Relationships often suffer when one partner has a low libido. Although societal attitudes usually assume it is women with a low libido, a surprising number of men also experience the problem. This can lead their partners to feel distressed and even to blame themselves, according to a "Psychology Today" article. Although ultimately only the person experiencing low libido can take the steps to boost his sex drive, women can make suggestions and take small actions to encourage their husbands to seek help.
Step 1
Encourage him to seek medical attention to make sure he has no physical health problems. Certain health conditions can cause low libido in men, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and low testosterone. Men experiencing low libido should have their sex hormones, including testosterone and DHEA, checked by a doctor. According to the pharmaceutical company Merck, hormone replacement can restore interest in sex if hormone levels are low.
Step 2
Look at the medications he takes on a regular basis; many drugs can cause a lower interest in sex. Antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, thyroid medication and drugs to treat prostate problems can diminish libido. Alcohol and illicit drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, can also lower sex drive.
Step 3
Ask him if he is angry with you. "Psychology Today" states that many men are not interested in having sex with their wives because they are angry with them. In this instance, he may not have low libido at all, but the issues at the root of his anger need to be resolved before he can be interested in sex again. Seeing a marriage counselor by himself or as a couple is usually necessary in this situation.
Step 4
Help him relax. Stress and depression are common causes of low libido, according to the website Love and Relationships. Long hours at work and worries about money are especially common during bad economic times, and can cause him to lose interest in sex. Offer to give him a massage. Rev up his energy levels and allow him to work off some stress by working out or playing a sport together.
Tips and Warnings
- Take advantage of his natural body rhythms. Because hormone levels fluctuate through the day, he might be more interested in sex at different times of day.
- Do not blame or nag him about sex. If he is uninterested in sex because he is angry with you, nagging will make him angrier; if he has a physical condition causing it, nagging will make him feel bad about himself.
