Libido is a term used to describe a person's overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity. It is mainly governed by activity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway (ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens), which is why dopamine and related oligoamines (mainly phenethylamine) play a fundamental role in regulating libido. Everyone's libido is different, as it can vary depending on preferences, life circumstances, medical conditions, hormone levels, medications, and lifestyle and relationship issues. A low libido means a decrease in sexual interest or desire, while a high libido indicates an increased interest in sex.
It can be helpful to think of libido as an accelerator and brakes system, with the accelerator being your sexual arousal system (what turns you on) and the brakes being two factors that discourage you. The term libido was originally coined by Sigmund Freud to refer to all psychic energy, not just sexual energy. However, as Freud's ideas developed, he began to see libido as more than just sexual urges and more as a general life instinct that also encompasses survival instincts and other motivations. One study found that some women's libidos may decrease depending on their satisfaction with the relationship.
In some cases, therapy can be used to combat stress, which in turn can combat low libido or erectile dysfunction in men. Men's libido is usually higher in the morning when testosterone levels are higher, which is why men often wake up with an erection. There are many factors that can affect libido, including physical, psychological, external factors, lifestyle choices, and hormonal contraceptives. Women who take hormonal contraceptives are unlikely to experience the same hormonal fluctuations in their libido as the synthetic hormones in contraceptives work to prevent ovulation.
In addition to biological influences, there are several other factors that may play a role in libido such as psychological and social factors. Stress, anxiety, or mental health problems can also decrease sexual desire. It's common to lose interest in sexual activity from time to time, and levels of libido can vary throughout life.
