Low sex drive in men is more common than most people realize, and it doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong. Sometimes it’s tied to stress or sleep. Other times, it’s a hormone issue or the first sign of something deeper, like erectile dysfunction (ED).
While low libido and ED are often lumped together, they’re not the same—and treating them effectively starts with knowing the difference. On a recent episode of the Women Want Strong Men podcast, we were joined by Anna Griffith, DNP, to talk about the real root causes of low libido, the difference between ED and low sex drive, and how to fix both.
Check it out below after reading this post for even more insight. In the meantime, let’s dive in.
What Is Low Sex Drive in Men?
Let’s get one thing clear: low sex drive isn’t just “not being in the mood” one night. It’s when your interest in sex disappears for more than just a few days. You’re not thinking about it, not initiating it, and honestly? You could take it or leave it.
Medically speaking, we call this low libido. It’s often tied to hormones (particularly testosterone) but can also be triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, depression, or certain medications.
The key thing to know is that if your desire is gone, your body is probably trying to tell you something important.
What Causes Low Sex Drive in Men
When your sex drive drops, it’s easy to feel confused or even a little embarrassed. But the truth is, there are a lot of things that can throw off your desire for sex, and most of them are fixable. If you’ve been feeling off, sluggish, or uninterested, here are the top causes to consider—and how they might be showing up in your day-to-day life.
Low Testosterone
Testosterone drives libido. While a “normal” lab result might say your levels are fine, we’ve seen plenty of guys in their 20s and 30s come in with numbers like 305 ng/dL—barely scraping the low end of the range—and feeling completely off. This might mean struggling with low libido, low motivation, poor energy, or mood swings.
Poor Sleep & High Stress
If you’re burning the candle at both ends, your sex drive is going to pay the price. Chronic stress jacks up your cortisol levels, which lowers testosterone and kills libido. Add in poor sleep, and your hormone levels are bound to suffer.
Depression or Medications
Mental health plays a big role in libido. Depression, anxiety, and the meds often used to treat them (like SSRIs) can all tank your sex drive. If you’ve recently started a new medication and noticed a shift, it’s worth a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Relationship & Lifestyle Factors
Sometimes it’s emotional disconnection. Other times, it’s weight gain, low self-esteem, or just not feeling confident in your body anymore. These aren’t the root cause every time, but they can absolutely make low sex drive in men worse if left unaddressed.
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Now let’s talk about ED. Erectile dysfunction means you’re having trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. Instead of the issue being about desire, it’s about performance.
You might want sex and be completely aroused, but the physical response just isn’t happening. ED can be tied to mental health triggers like stress or poor sleep, but it’s more often a blood flow issue. This can be caused by low testosterone, vascular disease, nerve damage, low nitric oxide, or side effects from medications.
Bottom line? Erectile dysfunction is often a mechanical problem, while low libido is more of a mental or hormonal issue.
Low Sex Drive vs. ED: How Can You Tell the Difference?
If you’re dealing with sexual frustration, it helps to get clear on what you’re actually experiencing. Low libido and erectile dysfunction can feel similar, but they have very different root causes and often require different treatments. Here’s how to tell the difference between low sex drive in men and ED, so you know where to start.
You Have No Sexual Desire → Likely Low Libido
When you’re not in the mood and haven’t been for a while, that’s usually a sign of low libido. You might not feel mentally or physically interested in sex at all, even when things in your relationship are fine. If you’re feeling disconnected from your sex drive, your body’s trying to tell you something. Are you listening?
You Want Sex But Can’t Perform → Likely ED
In this case, your mind is there but your body isn’t cooperating. You’re still interested in sex and want to be intimate, but you’re struggling to get or maintain an erection. This points to ED, which is typically caused by blood flow issues, medication side effects, or nerve-related concerns. ED is less about desire and more about function. Thankfully, there are effective ways to treat it.
You Have Both → They Could Be Connected
Many men experience both low libido and ED at the same time. That’s because they often stem from overlapping issues, like low testosterone, stress, or even self-confidence. If your desire is fading and performance is slipping too, it’s time to look at the full picture—not just one symptom. When we treat the root cause, both libido and function can improve together.
Can You Have ED Without Low Sex Drive?
Yes, and it’s surprisingly common. A lot of men still feel a strong desire for sex, but they just can’t get or maintain an erection. In those cases, the problem usually lies in blood flow or nerve function, not libido. This is where treatments like wave therapy, the Priapus Shot, and PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, etc.) come into play.
Can You Have Low Libido Without ED?
Absolutely. A lot of men assume that if they can get it up, their hormones must be fine—but that’s not always the case. You can have perfectly normal erections and still feel totally uninterested in sex. That’s low libido. It’s often hormone-related, but mental health, stress, poor sleep, and relationship tension can play a huge role. Even if your body responds just fine, your brain and hormones need to be on board too.
