A low sex drive might endanger your relationship, since it can make your partner feel rejected and unfulfilled, and it can also prevent you from finding a satisfying relationship. From hormonal changes to bad habits, there are many reasons why your sex drive is low.

Learn more about the common factors that affect your libido negatively and do something about it, since a low sex drive will also have unwanted consequences on your emotional well-being.

1. You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep

If you’re struggling with insomnia or you’re simply too busy to sleep as much as your body needs you to, your sex drive will suffer. You’re rarely horny when you’re tired, so it’s important to get enough rest. Remember that sex can actually help you relieve stress and get a good night’s sleep, so save some energy for it.

2. You’re Struggling with Body Image Issues

Few things have such a negative effect on your libido as body image issues. Not feeling sexy is one of the reasons why your sex drive is low. Everyone is insecure about their body since the media constantly pushes unattainable beauty ideals, but if you’re letting your sex life suffer because you don’t feel comfortable with your own body, it’s time to make some changes and get help.

3. You’re Not Getting What You Want

If your partner isn’t delivering in the bedroom, you’re less likely to initiate sex or enjoy it as much as you could. Improve your communication and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you need a sex toy in the mix, explain to your partner that he can give you orgasms with its help, it’s not the inanimate object that gets you off. You should not settle for sex that bores you or entails discomfort and pain.

4. You’re Not Coping Well with Stress

One of the reasons why your sex drive is low could be your poor stress management skills. Allowing your daily troubles to get to you is a surefire way of losing interest in sex. The more stress you feel, the more sex can help, so relax, get in the mood, and let a wild night make you forget about tomorrow.

Must-read: The Healthy Relationship Checklist

5. Medication Is Lowering Your Libido

There are plenty of treatments that contribute to a diminished sex drive, from hormonal birth control to antihistamines. Antidepressants can also take a huge toll on your sex life. Tell your doctor about these potential side-effects, and don’t forget to mention all over the counter medication and nutritional supplements you’re using, since they can also cause trouble.

6. You’re Too Sedentary

Even if you feel great about your body, a sedentary lifestyle can diminish your sex drive. If you’re overweight, you should consider a regular workout. Whether you lose weight or not, you’ll gain muscle mass and get in the mood a lot easier. Lack of exercise is one of the reasons why your sex drive is low, but you don’t have to get a gym membership to feel better. You should also reduce your sitting time, walk more, and stretch your muscles more often.

7. Medical Issues Are Getting in the Way

A lot of medical conditions can decrease your libido, from depression and diabetes to fibromyalgia, UTIs and yeast infections. Hypothyroidism is another sex drive killer, so you should make sure that your hormones are balanced if you’re experiencing a low libido and general fatigue.

8. Fertility Issues Are Ruining Sex

When you’re trying to have a baby and one of you is experiencing fertility problems, you sex life switches gears from pleasurable to goal-oriented. Infertility can be one of the reasons why your sex drive is low, because failed attempts to get pregnant will create a negative association with sex.

9. You’re Struggling with Emotional Issues

If things aren’t going great in your relationship on an emotional level, your sex life will also suffer. Focus on solving the other issues, perhaps with the help of counseling, and you may see your libido rise back.

See also: 10 Lies It's OK to Tell Him

10. You’ve Given Birth

Even after your OB/GYN gives you the go ahead for sex after birth, you might struggle to get your groove back. Breastfeeding can also contribute to the reasons why your sex drive is low, since your hormones aren’t quite back in balance.

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