partner might leave you because of it? You may be experiencing sexual dysfunction.

Low libido, or hypoactive sexual drive disorder, is a deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual

activity. This is considered a disorder if it causes problems for the patient or problems in the patient's relationships. In

a recent study in the United States, about 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men have admitted having sexual difficulty

in one way or another. Lack of libido occurs more in women than in men. Men who have erectile dysfunction do not

necessarily have low libido.

How often does low sexual drive occur?
The American Medical Association has estimated that several million US women suffer from what doctors there call'female

sexual arousal disorder' (FSAD). In the UK, family planning clinics and related clinics see quite large numbers of women who

complain of low libido. Our estimate is that several hundred thousand women in Britain are troubled by lack of sex drive.

Low libido in men is far less common than erectile dysfunction. One study showed that for every fifteen men who reported

having erectile dysfunction, only one of them had low sexual desire. Most men with lack of libido can still achieve

erections, but have lost only the desire to have sex.

What causes low libido?

.For both men and women, causes are divided into physical and psychological concerns.
Physical causes include:

.Anemia. This more commonly affects women because of iron loss during periods.

.Alcoholism.

.Drug abuse.

.Major diseases such as diabetes.

.Obesity

.Hyperprolactinaemia. This is a rare disorder where the pituitary gland produces too much of the hormone prolactin.

.Post-partum. This is the loss of libido that often starts after childbirth. It is almost certainly linked to hormonal

changes that occur at this time. The general stress and trauma of childbirth also plays a part.

.Prescribed drugs, particularly tranquillisers.

.Other hormone abnormalities.

.Low testosterone level - contrary to what many people think, this is rare.

Psychological causes include:

.Depression
.stress and overwork
.anxiety
.hang-ups from childhood
.past sexual abuse or rape
.latent homosexuality
.serious relationship problems with the partner
.difficult living conditions

Here are some tips to recover your lost urge.

.Leave work stress at the office. Don't bring it with you at home. Time at home should be spent resting and relaxing.

.Avoid engaging in vices like smoking, drinking, and using drugs. Not only will it benefit your sex life, it'll improve your

overall health.

.Relax yourself before engaging in sexual activities.

.Family counseling helps for couples undergoing serious relationship problems.

.Consult your doctor if natural interventions fail. They will be more qualified to give you prescriptions or safe

suggestions on what to do in this case.

Now that we understand the underlying causes the affects both men & women's sexual health and have pointed out ways to

replenish your lost sexual drive. Try them and see what works for you.