When Do You See A Doctor For Low Libido?

We get it—low libido can be frustrating and concerning, leaving you wondering when it's time to seek help. Well, you've landed in the right place because we're diving into a question we're commonly asked: When do you see a doctor for low libido?

Whether it's been a gradual change over time or a sudden drop in desire, experiencing a decrease in libido can be a huge buzzkill. While it's perfectly normal for your libido to fluctuate due to factors like stress, hormonal changes, or relationship issues, there comes a point where seeking help may be beneficial.

In this post, we'll help you determine whether it's time to see a healthcare professional for low libido. By arming yourself with knowledge and seeking the appropriate care, you can take proactive steps toward reclaiming your sexual health and well-being.

So, when should you see a doctor about your sex drive concerns? The guidelines we share below can help you decide.

What do I do if I’m experiencing symptoms of low libido?

Libido issues can come from a variety of things such as stress or a man’s testosterone levels. 

Physicians now have a validated questionnaire called the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire that they use to help evaluate patients if they suspect a testosterone deficiency. 

If you answer “yes” to question 1 or question 7, or if you answer “yes” to 3 or more of the questionnaire’s criteria, this may be an indication that a hormone deficiency is to blame.

Here's the criteria:

1. Do you have a decrease in libido or sex drive?
2. Do you have a lack of energy?
3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?
4. Have you lost height?
5. Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of life”?
6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?
7. Are your erections less strong?
8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?
10. Has there been a recent decline in your work performance?

At Victory Men's Health, we consider all these factors along with your lab results. By matching how you're feeling day-to-day with data, we can help you feel better, quicker.

What do I do if my sex drive suddenly drops?

Remember, there is no such thing as a “normal” sex drive.  Some men seem to need sex or sexual release every day, while others aren’t bothered by less frequent sexual activity. Whatever your baseline, if your libido drops abruptly and doesn’t recover within a couple of weeks, you should let your doctor know.  If you have a sudden reduction in how you usually feel, that is not normal.

Should I take over-the-counter pills for low libido?

Many men are quick to throw over-the-counter pills or supplements at their low libido issues.  They assume that, because it’s over-the-counter, these supplements are safe; and that is simply not true. The U.S. consumer supplement market is largely unregulated. 

If you’re shopping for testosterone supplements online without support, you could end up doing more harm than good. If you don’t feel normal, talk to a healthcare professional like our team at Victory Men's Health rather than turning to Dr. Google or over-the-counter supplements on your own. 

Low Libido vs. ED

Understanding the difference between low libido and erectile dysfunction is the key to finding the right treatment and taking charge of your sexual health. While both can impact your sex life, they come from different causes which means they need different approaches.

Low Libido 

Low libido, or a reduced interest in sex, is usually driven by psychological factors, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle choices. It can also occur as a side effect of medications such as anti-anxiety, anti-depressants, hair loss medications (such as Propecia/finasteride), and some ADHD medications. 

If you're experiencing low libido, you might notice a lack of desire for sex, which can strain your relationships and affect your overall well-being. Treatment often involves addressing the root cause, whether that's through lifestyle changes, therapy, or hormone therapy.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

ED is the inability to get or keep an erection that's firm enough for sex. This condition is often linked to physical health problems like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or neurological issues. ED is usually diagnosed using tools like the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire, which helps determine the severity and best treatment options.

Both low libido and ED can happen at the same time, but they need different diagnostic approaches and treatments. Knowing the difference can help you and your healthcare provider create a more effective plan for improving your sexual health.

If you're not sure whether you have low libido, ED, or both, the next step is to take the questionnaire below. This will give you a clearer picture of your condition and help guide you toward the right treatment plan.

Do I have ED?

If you're wondering whether you have erectile dysfunction and how severe it might be, this sexual health inventory for men (SHIM) questionnaire will help your physician determine your treatment options. To be able to truly explore all of your options, it's best to meet with a physician who specializes in men’s health.  

For each question, note your answer by circling the number that approximates your belief. Add your numbers together for all the questions answered and refer to the table below to see what your score may mean.

Over the past six months . . . 

1) How do you rate your confidence that you could get and keep an erection?

1. Very low (1 point)
2. Low (2 points)
3. Moderate (3 points)
4. High (4 points)
5. Very high (5 points)

2) When you had erections with sexual stimulation, how often were your erections hard enough for penetration (entering your partner)?

1. No Sexual Activity (0 points)
2. Almost never or never (1 point)
3. A few times (much less than half the time) (2 points)
4. Sometimes (about half the time) (4 points)
5. Most times (much more than half the time) (4 points)
6. Almost always or always (5 points)

3) During sexual intercourse, how often were you able to maintain your erection after you had penetrated (entered) your partner?

1. Did not attempt intercourse (0 points)
2. Almost never or never (1 point)
3. A few times (much less than half the time) (2 points)
4. Sometimes (about half the time) (3 points)
5. Most times (much more than half the time) (4 points)
6. Almost always or always (5 points)

4) During sexual intercourse, how difficult was it to maintain your erection to completion of intercourse?

1. Did not attempt intercourse (0 points)
2. Extremely difficult (1 point)
3. Very difficult (2 points)
4. Difficult (3 points)
5. Slightly difficult (4 points)
6. Not difficult (5 points)

5) When you attempted sexual intercourse, how often was it satisfactory for you?

1. Did not attempt intercourse (0 points)
2. Almost never or never (1 point)
3. A few times (much less than half the time) (2 points)
4. Sometimes (about half the time) (3 points)
5. Most times (much more than half the time) (4 points)
6. Almost always or always (5 points)

Total: _______________

SHIM ScoresYou may have . . .1-7Severe ED8-11Moderate ED12-16Mild to Moderate ED17-21Mild ED22-25No signs of ED

How do I increase my testosterone levels?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYr1JY0NmdM

Testosterone replacement therapy can significantly improve your sex drive while enhancing the quality and frequency of your erections. It's no secret that testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health, influencing everything from libido to erectile function. By restoring optimal testosterone and other hormone levels through a personalized regimen, many men experience a revitalization of their sexual vitality and performance.

At Victory Men's Health, we specialize in tailoring testosterone therapy to your individual needs, helping you regain confidence and enjoyment in your sexual experiences. So, if you're ready to take control of your sexual health and optimize your testosterone levels, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Next Steps with Victory Men's Health

Experiencing low libido can be wildly frustrating, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. Our team understands the challenges that come with navigating issues related to your sexual health, and we're here to offer compassionate support and expert guidance.

If you've been struggling with low libido and are unsure of when to seek help, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We specialize in men's health and can provide personalized solutions to address your unique concerns. Whether you're interested in exploring testosterone replacement therapy, discussing lifestyle modifications, or seeking other treatment options, we're here to listen, support, and guide you toward reclaiming your sexual vitality.

So, if you're ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling sex life, reach out to Victory Men's Health today. Contact us today to find the right solution for you and rediscover the joy and satisfaction of a thriving libido.