Sexual libido is a multi-faceted phenomenon that is influenced by various factors, such as
hormones, age, stress, medication, and gender. Low sexual libido does not usually mean that two people have fallen out of love with one another and are not attracted to one another. On the contrary, low sex drive is not a simple matter. THESIS: As much as people who like to suggest that what is killing one’s sex drive is genetically involved, it is high time that they rethink about the issue and realize that it is not about genetic issue only but some practices in their lives that contribute largely to this issue.

These practices are caused by various factors that lead to a low libido in the victims. In this paper, we are going to look at those factors that contribute to a low libido and subsequently lead to unhealthy sex life. They include, hormonal fluctuations, age, emotional or psychological duress, and certain lifestyle choices, such as excessive amounts of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs may affect one’s sex drive.

One factor that has been shown to influence libido is the existence of a chronic illness. Some of these illnesses have been caused by cigarette smoking. In women, cigarette smoking has been linked to breast cancer. A woman who endures chemotherapy or radiation experiences decreased levels of progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Reduced levels of these hormones can decrease one’s sexual libido (Loss of libido, 2018). Treatment for cancer can also cause nausea, bone pain, fatigue, and other issues that make sex a low priority. The focus is on healing, not sex. Not only is the sick person tired and exhausted, the caregiving spouse or partner can get worn down as well and lose an interest in sex, due to mental and physical stress. The caregiver often has double responsibility.

When people work longer hours, they often get less sleep and are more stressed. That means less time for sex. In a study that examined men and work problems, men who have experienced low sexual desire in the past year worked longer hours and had more job problems. The priority of work often comes before sex, especially as couples raise children and tend to everyday routine parts of life, such as grocery shopping and house work (Gledhill, 2018).

Age and hormonal changes are other factors that affect sexual libido, especially females. As women age and enter menopause, less estrogen is produced, as well as less testosterone. This leads to less sexual desire and more vaginal dryness. This can reduce sexual libido. Women often experience hot flashes. A woman’s sexual peak is about 35 years old, while a male’s sexual peak is 18 years old. Hence, sexual desire in both genders naturally decreases as people grow older.

Certain medications can affect people’s libido. This includes anti-depressants, which can interfere with a man’s ability to get or maintain an erection and/or achieve orgasm. The same results can happen in women, in terms or orgasms issues, due to medication. Other medications can hamper the sexual libido, such as cholesterol and blood pressure medicine. Men and women who self-medicate with alcohols and drugs can also experience problems with sexual desire.

In conclusion, for women, their sexual libido is often affected by menopause. The drop in levels of estrogen and testosterone can create desire problems, as well as issues of vaginal dryness. Some medications, such as anti-depressants, alcohol, and cholesterol pills can also lower libido in both genders. Chronic illnesses that require harsh treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can zap a person’s sexual libido and deplete a person physically and emotionally. Other issues, such as working too much can affect sexual libido. Working too many hours can interfere with sleep and cause anxiety. Therefore, the thesis has been proven.