Reproductive health
Medicines for Low sex drive
A reduced interest in sex, which is very common, affects all genders, and usually has an identifiable and treatable cause worth exploring.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Low sex drive?
Low libido means a reduced interest in or desire for sex. It is very common, affects people of all genders, and can vary naturally over time and with life circumstances.
- How it is treated: Because low libido usually has several contributing factors, a broad and sensitive assessment helps identify what is relevant for the individual — considering physical health, medicines, mood and stress, relationship factors, and, where appropriate, hormonal factors (with blood tests, such as testosterone in men, where indicated).
- Self-care: Reducing stress, improving sleep, staying active, limiting alcohol, addressing relationship issues and communication, and reviewing contributing medicines with a doctor all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP if low sex drive is distressing you or affecting your relationship, so the contributing factors can be explored and addressed.
What it is
Low libido means a reduced interest in or desire for sex. It is very common, affects people of all genders, and can vary naturally over time and with life circumstances. It becomes worth addressing when it is distressing or causing difficulty for the person or their relationship. There is rarely a single cause; more often several factors interact. Common contributors include stress, tiredness and being busy, relationship difficulties, low mood, anxiety and other mental-health conditions, physical health problems, hormonal factors (such as low testosterone in men, or menopause-related changes and low oestrogen in women), pregnancy and the postnatal period, certain medicines (including some antidepressants and hormonal contraceptives), alcohol and drugs, and body-image or past experiences. Because it so often reflects treatable factors — physical, hormonal, psychological, and relational — exploring the causes is worthwhile, and it is a common issue that people should not feel embarrassed to raise.
How it is treated
Because low libido usually has several contributing factors, a broad and sensitive assessment helps identify what is relevant for the individual — considering physical health, medicines, mood and stress, relationship factors, and, where appropriate, hormonal factors (with blood tests, such as testosterone in men, where indicated). Treatment then addresses the causes found: for example, reducing stress and improving sleep; treating depression or anxiety; reviewing a medicine that may be responsible (with the prescribing doctor); managing menopause-related changes or a confirmed hormone deficiency; addressing relationship issues, sometimes with couples or psychosexual therapy; and general health measures (activity, limiting alcohol). Often a combination helps. A supportive, non-judgemental approach, and involving a partner where appropriate, are valuable. The reassuring message is that low libido is common, usually has treatable causes, and is worth discussing with a health professional rather than putting up with it.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Low sex drive
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Reducing stress, improving sleep, staying active, limiting alcohol, addressing relationship issues and communication, and reviewing contributing medicines with a doctor all help. Treating any underlying mood, health or hormonal factor supports libido.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if low sex drive is distressing you or affecting your relationship, so the contributing factors can be explored and addressed. Mention any low mood, relationship difficulties, medicines, or other symptoms, which help identify the cause.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Low sex drive: frequently asked questions
What causes low sex drive?
Usually several factors interact — stress, tiredness, relationship difficulties, low mood or anxiety, physical health problems, hormonal factors, certain medicines, alcohol, and past experiences. Because these are often treatable, exploring the causes is worthwhile.
Is low libido treatable?
Yes — it usually has treatable causes. Treatment addresses the factors involved, such as reducing stress, treating depression, reviewing medicines, managing hormonal changes, and relationship or psychosexual support. It is worth discussing with a health professional.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Loss of libido
- NICE CKS — Sexual health
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