Factors influencing libido
When someone attracts us and sexual relations are pleasurable, it is very likely that we want to continue seeing that person. This happens because of the reward system, through which our own body encourages us to repeat something it has found gratifying.
However, libido is not the same in all people, nor does it remain constant or linear throughout all stages of life. Its intensity varies depending on many physical and psychological factors such as lifestyle, age, genetics, education, hormonal alterations, stress, rest, self-esteem, attitudes learned through sexual experiences and, of course, the feelings that each person evokes.
A literature review published in 2020 concluded that sexual desire disorder in women is associated with negative emotional and psychological factors such as depression, anxiety and negative body image.
In addition, there is evidence that dietary habits and nutritional status influence reproductive health in both men and women. Men with obesity have a higher risk of reduced blood testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction and low libido. For this reason, improving dietary habits may be one of the strategies to consider in order to increase sexual desire.
Hormones and libido
Hormones are the main drivers of libido; it is clear that in men a decrease in testosterone leads to a reduction in sexual desire, but in women they play a similar role.
As is well known, low oestrogen levels are linked to reduced sexual desire in women, but we know that this also occurs in men. In addition to testosterone and oestrogens, there are other hormones that can influence libido. In both sexes, elevated prolactin reduces sexual desire; persistent inhibited libido is seen, for example, in women after menopause, since when the amount of oestrogen produced by the female body decreases, sexual desire also declines.
In men, something that is often unknown is that they also have hormonal cycles, although they lack clearly defined temporal patterns such as women’s menstrual cycle. In their case, testosterone and oestradiol regulate libido, oxytocin sexual drive and dopamine sexual stimulation in general. In this way, men may experience peaks of increased libido or periods in which they lack sexual desire.
Genetics and libido
We must once again highlight that libido is not a monolithic and immutable phenomenon; sexual behaviour has different nuances from one person to another. Some of these variations have a psychological origin, but others arise directly from the brain and its neurochemical control mechanisms – in other words, pure chemistry.
Genetics plays a fundamental role in each person’s predisposition to perceive life biologically. In brain cells there are receptors to which certain proteins called neurotransmitters bind. There is a specific receptor called DRD4 (dopamine D4 receptor), which binds dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure mechanisms. There are mutations in the DRD4 gene that may predispose individuals to variations in sexual behaviour.
How can we recover sexual desire?
First and foremost, and always recommended, is to consult a professional. We have already mentioned the factors that directly influence libido, which may originate from psychological or biological causes, but unhealthy lifestyle habits can also be a more than justified cause. Avoiding alcohol and other drugs, quitting smoking, monitoring hormone levels through blood tests and, of course, reiterating the importance of good rest are essential steps.
From a nutritional perspective, it is recommended to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). Both men and women should promote the intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and limit the consumption of saturated or trans fats. It is also advisable to encourage the intake of low-glycaemic-index carbohydrates and plant-based proteins over animal proteins.
Managing prolonged anxiety or chronic stress can also help restore libido, in addition to improving overall quality of life. It is important to seek professional support to acquire tools to manage stress. In some cases, when the origin or cause of low libido is unknown and psychological causes have been ruled out, a genetic study to identify potential genetic variations that predispose to this situation, along with a biochemical analysis to measure testosterone and oestradiol levels, can help regulate libido and restore sexual desire.
References
- Silva T, Jesus M, Cagigal C, Silva C. Food with Influence in the Sexual and Reproductive Health. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2019;20(2):114-122. doi:10.2174/1389201019666180925140400
- Hosseini B, Eslamian G. Association of Dietary Factors With Male and Female Infertility: Review of Current Evidence. Thrita 2014; 3(3):e20953.
- Stokes VJ, Anderson RA, George JT. How does obesity affect fertility in men and what are the treatment options? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2015;82(5):633-638.
- Gracia CR, Sammel MD, Freeman EW, Liu L, Hollander L, Nelson DB. Predictors of decreased libido in women during the late reproductive years. Menopause. 2018;25(11):1238-1243. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001225
- Li HL, Wang R, Zhang WX, Hu XZ. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2019;25(6):509-513.
- Garcia JR, MacKillop J, Aller EL, Merriwether AM, Wilson DS, Lum JK. Associations between dopamine D4 receptor gene variation with both infidelity and sexual promiscuity. PLoS One. 2010;5(11):e14162. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0014162
