Tests needed to determine the causes of low libido

Low libido is a common problem, with various causes ranging from stress and fatigue to serious medical conditions, says gynecologist Daria Kazakova.

According to her, a woman's libido can decrease during certain periods of her life - during menopause or the postpartum period. Taking certain medications, such as combined oral contraceptives and some antidepressants, can also decrease libido.

She says: “A doctor should be consulted when feeling a decrease in sexual desire to diagnose the cause and prescribe the necessary treatment after conducting the tests he determines, as determining these tests depends on the patient’s personal characteristics and the suspected causes of the decrease in sexual desire.”

According to her, the doctor may order a general blood test, hormones and psychological tests because a clinical blood test and a biochemical blood test allow assessing the general condition of the body and detecting possible chronic diseases that can affect the level of sexual desire - such as anemia, diabetes and others.

She notes that low testosterone levels in both men and women are a common cause of low libido, and thyroid dysfunction can also affect libido. High prolactin levels disrupt menstrual cycles and interfere with ovulation, which in turn can lower libido and cause problems with conception.

Infection tests - Trichomoniasis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma genitalium - can cause inflammation of the pelvic organs and external genitalia, causing complaints in patients, and intercourse may cause pain and discomfort, thus leading to a decrease in sexual desire.

The doctor should review the results because they may not be the only factor causing low sexual desire. We should know that treatment for low sexual desire may include medication, lifestyle changes, or even psychotherapy.