Even the most virile young bucks among us may not feel up to doing the deed from time to time, and that’s totally normal. It’s also normal to have a sex drive that’s higher or lower than your partner’s or to experience a lessening of sexual desire the longer you’ve been together. And let’s not forget: it’s normal for aging and sex drive to go hand in hand (or, rather, for drive to take a little dip over time).

What’s not normal is if your low sex drive has lasted for six months or longer and is causing personal distress or problems in your relationship. This is the criteria that doctors use for diagnosing a clinical dysfunction. In order to get a correct diagnosis, it’s important for your doctor to know if you’ve experienced this problem your whole life or if your loss of sexual desire has had an abrupt onset.

You might find yourself surprised at how many seemingly unrelated factors affect your desire (or lack thereof) to have sex. When it comes to libido, there can be situational, emotional, physical, and psychological factors at play. Everything from the medications you take to your religious upbringing can impact your sex drive.

So, what’s causing your low libido? Let’s dive in.

Let’s start with one of the more well-known causes of low libido in men: low testosterone. As men age, they experience decreased testosterone levels. Testosterone in men increases significantly during puberty but can start to dip as early as age 30. Normal testosterone levels can vary, but according to the American Urological Association (AUA), low testosterone, or “Low T,” occurs when levels of the hormone fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

As testosterone decreases, so does sexual desire. A simple blood test can show whether your testosterone levels are within a normal range. If they’re low, testosterone replacement therapy may help. This can be administered orally, intranasally, through injections, patches, or even as slow-release pellets implanted under the skin.

Hormonal imbalance in men doesn’t stop at testosterone. Elevated prolactin and estradiol levels or hypothyroidism can also affect sexual desire. Your doctor can determine if these hormone levels are out of whack and help you find a solution.

Low libido doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Many health issues can affect your sexual desire. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and even obesity can impact libido. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are also known culprits.

Speaking of mental health, stress and sexual desire are more connected than you might think. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can lower testosterone and, in turn, your sex drive. And let’s not forget depression and libido—it’s common for men experiencing depression to report lower sexual desire, making it a double whammy.

Luckily, lifestyle changes to improve libido can make a significant difference. Simple steps like getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and reducing stress can improve your overall health—and your sex life.

Some medications causing low libido include antidepressants (especially SSRIs), blood pressure medications, opioids, and even certain allergy medications. If you’ve noticed a drop in your sex drive after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor. There may be alternative options that won’t put your libido on ice.

It’s common for couples to have mismatched sexual desire. However, unresolved conflicts, lack of communication, or feeling disconnected from your partner can contribute to low libido. If relationship struggles are affecting your sex life, relationship counseling for low sex drive could help. A sex therapist or couples counselor can give you the tools to improve communication and intimacy.

Exercise and libido go hand in hand—physical activity boosts blood flow, increases energy levels, and can even improve body confidence. Diet and sexual health are also linked, as certain foods (like those rich in zinc and omega-3s) can support healthy testosterone levels. And don’t underestimate sleep and testosterone levels: poor sleep can lower testosterone, leading to decreased desire.

Looking for a natural pick-me-up? Natural aphrodisiacs like maca root, ginseng, and even dark chocolate have been linked to increased sexual desire. Incorporating these into your diet could give your libido a little nudge in the right direction.

Low libido isn’t something you just have to live with. If you’re struggling, make that doctor’s appointment today—you’ll be glad you did. And if you’re looking for a little extra boost, Popstar Volume + Taste Supplement is here to help.