SURPRISING REASONS WHY YOUR SEX DRIVE IS DOWN

Feeling out of the mood? Here are some of the culprits that could be putting a damper on your sex life.

It’s no secret that illness and stress are major roadblocks to an active sex drive. But not every libido killer is obvious—some you encounter every day and can bring your mojo to a screeching halt. Keep an eye out for these surprising causes for a low sex drive.

Fatigue can put your sex drive to sleep.

We’ve all sleepwalked the morning after a night out with friends, a big work deadline, or that time the kids just wouldn’t go to bed. But too many late nights and your body won’t the have energy to produce the hormones you need to maintain a lively sex drive.

Gaining weight can curb your sexual appetite.

This has nothing to do with your body size and physical fitness—plenty of people, regardless of size, have healthy sex drives. The problem is more mental than physical. For most people, gaining weight can be a serious ego blow; and it’s difficult to enjoy sex when you don’t feel sexy.

A cluttered bedroom can make a mess of your libido.

Hear that? It’s all the “neat freaks” in the back saying “I told you so!” Because your stack of dirty laundry isn’t just piling up on your bedroom floor—it’s taking over your headspace. The clutter could distract you, taking your focus away from sex and reminding you of all the un-sexy items on your to-do list.

You could be drinking your sex drive away.

A glass of wine or a cocktail with dinner might help you relax, but too much alcohol has the potential to put the brakes on your mood. The brain plays a major role in desire and arousal, and even a drink or two too many can impair your sex drive.

Unresolved relationship issues can tank your desire.

Tension between you and your partner can manifest itself in the form of a lower sex drive. Anything from arguments over money or where to send the kids to school can put your libido on ice.

Lost your sex drive? Check the medicine cabinet.

Many common medications, including antihistamines, blood pressure medication, and antidepressants, can cause changes to your hormones or your brain that drain your libido. Ask your doctor if any medicine you take regularly can cause a decreased sex drive.

Avoid these sneaky libido killers, and you’ll have a good chance to keep your sex drive running hot. If you’ve tried everything and still find yourself less interested in sex, play it smart and consult your physician.