by Kelly Cozzone

Men and women both suffer from feeling like their bodies have flaws. Sometimes even if their “flaws” aren’t as bad as they think, it can make them hesitant to have sex.

Many married couples at some point experience a loss in their sex drives. While many of you may think this is more of a male issue, it actually occurs in both men and women.

Dealing with a lower libido isn’t something to be ashamed about. You might just be surprised to find out what’s causing it. Here are the top ten issues that affect libido.

1. Stress: Stress can lead to fatigue. Feeling tired can cause you to feel less sexy. When you don’t feel sexy and desirable, interest in sex wanes.
2. Unresolved issues: For women emotional closeness is directly tied to their sexual desire. Unfinished arguments, poor communication and betrayal of trust can interfere in that closeness.
3. Alcohol: While it can make you less inhibited when it comes to sex it can also numb your sex drive. Also, being sloppy drunk is a major turn off.
4. Parenting: New parents find it hard enough to find time to sleep so sex is even harder to make time for. A children get older it can be difficult to fit in one on onetime with your spouse when your family is so busy.
5. Medication: There are several medications that affect your sex drive. Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs are just a few.
6. Poor body image: Men and women both suffer from feeling like their bodies have flaws. Sometimes even if their “flaws” aren’t as bad as they think, it can make them hesitant to have sex.
7. Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Men who worry about whether they will be able to perform sexually are actually making it more difficult on themselves. In addition to the ED, the worry can drain their sex drive.
8. Low Testosterone Levels: As men age, their testosterone levels can decrease leading to a lower libido.
9. Menopause: Some symptoms of menopause are vaginal dryness and pain can make sex uncomfortable. Add those issues to hormonal changes and it isn’t out of the ordinary for a decrease in libido to occur.
10. Too Little Intimacy: Intimacy doesn’t equal sex but, is a part of it. If your sex life with your spouse is dwindling try spending non-sexual intimate time together. A few options are snuggling, hand holding, talking about shared interests and affection.

Suffering from a decreased sex drive doesn’t have to happen. There are many treatable reasons behind a low libido. Start with open and honest communication with your spouse. From there discuss it with your physician.

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.