidence is limited and it should support, not replace, professional care. |
Fluctuations in sexual desire are entirely normal throughout life — desire is affected by stress, fatigue, health, life stage, relationship satisfaction and many other factors. Low libido becomes a concern when it causes significant personal distress or relationship difficulty. If low libido is distressing you or your relationship, it warrants attention regardless of what others might consider 'normal'.
Yes — SSRIs (the most commonly prescribed antidepressants) frequently reduce sexual desire, arousal and orgasm as side effects, affecting around 40–65% of people who take them. If this is a concern, discuss with your prescribing doctor — medication switches, dose adjustments or addition of other agents may help, and should be weighed against the benefits of the antidepressant.
Yes — falling oestrogen and testosterone levels during perimenopause and menopause commonly reduce sexual desire and arousal, and vaginal dryness makes sex less comfortable. HRT, vaginal oestrogen and testosterone supplementation (off-label for women) all have evidence for improving libido. A menopause specialist or GP with menopause training can advise.
Desire discrepancy is when partners have significantly different levels of sexual desire. It is extremely common and not inherently problematic, but can become a source of significant relationship tension when poorly managed. Psychosexual therapy for couples helps develop communication strategies, expand the definition of intimacy and find approaches that work for both partners.
Yes — relationship satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of sexual desire, particularly in women. Unresolved conflict, reduced emotional intimacy, communication difficulties and trust issues all commonly reduce sexual desire. Couples therapy addressing the relationship quality often produces significant improvement in desire independently of other factors.