It’s not uncommon for couples to experience differences in libido levels, with one partner often having a much lower sex drive than the other. This can lead to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction in the relationship if not addressed properly. For men who find themselves in this situation, finding a balance with their girlfriends or wives is essential for maintaining a healthy and happy partnership.
Your negative feelings or apathy may have more to do with the chase than sex itself. Expressing and meeting each other’s sexual needs can deepen your relationship and allow it to flourish. When you’re experiencing a desire discrepancy, it can bring feelings of anxiety, rejection, and frustration.
Communication is Key
One of the most important factors in striking a balance when you have a lower libido than your partner is open and honest communication. Talk to your girlfriend or wife about how you’re feeling and listen to her needs and desires as well. By discussing your concerns and working together to find a solution, you can strengthen your relationship and ensure that both partners feel heard and understood.
Explore Alternative Intimacy
Just because you may not be in the mood for sex as often as your partner doesn’t mean that you can’t still be intimate in other ways. Explore different forms of physical intimacy, such as cuddling, kissing, or giving each other massages. These acts can help maintain a sense of closeness and connection between you and your partner, even if sex isn’t on the table.
Seek Professional Help
Soy has also been claimed to lower libido in men by lowering testosterone. But at this time there are no conclusive interactions between soy and testosterone levels or libido. Many meds come with a handful of unwanted side effects, including a decreased sex drive.
Likewise, behavior involves the frequency of sexual acts. And finally, cognition has to do with how often you think about sex. In surveying the literature for this meta-analysis, Frankenbach and colleagues found two reasons why there have been so many contradictory results when comparing men’s and women’s sex drives.
If you’re struggling to find a balance in your relationship due to differences in libido levels, it may be helpful to seek out the guidance of a therapist or sex counselor. A professional can help you and your partner navigate these issues and provide valuable insights and strategies for improving your sexual compatibility.
They may request tests to rule out conditions that may affect libido. In a 2020 study on couples’ strategies for dealing with differences in sexual desire, masturbation is the most common strategy reported by participants. A 2015 study suggests that sex drive discrepancy negatively affects sexual and relational satisfaction.
It might even be a good idea to set aside certain times to be intimate. It seems like a simple question, but scientists still can’t agree on exactly what makes up sex drive or how to measure it in men or women. While hormones play a role, it’s not always clear how much of a difference they make.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can differences in libido levels cause problems in a relationship?
- How can I talk to my partner about my lower libido?
- What are some ways to maintain intimacy with a partner when you have a lower sex drive?
- Is it common for men to have a lower libido than their girlfriends or wives?
Overall, finding a balance in a relationship when you have a lower libido than your partner requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to work together to overcome any challenges that arise. By prioritizing open communication, exploring alternative forms of intimacy, and seeking professional help when needed, you can strengthen your bond with your partner and create a fulfilling and satisfying relationship for both parties.
