How to deal with low sex drive
Nov 07, 2011
One of the happy moments in a healthy marriage is that time when husband and wife have sex. Besides the pleasure, sex is also a unifying factor in a relationship. It is generally believed that men have a higher sex drive than women, however, this can become challenging when it takes on an unexpecte
By Emmanuel Buufu
One of the happy moments in a healthy marriage is that time when husband and wife have sex. Besides the pleasure, sex is also a unifying factor in a relationship. It is generally believed that men have a higher sex drive than women, however, this can become challenging when it takes on an unexpected twist.
Many men suffer from low libido silently, citing reasons like fear of being stigmatised or regarded less of men.
Daniel Murokora, the president of Gynaecologist Association in Uganda, defines low libido as a situation when a man has limited desire for sex. It could also be called low sex drive.
Cause
This situation may surface in a man’s sexual pattern as a result of physical and psychological factors. Someone’s past sexual experience may have a negative or positive impact on his libido.
According to Joseph Musaalo, a counselling psychologist at Uganda Christian University, if a man was sexually harassed once in his lifetime, he is prone to have a low sex drive.
He will look at sex as something dirty yet it is meant to be enjoyed.
Drug and alcohol abuse can also reduce the flow of blood to the sexual areas and may not only cause low sex drive, but also impotence. For a man to have a strong erection, there should be enough circulation of blood in the body.
Obesity affects libido in a way that a man may not be flexible enough to satisfy his partner. As a result, a man might be social stigmatised.
Physical injury will also affect a man’s libido. For example in case of an accident that affects the backbone or deform the legs, a man loses flexibility during the sexual intercourse.
Lack of privacy, for instance in cases where a couple stays in a single room with other people like children and relatives, may lower a man’s sex drive.
Many people get stressed and distracted by a number of issues including work. This too, may affect libido.
Certain drugs, including birth control pills, mood stabilisers and tranquilisers can lower one’s sex drive.
Unresolved problems in relationships may have a direct effect on his drive. For instance if suspected infidelity cases will make him with draw his desire in effort not to contract sexually transmitted diseases.
A man with low testosterone (a hormone that stirs up desire) will suffer low desire for sex. Testosterone levels tend to decline as men age.
Sugary foods can also trigger low libido in men, says Dr. David Ssali, a naturopathic doctor at Dama Medial Herbs. He says sugar turns into acid when it is in the stomach, disturbing the prostrate gland, which produces part of the fluid that makes up semen. These sugary foods include artificially sweetened foods like soda and packed juice.
Medication
Low sex drive can be dealt with and one can regain his self-esteem, however, Murokora says medication is dependent on what caused the situation. Some men may need to see a counsellor while others should seek medication attention.
Foods that boost libido
Foods that are rich in zinc will help one increase his libido. These include sunflower seeds, eggs, peas, soya beans and mushrooms.
“Zinc inhibits the uptake of testosterone into the prostate. Studies show that 40mg of zinc taken daily not only lessen the risk of prostate, but also help in treatment,” says Ssali.
According to studies, there is no particular tribe or region that is more men affected by low sex drive; it depends on ones’ lifestyle.
According to Murokora, in cases where one silently suffers with this problem, there is a solution that can be provided. “Seek counselling or medical attention.”
More health tips in the Monday New Vision E-paper