Libido /lɨˈbiːdoʊ/, and colloquially sex drive, is a person's overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity. Sex drive is determined by biological, psychological,
and social factors. Biologically, levels of hormones such as
testosterone are believed to affect sex drive; social factors, such as
work and family, also have an impact; as do internal psychological
factors, like personality and stress. Sex drive may be affected by
medical conditions, medications, lifestyle and relationship issues. A
person who has extremely frequent or a suddenly increased sex drive may
be experiencing hypersexuality, or puberty
in which the body builds up chemicals and causes a higher sex drive.
However, there is no universally agreed measure of what is a healthy
level for sex. Asexual people may lack any sexual desires.
A person may have a desire for sex, but not have the opportunity to
act on that desire, or may on personal, moral or religious reasons
refrain from acting on the urge. Psychologically, a person's urge can be
repressed or sublimated.
On the other hand, a person can engage in sexual activity without an
actual desire for it. Multiple factors affect human sex drive, including
stress, illness, pregnancy, and others.[1]
Sexual desires are often an important factor in the formation and maintenance of intimate relationships
in both men and women, and a lack or loss of sexual desire can
adversely affect relationships. Changes in the sexual desires of either
partner in a sexual relationship, if sustained and unresolved, may cause
problems in the relationship. The infidelity
of a partner may be an indication that a partner's changing sexual
desires can no longer be satisfied within the current relationship.
Problems can arise from disparity of sexual desires between partners, or
poor communication between partners of sexual needs and preferences.[2]
