What Is Low Libido?
Low libido, or low sex drive, is a persistent decrease in interest in sexual activity that begins to affect a person’s quality of life or relationships. It can be difficult to quantify, because libido is different for each person. However, if your libido is lower than normal for you, and this persists for more than three months and causes personal distress, it qualifies as a clinical concern. Low libido responds very well to evaluation and treatment.
What Does Low Libido Feel Like?
Low libido is experienced differently by each person. Some people still feel emotionally connected to their partner but cannot get aroused physically, even in situations that used to spark interest. There may also be reduced sensitivity and a slower physical response, or fewer spontaneous moments with intimacy that feels more like a chore. Libido can shift gradually, which is one reason that individuals delay seeking help.
What Causes Low Libido in Women?
Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone all influence female libido, and changes in hormonal balance can cause sexual desire to decrease. Shifts in libido are common around perimenopause and menopause because of hormone changes, but thyroid disorders, postpartum hormone changes, hormonal birth control and chronic stress can also cause libido to decrease.
Physical factors like vaginal dryness or painful intercourse often come with low desire because the body associates intimacy with discomfort. Libido can also drop because of pelvic floor changes, trauma, or unresolved mental health concerns.
What Causes Low Libido in Men?
Testosterone is the most influential hormone for desire, but low testosterone may not be the only factor. Cardiovascular concerns like atherosclerosis can reduce blood and eventually cause erectile dysfunction (ED) and less interest in sex. Sleep apnea, elevated prolactin, thyroid dysfunction and chronic alcohol or recreational drug use can all suppress libido. Men can also experience overlapping concerns like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation that create anxiety about performance and lower desire.
Treatments for Low Libido
PDE5 Inhibitors
In men, higher-dose PDE5 inhibitors such as Sildenafil (active ingredient in Viagra®), Verdanafil (active ingredient in Levitra® and Staxynor®) and Tadalafil (active ingredient in Levitra®) are primarily known for improving erectile function, but many men also report improvements in libido and overall sexual confidence when these medications are used appropriately under medical supervision. By increasing blood flow, enhancing erection quality, and reducing performance anxiety, PDE5 inhibitors can help restore a more satisfying sexual experience, which may positively influence sexual desire over time. Improved erectile reliability often reduces psychological stress surrounding intimacy, allowing men to feel more confident, engaged, and responsive during sexual activity. In some cases, better circulation and improved endothelial function may also support overall sexual wellness and responsiveness.
In women and men, low-dose daily Tadalafil has become increasingly popular as a long-term sexual wellness therapy due to its ability to improve circulation, sensitivity, and sexual responsiveness. In men, daily low-dose Tadalafil may help support spontaneous erections, improve confidence, and enhance overall libido by maintaining consistent blood flow and reducing sexual performance concerns. In women, improved pelvic blood flow may increase arousal, sensitivity, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction, which can contribute to a healthier libido and intimacy experience. Many patients report that daily low-dose Tadalafil promotes greater sexual confidence, improved intimacy, and enhanced quality of life when combined with hormone optimization and other wellness therapies.
BHRT
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a “root cause” treatment that balances your hormones by providing your body with customized doses of the hormones you are lacking. This type of therapy uses hormones that are structurally identical to those your body already produces, and they are sourced from plants instead of animals. Common hormones that are replaced using this type of therapy include testosterone, estrogen and progesterone.
TRT
Testosterone replacement therapy directly addresses low T in men to help with libido and other symptoms. Low testosterone is a common underlying cause of low libido, especially after the age of 35. We administer Testosterone Cypionate by injection and pair it when appropriate with anastrozole, HCG or gonadorelin to protect fertility and prevent estrogen spikes. Levels are rechecked regularly to keep dosing accurate.
Sexual Health Optimization
If your hormones are within range but you are still struggling with low libido, we offer additional sexual health options to help. Our options include PDE5 inhibitors such as low-dose tadalafil, oxytocin therapy, the O-Shot for women, the P-Shot for men, and shockwave therapy for those suffering from ED in addition to low libido. We offer combined plans through our Healthy Couples program to help you and your partner work towards sexual health together.
Peptides
Peptide therapy uses short chains of amino acids that signal specific cellular activity, including pathways tied to arousal, recovery and energy. PT-141 acts on the brain to support desire in both men and women and can be useful when standard hormone correction has not fully addressed the problem. Peptides are administered either through injections or capsules, depending on the treatment, and they can be used to support BHRT or TRT by helping with human growth hormone production and improving receptor sensitivity.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is often referred to as the “bonding hormone” because of its powerful role in emotional connection, intimacy, arousal, and sexual satisfaction. In both men and women, oxytocin may help improve low libido by enhancing feelings of trust, closeness, relaxation, and emotional connection during intimacy. Some patients report increased sexual desire, improved orgasm quality, heightened sensitivity, and reduced anxiety surrounding sexual activity when using oxytocin therapy under medical supervision. Because stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, and emotional disconnect can all contribute to low libido, oxytocin may help support a more natural and satisfying intimate experience by promoting both emotional and physical aspects of sexual wellness.
Climax PRP Shots
The Female Climax PRP Shot is a regenerative treatment designed to help improve female sexual wellness and libido by using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from the patient’s own blood. The growth factors within PRP may help stimulate tissue rejuvenation, improve blood flow, and enhance nerve sensitivity in the vaginal and clitoral tissues. Many women report increased arousal, improved natural lubrication, heightened sensitivity, stronger orgasms, and a greater overall interest in intimacy following treatment. By enhancing circulation and supporting healthier tissue function, the Climax PRP Shot may help address some of the physical contributors to low libido, particularly in women experiencing age-related hormonal changes, postpartum changes, or decreased sexual responsiveness.
The Male Climax PRP Shot is a PRP-based regenerative treatment for men that may help improve sexual performance, sensitivity, and libido by stimulating circulation and tissue regeneration within the penis. Improved blood flow and enhanced erectile quality often lead to increased confidence and reduced performance anxiety, which can positively impact sexual desire and overall libido. Some men also report increased sensitivity, improved orgasm intensity, and greater spontaneous sexual interest after treatment. Because the Climax PRP Shot supports healthier erectile function and penile tissue health, it may help men feel more sexually engaged and confident, contributing to a more satisfying intimate experience overall.
PT-141 Peptide
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is one of the most well-known libido-enhancing peptides. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors that mainly improve blood flow, PT-141 works through the nervous system by activating melanocortin receptors in the brain associated with sexual desire and arousal. Many men and women report increased spontaneous libido, stronger arousal, heightened sensitivity, and improved sexual satisfaction.
Schedule a Medical Evaluation for Low Libido in Hayward, CA
If reduced desire has been affecting your relationship or well-being, our team can help identify the causes and the right treatments. Balanced Medical Solutions serves patients in Hayward, San Jose, Oakland and the wider San Francisco Bay Area with physician-supervised hormone, sexual health and regenerative care. Call (510) 679-3300 or request an appointment online to get started.
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