What is libido? For a clear definition of its factors and its decline

Whether we're talking about its decline or its boost, libido is the common thread of your sexuality . We question it, judge it, compare it without really being able to define it.

Understanding the complex workings of your desire and putting an end to the stereotypes associated with a decrease in libido: this is a key step towards a joyful and fulfilling sex life.

A definition of libido

When you open a dictionary to look up a definition of libido, you inevitably come across a reference to our old friend Freud (sarcasm). There's really no way around it, since it was he who adopted the Latin term from philosophy to designate the sexual drive in his psychoanalytic work.

Drive, energy, instinct are the expressions that come up to describe human sexual desire. 

Beyond the excitement itself, your sexual appetite also encompasses your fantasies , your search for a sexual partner, and your beliefs related to sexuality.

It is a complex entanglement governed by psychological and biological conditions, as well as hormones including testosterone, dopamine, and oxytocin.

When talking about a decrease in libido or even a lack of desire, we use the term libidown when we're cool and anaphrodisia when we want to shine in society.

Debunking the myth of constant libido

How many times have we heard that men always have a desire because it's in their nature? And how many times have we associated a decrease in libido with our worth as individuals?

According to a survey conducted by the Émancipées platform , 41% of the women surveyed are ashamed of their libido.

Because sex sells, being sexualized and always wanting it has become a requirement perpetuated by the media and advertising. Add to that pornography serving as a source of sex education, and we can say goodbye to a healthy relationship with fluctuations in libido.

A lack of desire amplifies the sexual charge : you need to have some to avoid being frigid, but not so much as to be slut-shamed . Thanks, but no thanks.

Just like your preferences, your sexual desire belongs entirely to you . It is unique and therefore has no use in being compared to that of others.

As we will discover in the next section, it is subject to a veritable mille-feuille of factors that intersect and interact with each other.

Furthermore, it's entirely possible to be asexual and experience little to no desire for someone you're attracted to. An asexual person doesn't see the point in having sex and can go their entire life without it without suffering. If this is a question you've ever asked yourself, we highly recommend this website. 

The various factors that influence desire

Primary or secondary anaphrodisia?

According to sexologists, lack of desire falls into two categories.

1. The first, primary anaphrodisia is more related to physiological, organic or psychological factors.

2. Conversely, a secondary lack of sexual interest is more often linked to causes related to the relational or life environment. For example, it could be a lack of communication with one's partner , the consequences of surgery, or the onset of organic disorders.

Let's look at the main factors that influence libido.

The menstrual cycle

Hormone production fluctuates during the different phases of the cycle . They influence our desire to procreate and therefore our sexual appetite.

Want to delve deeper into the subject? Perfect timing, we've written an article detailing the links between menstrual cycle and libido .

When discussing the role of hormones and desire, the drastic changes caused by menopause are often overlooked . At Puissante, we don't want to ignore this. Here's an article where we've chosen to delve deeper into the subject.

Mental health

Under the very broad umbrella of mental health, we group together moods, self-esteem, as well as more complex disorders.

The link between our thoughts and our desire is too often minimized, reducing sexual appetite to a mystical and mechanical alchemy.

We've already discussed the effects of stress on libido . They are similar to those observed when a mental illness causes a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Treatments and medications

A sudden drop in your libido can be caused by the introduction of new treatments.

Antidepressants and certain contraceptive pills are known to significantly alter the level of desire.

These treatments regulate hormones by decreasing dopamine and serotonin levels… Result: you have less desire for sexual intercourse.

The couple's environment

Whatever the form of your couple or the nature of your relationship, the quality of communication and trust with your partner influences your desire .

Poor communication, differing expectations, or the pressure of marital duty can cause friction in a relationship and impact your self-esteem.

Cultivating an environment of trust and sincere communication between partners is a first step to boosting your libido .

The list of factors that impact our desire is long; we've taken a look at the most common reasons for a decreased libido. The multiple components of your libido—whether biological, neuroendocrine, or psycho-affective—highlight the complexity and unique nature of your desire.

We're counting on you to rediscover your body and your desires.