Not in the mood? Read on... A loss of libido affects a number of people worldwide and can be attributed to a number of different factors. From stress to personal and relationship pressures, there are a number of reasons that might be preventing you from getting in the mood for fun under the covers. _____________________________________________________ In order to understand exactly what's going on, it's important to first understand what exactly loss of libido is.  Loss of libido affects one in five men and even more women at different stages of their lives. A loss in sex drive is usually linked to external stresses including professional and personal pressure, while an important life-changing event can also affect one’s libido. Meanwhile, an unexpected loss of sex drive, particularly one that lasts for some time or keeps returning, may indicate an underlying medical, personal or lifestyle problem. Relationship problems If you lose your sex drive unexpectedly, take a closer look at your relationship and examine whether you are happy and if there are any doubts or worries that may be affecting you. Perhaps there may be issues that you and your partner need to discuss that are causing you stress. Be sure to make time to sit down and talk them out, or consult with a relationship support group or counsellor. Performance problems If there is a performance issue, it can make sex difficult and frustrating. Men may suffer from erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems while women may be experiencing pain during sex or vaginismus. These issues are treatable, so forget your blushes and take a trip to your GP who will be able to help you and your partner. Under the influence Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol has also been proven to reduce your sex drive. You should moderate your intake, and if you feel that you or your partner needs extra support in this area, consult your GP. The misuse of drugs is also linked to a loss of sex drive. Stress Stress, anxiety and exhaustion are all enormous factors in the loss of sex drive as they can each have a massive impact on your overall happiness and well-being. If you are feeling this way constantly, it may be that you need to change an aspect of your lifestyle. Again, consult your GP for the options that are best for you. Ageing gracefully Many people lose some interest in sex as they get older. This is due to a fall off in sex hormones, age-related health problems and sometimes the side effects of medication. If you are concerned about this, check in with your GP. Sex and the menopause As women near the menopause the level of the female hormone oestrogen falls which can affect your libido. Speak to your GP if you feel that the menopause may be affecting you in this way. Hormones Although not as common, a low libido can also be caused by an underactive thyroid. This can be treated by taking hormone tables to replace the hormones your thyroid is not making. Once more, contact your GP if you feel you have an underactive thyroid. Contraception Some forms of contraception are known to affect some women’s sex drive. These include the combined pill, contraceptive patch, the implant and the injection. These side effects usually right themselves after the initial few months. Speak to your local GP if you are still experiencing these issues after a longer period of time. As always, if you feel that you are affected by any of these issues, make an appointment with your GP.