People around the world are having less sex. What's going on?

According to experts, this is linked to emotional tension in society, panic attacks, depression, and stress. Overeating is also to blame—people use food to cope with stress, which also negatively affects sexual function. While in 2023 the most common concerns were erections and contraception, men are now more concerned about low libido. Over the past year, there has been an increase in the number of women and couples seeking help because they’ve lost their “spark.” The most frequent visitors to sexologists turned out to be people aged 25 to 40, though the number of Gen Zers and older adults is growing rapidly.

Sexual activity is an important component of physical and mental health, but in recent years, men have been engaging in sexual activity less frequently. According to sexologists, a decreased libido has become one of the most common reasons for seeking professional help. What is behind this phenomenon, and how can it be addressed?

Why Do Men Lose Interest in Sex?

The decline in sexual activity worldwide can be attributed to several key factors.

Emotional tension and stress.
A constant feeling of anxiety, panic attacks, and fear of the future—all of these have a devastating effect on people’s mental well-being. Under conditions of chronic stress, the body has no energy left for reproduction: it switches to “survival” mode.

Depression and Burnout.
According to statistics, depression is becoming one of the most common mental health issues. This is especially true for men living abroad. Its symptoms, such as apathy and a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, inevitably affect libido.

Eating Habits and Overeating.
In an effort to cope with stress, many Russians have started to eat their way through negative emotions. Excessive consumption of fatty and carbohydrate-rich foods leads to weight gain and a deterioration in overall health, including hormonal balance and sexual function.

A Shift in Focus: What People Are Asking Sexologists Has Changed

In 2023, Russians were concerned about erectile dysfunction, contraception, and the technical aspects of their sex lives. Today, the main issue is low libido.
Sexologists note that they are increasingly being consulted by:

• Women who have experienced a loss of sexual desire.
• Couples whose relationships have lost their "spark."
• Young adults aged 25–40.

The increase in the number of inquiries among “Zoomers” (ages 18–25) deserves special attention. Despite their openness in discussing intimate topics, young people are increasingly facing problems in their sex lives. Surprisingly, the proportion of older adults seeking to improve their quality of life is also increasing among those who visit sexologists.

Low libido is an important signal

Low sexual desire isn't just a "whim"—it's a serious warning sign of physical and mental health issues. A lack of desire may be caused by:

• hormonal imbalances (such as low testosterone in men or low estrogen in women);
• chronic diseases;
• dissatisfaction with the relationship.

What should you do if your libido has disappeared?

1. Address the causes of stress.
   If emotional stress has become a part of your life, it’s important to learn how to cope with it. This isn’t just about seeing a therapist, but also about incorporating healthy habits into your daily life: meditation, physical activity, and avoiding information overload.
2. Revise your diet.
   A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals is an important factor in maintaining libido. For example, foods containing zinc (nuts, seafood) can boost testosterone levels.
3. Physical activity.
   Regular exercise stimulates the release of endorphins and helps balance hormone levels. And good muscle tone promotes better blood circulation, which improves sexual function.
4. Consulting a Specialist.
   If the problem persists, it’s a good idea to consult a sex therapist or an endocrinologist. Modern diagnostic and treatment methods can help restore harmony to your intimate life.
5. Working on relationships.
   A loss of desire in a relationship is often linked to a lack of emotional intimacy. Talking with your partner, trying new things, and sharing hobbies can help reignite the spark.

How can you avoid problems in the future?

Sexual health is directly linked to lifestyle and emotional well-being. To maintain a harmonious intimate life, it is important to:

• take care of your mental well-being;
• Don't ignore warning signs in a relationship;
• exercise and eat right.

Today’s realities dictate their own terms, but taking care of yourself and your health is the best investment in your quality of life. Men in every country need happiness, harmony, and love, and the path to achieving these begins with themselves.