How To Decrease Libido? [6 Ways To Lower Sex Drive]

Every person's libido is unique and varies. It's the mental and passionate urge for sex. What you consider to be a normal level of desire for sexual activity may be higher or lower than what someone else experiences.

Several factors can influence your libido, including age, hormone levels, stress levels, and sexual relationship with your partner.

However, having a high libido is generally not a concern unless it begins to impact your life or relationships negatively.

This article shares the underlying causes of high libido and tips to maintain healthy libido levels. It further explains the symptoms of low libido and its treatment.

Understanding Libido

Libido means sex drive or desire for sex. It is a complex phenomenon affected by biological, psychological, and social factors. A high sex drive could be safe but may pose a severe concern if sexual thoughts are beginning to alter your mind and self-control.

According to a study by D Canale and S Pistoia, the gonadal hormones may play a vital role in regulating libido levels in everyone. Their functioning may decline with age, making your sexuality more mind-focused.

However, some sexuality is related to hormones, which can be affected by external stimuli and increasing libido levels or an increased sexual desire.

Why Do I Have Too Much Of Sex Drive?

Various factors may cause an increased sex drive or a heightened libido. You may experience an increased desire for sex due to some of the following reasons:

• Exercise: A study by Lia M. Jiannine shows a positive relationship between sexual and physical health. Physically active people may tend to have more sexual urges and increased sexual arousal.
• Consuming Drugs: Cocaine and other stimulant drugs may enhance your libido by stimulating sexual function.
• Testosterone: Men with an increased testosterone level may experience high libido levels. It may work to fuel sexual drive and performance.
• Alteration In Neurotransmitters: High neurotransmitters, dopamine, and serotonin levels in the brain could trigger sexual stimulation. It may increase your sexual desire and behavior.

What Are The Ways To Decrease Libido?

1. Psychotherapy

   Speaking with a therapist may provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore the reasons behind your high libido and learn techniques to manage it effectively.

   A therapist can provide you with techniques to manage your high libido. It may include strategies to redirect your focus, relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, or exploring alternative platforms for sexual energy.

2. Quit Illicit Drug Use

   Illicit drug use might impact your sex drive. Drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines may increase sex drive, but reducing their use can help restore a healthier balance. Illicit drug use could disrupt the hormonal balance in your body, affecting your sexual desire and functioning.

   Quitting drugs can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. It is essential to seek support from professionals such as Narcotics Anonymous, who provide guidance, therapy, and resources to help you through the process.

3. Diet

   Certain foods or medications could reduce libido, but there is minimal scientific evidence to support the use of herbal remedies with anaphrodisiac properties to decrease libido.

   Licorice might lower testosterone levels, but more research is needed to determine its extent of effect and safety. Soy also claims to lower libido in men by reducing testosterone levels. Still, current research has not established definitive interactions between soy and testosterone levels or libido.

4. Certain Medication

   Doctors sometimes recommend medications to help reduce sexual urges in some instances. Here are some medications that doctors may recommend to help reduce sexual urges:

   • Corticosteroids: These medications are often used to treat inflammation and immune system disorders but may also decrease libido in some cases.
   • Antidepressant Drugs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that may reduce sexual desire. It may bring your sexual arousal under control.
   • Opioids like Morphine: It may help in lowering your libido and may help address your excessive desire for sex.

   If you are considering medication to decrease your libido, it is crucial to talk to a healthcare professional to understand the potential benefits, adverse effects, and alternatives of these medications.

5. Try Distraction Techniques

   Engaging in activities that could shift your focus and energy away from sexual urges can be an effective strategy to help lower your sex drive.

   Regular exercise might improve your overall physical health and provide a healthy way to redirect your sexual energy. You could also try painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, or engaging in hobbies that might help divert your focus away from sexual thoughts.

   Engaging your mind in intellectually stimulating activities might help take your focus away from sexual desires. Reading books, cracking puzzles, or learning a new skill could help occupy your thoughts and redirect your energy toward personal growth.

6. Give Time To Your Relationships

   Relationships could influence your sexual experiences and can significantly affect your desires, boundaries, and satisfaction. You could try creating an environment that supports and enhances your sexual experiences. Communicate with your partner, which may let you openly discuss your desires, boundaries, and expectations, making you feel heard and understood.

Tips For A Healthy Libido

• Engage in a soothing activity prior to having sex: You could try relaxing with your partner by going out for a quiet dinner or giving each other massages, which might help set the mood for the moment.
• Communicate your desires: Make it clear to your partner what you want so that you can work together to feel satisfied.
• Talk about boundaries: Talk to your partner about things you're uncomfortable doing, and let your partner know in advance.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions: It never hurts to ask if you're unsure what your partner finds pleasurable.
• Talk to a sex therapist. A sex therapist may help you work through miscommunication or dissatisfaction feelings in the bedroom with your partner.

Thus, these tips could help create a positive and fulfilling sexual experience for both partners. Remember that sexual desires and boundaries may vary from person to person.

Also See: 10 Ways To Lower Estrogen Levels In Men

When Should I See A Doctor?

If you are experiencing difficulties with your sexual desire or have concerns about your libido, you may consider seeing a doctor. When high libido starts impacting your life or relationships, you can seek guidance from the doctor to address these concerns.

Signs to Consider Seeing a Doctor
Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
Engaging in sexual behaviors that negatively impact your life
Excessively using sex or masturbation as an escape from stress or personal problems
Reoccurring urges or fantasies that feel beyond your control
Trying unsuccessfully to reduce your sexual urges
Experiencing financial or legal problems as a result of your sexual behavior

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Exercise or Physical Activities Help Reduce Libido?
   Engaging in exercise and physical activities can help reduce libido by redirecting your sexual energy and promoting overall health.
2. Can Practicing Mindfulness or Meditation Techniques Help Lower Libido?
   Practicing mindfulness or meditation techniques could help manage high libido by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can indirectly affect sexual desire.
3. Are There Any Foods or Nutrients That Can Decrease Libido?
   Certain herbs like Soy, cheese, and licorice could help you reduce your libido.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing libido can be an essential aspect of overall health. Having a high libido is normal for some people unless it starts affecting your sexual life and health.

If you are facing difficulty due to high levels of sexual energy, try to channel it in different aspects of your life. However, it can happen to anybody due to various factors.

Thus, you can explore practical strategies or treatments to decrease your libido effectively. There are psychotherapies or lifestyle changes that could support your effort to control your sex drive.

Consult with a doctor if necessary to acknowledge the resources for lowering libido if it's distracting you from your everyday activities.