Education and safety note. This page is for general information. It cannot diagnose you, assess your individual risk, or replace care from a qualified professional. If you may be in immediate danger, cannot stay safe, or may harm yourself or someone else, contact local emergency services or crisis support. In Ireland, call 112 or 999, go to the nearest emergency department, or read the HSE urgent mental-health guidance. Medication decisions need to be discussed with a qualified prescriber.
Short answer: Low libido means a lower level of sexual desire than feels usual or wanted for you. It can be linked with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship strain, life stage, sleep, physical health, hormones, substances, or medication effects.
Why It Can Be Complicated
Sexual desire is not just a switch inside one person. It is affected by safety, trust, communication, grief, resentment, shame, body image, fatigue, pain, medical conditions, pregnancy and postnatal change, menopause, medication, and past experiences. It can also be affected by pressure to feel or perform in a particular way.
When To Get More Help
- The change is sudden, persistent, or distressing.
- There is pain, erectile difficulty, hormonal concern, medication change, or another medical question.
- Sex has become linked with fear, trauma memories, coercion, pressure, or avoidance.
- Relationship conflict, silence, resentment, or shame is making it harder to talk.
- Depression, anxiety, burnout, or substance use is also present.
How Psychotherapy Can Fit
Therapy may help by making the conversation less blaming and more understandable. It can explore anxiety, communication, self-criticism, trauma, boundaries, values, and relationship patterns. Medical and medication questions need to be discussed with a GP or qualified prescriber.
Related Pages
- Relationship problems
- Counselling for couples
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Make an appointment
- How this mental health information is written and reviewed
- Disclaimer
Sources and review. Published or updated in June 2026. This page is educational and uses public-health, guideline, professional, or medicine-information sources where clinical claims are made.