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Libido

Psychological and social factors

Individuals with PTSD may find themselves with reduced sexual desire. Struggling to find pleasure, as well as having trust issues, many with PTSD experience feelings of vulnerability, rage & anger, and emotional shutdowns, which have been shown to inhibit sexual desire in those with PTSD. Reduced sex drive may also be present in trauma victims due to issues arising in sexual function. For women, it has been found that treatment can improve sexual function, thus helping restore sexual desire. Depression and libido decline often coincide, with reduced sex drive being one of the symptoms of depression. Those suffering from depression often report the decline in libido to be far reaching and more noticeable than other symptoms. In addition, those with depression often are reluctant to report their reduced sex drive, often normalizing it with cultural/social values, or by the failure of the physician to inquire about it.

Medications

Oral Contraceptives lower androgen levels in users, and lowered androgen levels generally lead to a decrease in sexual desire. However, usage of Oral Contraceptives has shown to typically not have a connection with lowered libido in women. Multiple studies have shown that usage of Oral Contraceptives is associated with either a small increase or decrease in libido, with most users reporting a stable sex drive.

Many SSRIs can cause a long term decrease in libido and other sexual functions, even after users of those drugs have shown improvement in their depression and have stopped usage. Multiple studies have shown that with the exception of bupropion (Wellbutrin), trazodone (Desyrel) and nefazodone (Serzone), antidepressants generally will lead to lowered libido. SSRIs thar typically lead to decreased libido are fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft). There are several ways to try and reap the benefits of the antidepressants while maintaining high enough sex drive levels. Some antidepressant users have tried decreasing their dosage in the hopes of maintaining an adequate sex drive. Results of this are often positive, with both drug effectiveness not reduced and libido preserved. Other users try enrolling in psychotherapy to solve depression-related issues of libido. However, the effectiveness of this therapy is mixed, with lots reporting that it had no or little effect on sexual drive.

PSSD, otherwise known as Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction, is the condition diagnosed to those experiencing the long term decreased libido after usage of SSRIs. The exact causes of PSSD have not been determined. Symptoms of PSSD in both sexes include genital anesthesia (most common symptom), weak/pleasure-lacking orgasm, and decreased libido. Symptoms for men include erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation, while women may experience decreased or loss of vaginal lubrication, nipple insensitivity, and anorgasmia. PSSD is generally classified in two conditions. The first is early onset, with symptoms first being reported during SSRI usage and continuing after treatment, with the second classification occuring after the user stops usage of SSRIs. It is highly recommended by researchers that doctors inform patients well about the potential impact to sexual health/function before prescribing SSRIs. There are currently no recognized treatments for PSSD. In May 2019 the European Medicines Agency officially recognized the existence of PSSD as a medical condition.

Impact of age

Some boys and girls will start off developing "crushes" by age 10-12. "Crushes" are not exactly sexual, but are more associated with attractions, feelings, and desire for another. For boys and girls in their preteen years (Ages 11-12), at least 25% report "thinking a lot about sex". However, by the early teenage years (ages 13-14), boys are much more likely to have sexual fantasies than girls. In addition, boys are much more likely to report an interest in sexual intercourse at this age than girls. Masturbation among youth is considered developmentally normal and healthy, with prevalence among the population generally increasing until the late 20s and early 30s. Boys generally start masturbating earlier, with less than 10% boys masturbating around age 10, around half participating by age 11-12, and over a substantial majority by age 13-14. This is in sharp contrast to girls where virtually none are engaging in masturbation before age 13, and only around 20% by age 13-14.

People in their 60s and early 70s generally retain a healthy sex drive, but this may start to decline in the early to mid 70s. Older adults generally developed a reduced libido due to declining health and environmental/social factors. Contrary to most beliefs, postmenopausal women often report an increase in sexual desire and an increased willingness to satisfy their partner. Women often report family responsibilities, health, relationship problems, and well-being as inhibitors to their sexual desires. Aging adults often have more positive attitudes towards sex in older age due to being more relaxed about it, freedom from other responsibilities, and increased self-confidence. Those exhibiting negative attitudes generally cite health as one of the main reasons. Stereotypes about Aging adults and sexuality often regard seniors as asexual beings, doing them no favors when they try to talk about sexual interest with caregivers and medical professionals. Non-western cultures often follow a narrative of older women having a much lower libido, thus not encouraging any sort of sexual behavior for women. Residence in retirement homes has affects on residents libidos. In the homes sex occurs, but is not encouraged by both staff and other residents. Lack of privacy and resident gender imbalance are the main factors lowering desire. Generally, for older adults, being excited about sex, good health, sexual self-esteem and having a sexually talented partner.