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Low stamina and low libido: what is behind it

Low stamina and low sex drive are common, and they are rarely about willpower. Blood flow, sleep, stress and hormones all play a part.

Common causes

  • 01Poor fitness. Erections depend on healthy blood flow
  • 02Stress, low mood, depression or relationship problems
  • 03Side effects of medicines (such as some antidepressants and blood-pressure medicines)
  • 04Alcohol and smoking
  • 05Diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity
  • 06Sometimes low testosterone

In women, libido is also affected by hormonal contraception, menopause, stress, sleep and relationship factors.

As you get older. Blood vessel health and hormones matter more with age, so a check-up is sensible.

What a doctor may check

Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. For men with symptoms, a morning testosterone test.

When to see a doctor

Erection problems can be an early sign of blood vessel or heart disease. See a doctor rather than buying supplements.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Venva's content is written against clinical guidelines and systematic reviews, listed below. See our medical disclaimer.

References

  1. 1.Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. European Urology, 2014.doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2013.08.023
  2. 2.Physical activity to improve erectile function: systematic review of intervention studies. Sexual Medicine, 2018.doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2018.02.001
  3. 3.Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2018.doi:10.1210/jc.2018-00229

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