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| health > men > story page |         |
When sex drive goes downhillJanuary 19, 2000
By Glenn Michael Gordon (WebMD) -- The second most common sexual dysfunction in men after premature ejaculation is low libido, according to a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. And a loss of "mojo," as film character Austin Powers would put it, is also very difficult for men to discuss, despite the help available from health professionals. What defines a low libido for an individual is subjective and depends upon many variables, states Richard Kogan, M.D., a psychiatrist in private practice who specializes in the treatment of sexual dysfunction in New York City. Physical and mental health are key factors, and although many men are happy exceptions to the trend, sex drive generally decreases with age.
"Impotence and loss of libido are two very separate things," says Richard Milsten, M.D., a New Jersey-based urologist and coauthor of "The Sexual Male" (W.W. Norton and Company). "However, men who experience impotence commonly experience a decrease in libido over time," he adds. When libido drops and impotence is not a problem, there are numerous factors a doctor might suspect as the cause.
Any medical problem or chronic physical condition can cause a reduction in one's sex drive. If a man is diagnosed with cancer, sex may be the furthest thing from his mind for a time. But even minor illnesses can diminish a man's sexual interest. Conversely, when men improve their health -- through exercise, a low-fat diet or, if necessary, medical treatment -- their libido is likely to increase. While any illness can decrease sex drive, some conditions, such as thyroid disease, tumors of the pituitary gland (which controls most hormone production, including sex hormones) and depression, are directly linked to low libido, according to Milsten. Similarly, insufficient amounts of the male sex hormone testosterone may cause low libido, though such a condition is unlikely to affect erectile function. Kogan advises men who feel their physical condition has decreased their sex drive to consult a physician, keeping in mind that loss of libido is sometimes the only recognizable symptom of a medical problem.
Drugs can also decrease libido. Many, though not all, prescription antidepressants can diminish sex drive. Other medications with this side effect include tranquilizers and antihypertensive medications. Illicit substances, such as heroin, cocaine and marijuana, when used heavily and chronically, may lower libido, according to Milsten. He suggests that if a prescription medicine has hampered a man's sex drive to a distressful degree, he should ask his doctor about the possibility of swapping the medication with a similar one that doesn't cause sexual side effects. Imagine this scenario: You and your dream lover are naked in bed together. Then, all of a sudden, a stranger barges into the room with a gun. You've just lost all interest in sex, and now the only plan you have for your privates is keeping them out of harm's way. In short, you've reprioritized your activities as a survival instinct. This is an extreme example, but any kind of stress -- whether related to work, relationships or any other area of life -- that preoccupies someone is going to diminish that person's sex drive. In order to have a healthy libido, one has to be engaged in the moment -- not angry or hurt. For example, says Milsten, "If you're having shouting matches with your partner," your libido is nearly certain to take a nosedive. Fortunately, if you work on your differences and good feelings are restored, sex drive is likely to return to baseline levels. Some problems, however, such as depression or anxiety, intense job stress, family worries, serious marital conflicts, experiences of past abuse or conflicts about sexual orientation may require professional assistance. It is essential to seek such help if negative feelings interfere with the rest of life, if they are overwhelming, or if you are no longer able to experience pleasure. RELATEDS AT  :
Keep Testosterone in Balance RELATED SITES: American Medical Association: Men's Health LATEST HEALTH STORIES: China SARS numbers pass 5,000
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