Sex drive

Sex drive, also known as libido, is a person's overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity. Sex drive is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Biologically, the sex hormones and associated neurotransmitters that act upon the nucleus accumbens (primarily testosterone and dopamine, respectively) regulate libido in humans. Social factors, such as work and family, and internal psychological factors, like personality and stress, can affect sex drive. Sex drive can also be affected by medical conditions, medications, lifestyle and relationship issues, and age (e.g. puberty). A person who has extremely frequent or a suddenly increased sex drive may be experiencing hypersexuality, while the opposite condition is hyposexuality.

A 2001 review found that on average, men have a higher sex drive than women. Women's sex drive is affected by social and cultural factors, such as societal norms and attitudes that vary across different cultures and societies.

Biological factors

Testosterone is one of the hormones controlling libido in human beings. Emerging research[which?] is showing that hormonal contraception methods like oral contraceptive pills (which rely on estrogen and progesterone together) are causing low libido in females by elevating levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds to sex hormones, including testosterone, rendering them unavailable. Research is showing that even after ending a hormonal contraceptive method, SHBG levels remain elevated and no reliable data exists to predict when this phenomenon will diminish.

Psychological and social factors

Psychological and Social factors affecting sex drive can include stress, personality, age, relationship status, and social status. Mental health is also important - untreated conditions like depression or anxiety can lead to reduced or absent sex drive, as can certain medications for these conditions. Conversely, good mental health can enhance sexual desire and function.

Medical factors

Certain medical conditions, like cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases, can lead to a reduced sex drive. Some medications, like certain antidepressants or blood pressure medications, can also cause a decrease in libido.

See also

• Hypersexuality
• Hyposexuality
• Sexual desire
• Sexual motivation and hormones

References

Sex drive Resources
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