Causes of Poor Sexual Performance

A sexual performance can be affected by many factors. Some of the common causes that decrease your sexual performance are pregnancy, illness and menopause. Many medications such as anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications and anti-arrhythmic drugs affect the sexual drive. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder and sexual performance anxiety are few disorders that are related to fluctuations in sexual desire.  

Sex is not just a physical response but your mind also plays an important role in the sexual drive for example arousal is tied into your emotions so a healthy mind will boost your sex drives. You will not be able to enjoy sex if you are too stressed out or unable to focus on sex.

Almost 1 in 5 men experience decreased libido at some point in their life. Females are also not immune. Some of the most important causes of decreased libido are stress, anxiety, pregnancy, childbirth and breast feeding. These causes are usually temporary however, a long term unexpected lack of libido may be caused by some health related issues which can be upsetting for both partners.

Causes of decreased sexual performance:

•       Stress

Stress and anxiety have a bad impact on your sexual life. You should consult your GP and make some lifestyle changes if you are constantly tired or anxious.

•       Depression:

Depression can be a serious disorder if left untreated. Depression is characterized by the absence of pleasure in life, extreme sadness, weight changes, hopelessness and sleep fluctuations. The symptoms of depression severely affect your daily life routine which also includes your sex life.  Don’t just start taking anti-depressants without consulting your doctor because decreased libido is a side effect of many anti-depressants.

•       Alcohol:

Excess utilization of alcohol can also reduce your sexual performance so it is a good idea to limit your alcohol intake.

•       Age:

You may feel loss of interest in sex as you get older. It is due to the falling sex hormone level or age related health disorders. Men usually experience low testosterone level as they get older. Estrogen in female begins to fall as they approach menopause.  

•        Hormonal Problems:

Some of the hormones such as thyroid hormone are also associated with reduced sexual performance. Low levels of thyroid hormone or high prolactin levels have a negative effect on your health.

•       Contraception:

Long term use of hormonal contraceptives also reduces sex drive. These contraceptives include vaginal ring, contraception patch, OCP and progesterone only pills.

•     Lack of sleep:

A good night sleep is necessary to keep your mind and body healthy. Lack of sleep increases cortisol level which decreases libido.