Loss of desire and loss of libido, sometimes called sex-drive, are sometimes considered to be two distinct conditions. Libido is the inborn ability to want sex, whilst desire is the ability to feel the appetite, hunger, or need for sex. Both can be affected by life changes, medical illness, ageing, hormones, stress and relationship upsets, or may occur as a result of other sexual problems, either in a man or in his partner.

In general, the level of sexual desire is fairly constant throughout the life cycle. If you have a low sexual desire, at times of illness or stress it is likely to be even lower. If you have a high sexual desire, then even when it is low for you, it may still be quite high.

Sexual desire is artificially higher during the early teenage years, and in the first 6 to 24 months of a new relationship. It is not realistic to expect your level of sexual desire to remain at those levels for ever, disappointing as that may be.

Sexual desire in men gradually decreases with aging, but can remain present and useful for as long as you live.