Do You Have a Normal Sex Drive?

Written by: Steven Schlosser
Published 03/04/2015
Updated: 07/30/2024

Is your libido high, low, or in between? Many people wonder if they have a normal sex drive. Libido can depend on a variety of factors including age, stress, and relationship status. So, how do you know what’s normal? If you have a problem with your sex drive, what can you do about it?

It’s all about your baseline

Normal is a subjective term. It might be normal for you to desire sex once per day or once per week. Everyone’s libido is different. Your sex drive isn’t a problem unless it negatively affects your life. In general, you don’t need to be concerned unless your baseline suddenly changes. If that’s the case, you may want to figure out why your libido is different.

What causes low libido?

Is your sex drive lower than usual? If so, you probably want identify the reason. A variety of factors can cause low libido, including:

• Underlying conditions. Medical issues such as cancer and chronic disease can lower your libido. Psychological problems such as depression, stress, fatigue, and poor self-esteem can diminish your desire for sex. Certain medications can also affect your sex drive.

• Hormone levels. Studies have shown that women with low sex drive may have low androgen levels. Other hormones such as testosterone may also play a role. If you’re a man with low testosterone levels, you’re more likely to have problems with low libido.

• Relationship problems. If you’re in a difficult relationship, it can lower your libido. Relationship problems may arise due to lack of communication, anger, frustration, resentment, and boredom. Couples with a history of infidelity are especially vulnerable.

• Other factors. If you frequently work long hours or if you have an extremely busy schedule, it can reduce your sex drive. New parents often encounter this issue. It’s hard to find time to even think about sex when you have a new baby to attend to.

What causes high libido?

Is your sex drive higher than usual? That may not be a bad thing, unless it affects your life in a negative way. A variety of things can increase your libido, including:

• Underlying conditions. Psychological disorders can lead to sex addiction or compulsive sexual behaviors. Many people use sex as a form of self-medication. If sex is causing problems in your life, you may need to seek a qualified counselor for treatment.

• Drug use. Certain drugs can increase your sex drive, especially stimulants such as cocaine, meth, and ecstasy. Even prescription drugs can affect your sex drive. Talk to your doctor if you notice a sudden change in your libido after starting a new medication.

How to fix your libido

When it comes to your sex drive, think about what’s normal for you. If your libido suddenly changes, you might need to seek professional assistance. A physician, psychiatrist, or counselor can help you find the source of your problem.

You may also benefit from positive lifestyle changes. For example, regular exercise can give you more energy and improve your self-confidence. You can also take steps to reduce your stress and spend more quality time with your partner.

Sex drive issues can be troubling. If your libido is affecting your life, it’s important to get help. By taking steps to solve the problem, you can put your sex drive back on the right track.