Best Treatments for Low Sex Drive in Men
If your sex drive has taken a nosedive, there are real, effective treatments that can help. At Victory Men’s Health, we don’t hand you a one-size-fits-all plan. We look at the full picture to uncover what’s really going on and tailor a strategy that works for you.
Here are some of the best treatment options for low sex drive in men:
- Hormone Optimization
- Peptide Therapy
- Lifestyle Changes
Hormone Optimization
When testosterone is low—or even hovering in that “low-normal” range—your sex drive can take a serious hit. But testosterone isn’t the only hormone that matters. At Victory Men’s Health, we take a full-spectrum approach to hormone optimization.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a powerful tool, and we offer personalized protocols using injections, creams, or pellets. However, we also evaluate other key hormones that play a role in libido and performance—like DHEA and pregnenolone.
These often-overlooked hormones can support your body’s natural hormone production, improve mood, and enhance your sexual health. If you’re not feeling like yourself as a result of a hormonal imbalance, we’ll run your labs to get to the root cause and design a treatment plan.
Peptide Therapy (PT-141)
Unlike ED medications that treat blood flow, PT-141 is a peptide that works on your brain’s arousal centers. It’s a great option for men with low libido, even if they’re still physically able to perform. Some love it, while others don’t tolerate it well and face side effects like nausea. But when it’s the right fit for you, it can make a huge difference.
Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes the most powerful changes are the simplest. Prioritizing quality sleep, managing stress, cutting back on alcohol, and getting regular exercise can all have a major impact on your sex drive. These habits help support healthy testosterone levels, improve energy, and boost overall mood—which all play a role in desire. While lifestyle tweaks aren’t always enough on their own, they lay a strong foundation for any solid treatment plan.
Top ED Treatments We Recommend
While PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis can be helpful, they don’t work for everyone, and they don’t treat the root cause. That’s why we often recommend regenerative and restorative treatments that go deeper, helping your body regain natural function.
Here are the ED treatments we offer and recommend for long-term improvement:
- Wave Therapy
- Priapus Shot (P-Shot)
- Nitric Oxide Support
- Testosterone Therapy
- Vacuum Pump Devices
Wave Therapy
Wave therapy uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate blood flow, repair blood vessels, and help the body heal from within. It’s especially effective for men with mild to moderate ED and is often the first step toward reducing or eliminating the need for medication. Treatments are quick, painless, and done in-office—no downtime required. Over time, wave therapy can help restore stronger, firmer, and more reliable erections.
Priapus Shot (P-Shot)
The P-Shot uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood to isolate growth factors and inject them directly into the penis. This stimulates tissue repair, improves blood flow, and can enhance sensitivity and firmness. Some men notice improvements in girth and stamina, and many see increased function—especially when paired with wave therapy. It’s a natural, non-pharmaceutical way to combat ED and jumpstart your sexual performance.
Nitric Oxide Support
Nitric oxide is the unsung hero of strong erections. It’s what allows blood vessels to open and stay open during arousal. Most ED medications rely on your body having enough nitric oxide to work. But after age 40, your natural production declines. That’s why we often recommend pharmaceutical-grade nitric oxide support, like N1O1 lozenges formulated by Dr. Nathan Bryan. These support blood flow, enhance medication results, and can improve heart health too.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
If your ED is rooted in low testosterone, no amount of Viagra or penis pumps will fully solve the problem. That’s where TRT comes in. Testosterone plays a major role in sex drive, energy, and erectile function—and when levels drop, performance often follows. Many men report a boost in libido, better erections, and increased confidence once testosterone is optimized.
Vacuum Pump Devices
Most men think vacuum pump devices (also called penis pumps) are just for generating an erection on demand, but we use them as a form of penile rehab. Regular use can prevent atrophy, maintain blood flow, and support tissue health over time. Especially after a P-Shot or wave therapy, using a pump a few times a week helps speed up recovery and improve long-term results. Think of it like physical therapy, but for your sexual performance.
Take Charge of Your Sexual Health
Low sex drive in men and ED are often confused, but knowing what you’re really dealing with is key to finding the right treatment and feeling like yourself again. Whether your issue is hormonal, vascular, psychological, or a combination of all three, there are real solutions.
At Victory Men’s Health, we take a holistic, personalized approach to men’s health. We help our patients optimize hormones, restore sexual performance, lose weight, improve energy, and regain confidence through science-backed strategies and ongoing support. If you’re dealing with low libido, ED, or just don’t feel like yourself lately, we’re here to help you take back control.
Book a consultation today to get started with a plan that’s built for your body, your goals, and your long-term health.
