The term libido defines sexual desire for the opposite sex. It is a complex set of physiological and psychological processes, the implementation of which is reflected in the relationship between the sexes. Violation or decline of libido in a man leads to a lack of desire for sexual intercourse with a woman, a lack of erection or orgasm. Therefore, the study of this indicator is an important component of a comprehensive diagnosis of sexual disorders in men. For men who have problems with erection, we recommend to pay attention to this indicator. Here you can find detailed information about generic Viagra.
A sharp weakening of libido is a worrying factor, especially at a young age.
Components and stages of libido formation
Since libido is a complex process, sexology conventionally allocates 3 functional components that take part in its formation:
- energy component – is purely congenital, it is determined at the genetic level, due to the functional activity of the inner secretion glands (synthesis of sex hormones in the adrenal glands and testicles), as well as some subcortical structures (hypothalamus, pituitary gland), a man in puberty (adolescence) has an unconscious attraction to the opposite sex;
- selective component – manifests itself at a more mature age of the man, in the formation of sexual desire takes part the cortex and consciousness, due to which the libido becomes more selective (attraction is influenced by the social environment in which the man, his upbringing in childhood);
- subspecies of the energy component – can be manifested periodically at any age, determined by changes in the functional activity of the male endocrine system glands and subcortical structures of the brain. The main feature of this component is a fairly rapid change in male libido severity within a short period of time (several weeks or months), while the energy and selective component of libido remain intact for decades.
The formation of libido in men begins with puberty and goes through 5 stages:
- The conceptual stage is the very first stage of libido formation, which consists in differentiating the sexes in the mind, but without emotional coloring;
- platonic (romantic) stage – emotions appear in relation to the opposite sex, but without a clear sexual desire and desire for physical intimacy;
- erotic stage – the desire for physical intimacy joins the emotional component, which is determined by an increase in the functional activity of the inner secretion glands and an increase in the level of sex hormones;
- sexual stage – lower order emotions in the cortex and subcortical structures of the brain are included (a variant of this stage is youthful hypersexuality);
- mature sexuality – characterized by the completion of male puberty, harmonious relationships between all components of libido, as well as gaining control over sexual urges and desires.
Knowledge of libido components and stages of its development helps the doctor to identify the causes of its possible violation, especially at the young age of the man.
Types of libido disorders
Changes in a man’s sex drive can be the result of organic or functional changes in various body systems (central nervous system, endocrine, urogenital system). In terms of severity and focus, several types of disorders are distinguished:
- decreased libido – hyperlipidemia or hypolibidinia;
- loss or lack of libido – alibiedema;
- sexual disgust is an aversion;
- lack of satisfaction from sex – sexual anhedonia;
- significant increase in libido – satiriasis (in women this disorder is called nymphomania).
Some libido disorders may pose a social hazard. First of all, this applies to various sexual perversions (pedophilia, exhibitionism). During the study of possible violations of sexual desire, general diagnostic criteria inherent to all types of libido changes must be taken into account:
- inability to establish sexual contact with the opposite sex if desired;
- the occurrence of libido impairment is quite frequent, but it may return to normal orientation and expression periodically;
- absence of organic pathology, which results in violation of functional activity of organs and systems involved in the formation of libido;
- the total duration of sexual desire dysfunction is at least six months.
Based on the criteria of libido dysfunction, a sexologist determines further therapeutic and diagnostic tactics.
Reduced or no sexual desire
Hypolybiademy or alibi academy meets several diagnostic criteria – no need to search for sexual stimuli, reduction of sexual fantasies, while men have no thoughts about the sexual side of life or they are not accompanied by subjective pleasant feelings. There is also a decrease in sexual activity towards the sexual partner or masturbation, and it does not correspond to the age of the man (with age there is a natural decrease in libido).
The causes of hypolibidemia or alibidemia may be organic or functional disorders of various organs and systems that participate in the formation of libido. During the diagnosis of such a disorder is necessary to determine the level of sex hormones in the blood.
Treatment tactics are determined depending on the diagnosed cause, it necessarily includes the implementation of recommendations for the normalization of work and rest, proper diet, the use of psychotherapy. If there is a concomitant organic pathology affecting the severity of libido, its treatment is mandatory (therapy of diabetes, thyroid disorders, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, obesity, metabolic syndrome).
Sexual disgust
Aversion occurs when there are several diagnostic criteria, namely, a pronounced aversion to sexual relations, forcing a man to avoid sexual activity. And this reaction is not connected with a feeling of fear and expectation of sexual failure. A severe form of aversion leads to a persistent aversion to sexual relations, as well as to any sexual contacts (coitofibia). In sexology and psychiatry, there are several most common causes of aversion:
- improper upbringing of the child, which later leads to a sense of disgust and disgust towards sex;
- psychological trauma suffered in the past – rape, incest;
- sexual pressure from the intimate partner, with unacceptable or impossible demands.
Treatment of sexual disgust includes a variety of psychotherapy techniques or psychological training.
Lack of satisfaction from sex
The presence of sexual anhedonia is determined by several diagnostic criteria, which necessarily include the presence of physiological reactions to sexual stimulation, but they do not cause pleasant experiences and feelings, and during sexual contact there are no feelings of anxiety and fear. This condition develops due to psychological disorders. Against the background of anhedonia, sexual energy may find its way into other activities (creativity, career development).
Increased sexual desire
Expression of sexual desire is a relative criterion. Thus, a significant increase in libido with the possibility of men also realized in other areas (career, social activity, creativity) is not considered pathological. A pathological increase in libido occurs when thoughts about sex have a dominant position (for a man, sex becomes a “super valuable idea” to the detriment of other spheres of activity), which, accordingly, is manifested by an increased number of sexual contacts.