Definition of libido, factors affecting its intensity, and treatment of hypoactive and hyperactive libido

Sexual desire refers to the urge for sexual activity; it is an instinctive desire. From puberty onwards, sexual needs and desires begin to emerge. As the level of testosterone in a man's body gradually increases, this sexual desire intensifies day by day. Suppressing sexual desire can easily lead to adolescent sexual anxiety. Male sexual desire radiates outwards from the genitals, a desire for intercourse and the pleasure derived from ejaculation. Therefore, some people satisfy their sexual desire through methods such as masturbation, which is perfectly normal. Sexual desire is often stronger in the morning, which explains why young, healthy men often experience spontaneous erections in the morning. The occurrence of sexual desire requires sexual stimulation, including tactile, visual, auditory, olfactory, and sexual fantasies, as well as mature sexual organs, normal testosterone levels, a mature sexual psychology, and pleasurable sexual experiences. Although decreased libido is a personal issue, it actually involves both partners. Therefore, if one partner experiences decreased libido, the other should not blame them but rather offer comfort. Both partners should first try to identify the cause themselves; if they cannot find the cause, they should then seek medical help.

The strength of libido, due to significant individual differences, is related to the following factors:

(1) Genetic factors: The strength of libido may be influenced by genetic factors. Members of a family often show similar levels of libido.

(2) Hormone levels: Androgens have the greatest impact on libido. If androgen levels are low, libido will decrease regardless of gender.

(3) Sensory stimulation: Through the use of senses such as sight, hearing, smell, and touch, the nerves of both men and women can be excited, thereby arousing sexual desire. The intensity of sensory stimulation will affect the intensity of sexual desire. For example, the intensity of sexual desire will be different when facing a woman one likes and a woman one dislikes.

(4) Past sexual and social experiences: People with pleasant sexual and social experiences in the past are more likely to be aroused; conversely, they are less likely to be aroused.

(5) Recovery time after sexual intercourse: Many people need a period of time after sexual climax before they can arouse sexual desire again, and the length of this period varies from person to person.

(6) Environmental factors: External environment, such as atmosphere, light, temperature, humidity, season, amount of food, and whether or not medication is taken, can all affect the generation and intensity of libido. A comfortable external environment is more likely to arouse libido.

(7) Cultural influence: Sexual desire is a personal behavior, but it is also related to cultural factors. To some extent, it must be subject to the constraints of ethics, law, morality, and even medicine.

(8) Mental state: It is difficult to generate sexual desire when under conditions such as worry, fear, anger, frustration, pain, etc.

(9) Age factor: Everyone's libido changes with age. Generally speaking, men's libido is at its peak between the ages of 18 and 25, while women's libido is at its peak between the ages of 35 and 40. However, as age increases, the secretion of male hormones decreases, the body's senses become dulled, leading to poor blood circulation in the sexual organs. In addition, life stress, work stress, physical condition, etc., can all reduce libido.

(10) Health condition: Only a healthy body can maintain normal libido. Many diseases themselves and the psychological stress caused by illness can greatly affect libido.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSD) in men refers to a persistent or recurrent low level of desire for sexual activity and fantasies, a lack of subjective desire and thought in this regard, reduced initiative in sexual behavior, and low frequency of sexual activity. It is a common male sexual dysfunction. Most patients previously had normal libido, but due to various factors, they experience a decline in libido, a reduced level of sexual expression, and weakened sexual activity, resulting in varying degrees of suppression of libido. It often co-occurs with urological conditions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. If sexual desire is not aroused under appropriate stimulation for a prolonged period, it is termed asexuality.

Low libido is common in clinical practice, manifested as a lack of interest in sexual behavior or a reduced ability to accept sexual activity from the beginning, and can be divided into 4 levels according to its degree.

Grade I: Sexual desire is reduced compared to normal, but sexual requests from a partner are acceptable.

Grade II: Sexual desire was originally normal, but it decreased at a certain stage or under specific circumstances.

Level III: Consistently low libido, with less than two sexual encounters per month, or although exceeding this standard, it is due to passive compliance under pressure from the spouse.

Category IV: Consistently low libido, with sexual activity interrupted for up to 6 months.

If low libido has already occurred, you should do the following:

(1) Eliminate stress: Avoid any stress during sex and concentrate. In addition, both partners should understand each other and work together to find and eliminate the causes of decreased male libido.

(2) Desensitization therapy: If there are psychological problems that cannot be resolved but continue to cause interference, repeated treatment is needed to reduce the impact of this psychology on male patients until it disappears.

(3) Eliminate concerns about sex life: A decrease or low libido does not mean that it has completely disappeared or has disappeared permanently. You should use a positive and correct attitude to understand and recognize this physiological change, pay attention to psychological adjustment, and maintain a good sexual relationship.

(4) Maintain a good mindset: If abnormal symptoms occur, talk about your feelings and express your fear, anger, anxiety and panic. This can help you relieve your mindset and reduce interference and eliminate adverse effects.

(5) Seek treatment at a regular hospital.