You love your partner and have always looked forward to the times you’re able to express that love in a physical way. 

You and your partner have always had a healthy, fun, and perhaps experimental sex life. But lately, something just seems to be different or off with your sex drive. If you’re honest with yourself, you’re just…never in the mood anymore.

Sometimes, you can’t even think about having sex without getting stressed out or even annoyed.  Do you find yourself constantly asking, “Is it normal not to want sex?”

If so, read on to learn more about why this might be happening — and what you can do about it.

What Impacts Your Libido

First of all, let’s speak more generally about some of the most common factors that can impact your libido. 

Have you been drinking a bit more than you usually do? What about consistently putting off the gym — or spending way more time than you know is probably healthy working out? Have you been experimenting with street drugs?

Unfortunately, you may experience a lowered sex drive for no other reason than your age. What can be truly frustrating for many heterosexual couples is that men and women reach their sexual peaks — and valleys — at different ages. 

That’s why we so often see women in their 40’s with men in their 20’s — because they’re both at their sexual peak within those two age groups. 

Even chronic illness and poor health conditions like high cholesterol and blood pressure or type 2 diabetes can cause a lowered sex drive. 

These are perhaps some of the more obvious reasons why you’re not wanting sex. 

But let’s dig a bit deeper, and take a look at more gender-specific reasons why you’re asking yourself, “Is it normal to not want sex?”

A Low Libido in Men

For men, one of the most prominent causes of a sudden disinterest in sex is low levels of testosterone. 

This is the prominent male hormone responsible for, among many other things, sexual desire in men. Especially if this has persisted for a few months, see a doctor and have your testosterone levels checked. 

In men especially, conditions like Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) have also been shown to decrease sexual desire and even lead to a greater likelihood for erectile dysfunction. 

Low Sex Drive in Women

Women experiencing a low sex drive often have a difficult time understanding it, especially as there are fewer physical signs and consequences for women than for men. 

If you’ve recently had a baby, the hormone levels you had during pregnancy are trying to recalibrate. The same goes for where you are in your current menstrual cycle — which is why you can often feel like you have a high sex drive one week, and a nonexistent one the next. 

A lack of sleep is also a serious cause of lowered sex drive in women. 

Your Medications

Sometimes, the medications you’re taking may be what’s causing you to have no interest in sex at all. 

Especially if you’re on anti-depressants or other mood stabilizing medications, or even birth control pills, the changes in your hormone production levels can decrease your sex drive. 

In some cases, your libido may return with time. However, for many, the solution is switching medications, getting off them completely, or switching to a different prescription. 

In addition to a lowered sex drive, your medications may also impact your ability to reach orgasm, and impact your sexual performance (particularly in men.) Interestingly, some people taking medications — especially for mood and anxiety — report an increase in their sexual desire. 

This is because they no longer experience (or experience less of) the past anxiety and depression that lead to a disinterest in sex. 

The difficult truth is that it varies from person to person, so there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution or reaction to medication here. 

Ways to Boost Your Libido

While people not interested in sex is pretty commonplace, the good news is that, whether it’s you or your partner, there are a few things you can do about it. 

First of all, talk to your partner and have an open, honest conversation about what’s going on in your relationship. 

You may find that there are issues they want to discuss, or even insecurities they’re having about the way they look, that need to be addressed because they’re impacting your sex life. 

But if you feel happy in your relationship, there are other things you can try. First of all, read more here about trying out natural and safe libido boosters. Only buy these medications from trusted companies, or make your own. 

What are some natural aphrodisiacs? There’s much more to it than eating oysters. 

Try adding some maca powder into your oatmeal or favorite smoothies. You can also take yohimbine, reishi mushroom powder, and even snack on spicy Aztec chocolate. 

Make sure you speak with your doctor before you take any herbs or supplements, especially if you’re currently on medication. 

Is It Normal to Not Want Sex? In a Word, Yes

Whether it’s the medication you’re taking, some issues with your relationship, age, or even changing hormone levels, we know you want a quick solution to a lowered sex drive. 

But, is it normal to not want sex every once in a while? 

Absolutely! Sometimes, you’re just not into it, whether you had a stressful day at work, don’t feel well, or just want to be left alone to read your book. 

It’s when the issue becomes persistent that you should take action. 

Looking for more health and wellness advice? Want to know how you can spice up your relationship? Keep checking back with us to make sure you don’t miss anything.