SelfhelpMagazine

by Dr. Al Cooper and Dr. Coralie Scherer

Good for you for getting a good physical exam -- that's the best place to start tracking down possible sources of low sexual desire.

Sexual Desire: What Can Alter It?

• As discussed in Q & A "Normal Level of Testosterone" and Q & A "More Manliness from Testosterone?", testosterone is the hormone responsible for the physiological contribution to sexual desire. Its lack results in a condition called "hypogonadism." This can only be detected by a series of blood tests (as discussed earlier). It is unlikely that vitamins will decrease the level of testosterone, although some of dietary supplements, such as MDMA can. In fact, many types of hormonal fluctuation can influence sexual desire.

• High amounts of alcohol in the system can lead to an increase in estrogen and decreases in testosterone which can affect sexual desire. Excess alcohol can influence sleep cycles, blood pressure and lead to increased fatigue.
• Emotional and social contributors such as too much financial stress, the death of a loved one, or a job loss can tip that desire in the negative direction, especially if one feels disaffected from or has lost one's partner. Depression can often result, which often manifests as low sexual desire.
• Insomnia can also exhaust a person. When people feel tired all day, they often cannot muster the energy for sexual desire.

Check with your physician, psychotherapist or pharmacist. See if those particular vitamins are appropriate and safe for you, especially if you take other vitamins, prescriptions, recreational drugs of any kind or even alcohol on a regular basis. Consider some of these other factors for answers to account for your declining sexual desire.

About the Author:

Dr. Al Cooper, clinical director at the San Jose Marital and Sexuality Centre, ran the training program for Counseling and Psychological Services at Stanford University. Dr. Cooper is internationally known for his work in sexuality.

Dr. Coralie Scherer coordinates online services for the Centre and specializes in sexual trauma, women's issues, and marital therapy.