Have you recently felt a drop in your sexual powers? Are you not performing the way you used to? Have your relationships started feeling the brunt of your disinterest in sex? You will be surprised to know that reduced sexual desire is an indicator that you may be suffering from a disease that is screaming out to you to get yourself tested and cured. Hence, if you recently had instances of reduced sexual urges or no sexual urges at all, then it’s time to look inside. The actual root of the issue may be far beyond than what it appears to be. Many diseases, both lifestyle and chronic, can reduce your sexual abilities.
Diseases that can lead to reduced or no sex
Many chronic illnesses reduce the libido of an individual. Also, most lifestyle diseases reduce the urge to have sex in many. Listed below are few such diseases:
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Other hormone imbalances
- Hypertension / high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Vascular disease
- Neurological disorders
- Kidney disease
- Liver disorder
- High Cholesterol
- Alcoholism
- Gynaecological problems in women
- Prostate disease in men
- Medications that decrease sex drive
So, now if you have not been yourself in the bed for some time now, get up and get yourself checked for any of the above medical conditions before the situation complicates further. Sexual health is rarely spoken about when a person is ill. All the attention is centered on his/her recovery from a given disease and his reduced sexual stamina stays ignored. Mostly when a person goes to the doctor to discuss health, he complains of all the medical conditions or all the symptoms but seldom sexual desires are discussed. Though in most medical conditions, this is not the most important part of the diagnosis, but to keep the individual healthy emotionally; sex issues need to be discussed.
How and why sex life is affected by long-term illnesses?
The reduced sexual desire or abilities are due to the threefold impact of a disease, which can be broadly classified as Biological, Psychological and Social.
Biological Effect– The altered medical parameters in the body can affect the hormonal levels and blood supply to the genitals which can further reduce sexual desire or leave a person with no sexual desire at all.
Psychological Effect– Chronic illness alters relationship dynamics. The health status of the partner overshadows the sexual desire in relationships. Anxiety, stress, sadness and depression reduce and cease sexual activity in couples. Here, the role of the healthy partner is very important. In few medical conditions, like heart surgery etc. the healthy partner may have to ignore their sexual drives as advised by the doctor. Whereas, in other diseases, getting back to a normal sexual life can be attained with a little extra effort.
Social Effect– In a country like ours where sex is not given importance in a healthy state of life; thinking of sex during illness is considered a sin. Our society is not very accepting to the fact that those who are unwell will have a natural sexual feeling. Because of the fear of the society, sexual desires often go unexpressed.
What is important to bear in mind, is the fact that sexual desire is a natural phenomenon which is seen in those who have attained puberty. An illness can reduce its intensity but can never cease it totally.
What should one do?
If you have been suffering from any of above-mentioned diseases; you shall observe changes in your physical capabilities and sexual desires. The best way is come out of the cocoon and talk to your doctor about the same. Your doctor is the most dependable person to advise you any corrective measure and the future course of action. You can also try following steps for a healthy lovable relationship with your partner:
- Talk to your partner about your sexual desires. It will help you bond better.
- Take your time. Your partner understands that you have been ailing and will give you enough time to get aroused.
- Do not underestimate the power of foreplay. This will excite your partner and lubricate as well and make the intercourse easy.
- Take adequate rest before starting.
- Take a soothing relaxing shower.
- Look good and attractive. This will help you feel fresh.
- Do not rush doing the activity. It can lead an increased heart rate which may complicate your medical condition further.
- Feel free to talk to your doctor about any changes in your sexual desires, performance issues or anything else regarding your sex life.
Always remember, sex is an integral part of a healthy living adult. Those who are sexually active stay stress-free and have a better response to any treatment they are offered for the ongoing medical condition. Hence, stay healthy. Stay sexy!
