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All right, I've officially hit a low point (I think) when asking random strangers to hack my libido (NOT LITERALLY!!).

Since eating ancestral, I've had amazing benefits come forth, and while I'm still working on digestive issues (which I'm becoming more positive I can fix now--credit to so many other wonderful people on here!) one of the side effects I've noticed is a rather non-existent sex drive. People mention hypothyroid, but I literally just had a thyroid panel 3 weeks ago, and everything was smack dab in the middle, so I'm positive it's not that.

It's not that I cannot perform; I simply have no interest in it. It seems like I've become preoccupied with everything else in life, and sex just doesn't seem matter at all anymore. While I'm glad it does not dominate my life as it does some of my friends (men AND women included), it's rather disappointing to not desire companionship at this point.

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How long have you been eating ancestral, and how long have you felt like your libido is lower than you feel is normal for you? – Varelse Jul 9 at 4:18
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i've noticed in this website that many people seem to encounter libido issues when going low carb. Is this the case for you? – Sunshine Jul 9 at 4:36
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i think a medium potato has about 30grams of carbs. so...90 grams. i think that's pretty low. I would aim for about 250 grams and try to get it in different forms, meaning fruits and starches. good luck :-) – Sunshine Jul 9 at 4:55
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Depending on your fist size a sweet potato is probably closer to 200-300 calories so at least 50g of carbs each. That's if you're calling a medium sweet potato fist-sized. Maybe weigh them? If you do squash a lot that is significantly less calorically dense (about 250 calories for an entire acorn squash and <500 for an ENTIRE butternut squash). I'm interested in this question because I've noticed the same, and I do leangains so on training days I'm eating at least 300g of carbs, so I know in my case at least it's not LC. – Ingenol Jul 9 at 6:02
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I'm with Sunshine - a few more carbs may help you there. Depending on your size, you might not have to get up to 250g, but since it seems like it might be hard to get that high, go for it and see how far you can get! But... your problem sounds rather nice, compared with the frustration of the other side of the spectrum. ;) – Varelse Jul 9 at 6:25
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19 Answers

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As a wife on the other end of the issue, I agree with some of the above, more carbs might be a part of the issue. Low carb works much better for me than for my husband. But in addition to diet you might want to look at some other things too. After a year and a half of messing with the issue, we are finally getting some answers. Found out that he had a low free testosterone level and overall testosterone is within normal but isn't overly high. He's muscular, not fat, can grow a beard like crazy and doesn't (as far as I'm concerned) seem like that would ever be an issue. Initially he responded well to paleo, but then crashed. Did better after we upped the carbs, and it worked better to use a few gluten free foods that were not so paleoish. But after a couple months again of lack of desire, not even wanting to snuggle, not even being able to keep up with the kids (this is the 51 year old guy who could play on a soccer team against the schools team and did amazing as the oldest one out there) I dragged him to my doctor this time and we finally started to get to the bottom of things.

For work physicals he's consistently had a higher bilirubin level, so I've been doing a little research into the whole B12 thing, which can also be linked with gut problems and malabsorbtion. Just started looking into a book "Could it be B12?" Anyway, still learning. But that's our story.

I think it's possible for a time to channel some of your energy into other areas of your life and maybe not even think about sex, especially if you aren't in any kind of special relationship. Even then, usually you feel some sort of stirring toward sex. But things like thyroid, low testosterone, low B12 can have long term consequences and you want to guard your health for when you do need that energy for the right person. If it didn't bother you you wouldn't be asking for help, so don't mess with your health. There could be far more than diet going on.

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There's a few things that always skyrocket my libido.

The first, as many have said, is carbs...and salt. Make sure your salt is up. The second is working out, or some high intensity thing. I'm not sure if it's because I feel on top of the world after, or if it's the shot of testosterone received for the workout, but regardless, it helps.

If you're youngish and ate SAD at one point and had a libido then, and now you don't, then carbs and salt should do it.

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Just my personal experience - I have been LC for a few years and my libido is great, not that it was low before but my girlfriend has certainly noticed a positive difference. She keeps telling me that I am going through a second 'teenage hood' lol. I am pushing 50 and since going paleo women do seem to notice me more, a few months back two twenty-something girls chatted me up in the mall and just this weekend the girl at my local butcher made it very clear she was interested in me. Life is good.

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Is something effecting your testosterone?

Truth.

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Get your testosterone level checked. – uberbulldog Jul 9 at 14:54
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The fact you have Stephen Colbert as your icon makes me want to upvote everything you say...Gah! Get out of my mind! I'll check my testosterone here in a month or so when I can pay for the test cash (when my cholesterol registered "high" my insurance rose...goddamn CW). – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:21
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I appreciate everyone's responses! Thank you all so much for throwing in your two cents! Here's what I will say, as a general overall to some of the responses:

My B12 actually tested high (1094, I believe), so if low B12 causes problems, it's definitely not that.

My thyroid panel is smack dab in the middle as I said (so no thyroid issues)

My cholesterol was high (low triglycerides, though, and the LDL was Pattern A)

I've been working out 2 days a week--heavier weights, and sprinting/walking 3 days a week

My sleep is FUBAR'd to say the least. As I told Crowlover, sometimes I'm in bed by 9pm, other times I'm in bed by 6am.

Admittedly, I am stressed over various going-ons in life right now, and still somewhat fretful over my digestive issues (which I admit have gotten tremendously better, but I'm one of those people who sees "better" as "not perfect").

I can get testosterone levels checked, BUT I'd prefer not to have to pay for another test immediately. So, besides correcting sleep, lifting weights, and avoiding estrogenic foods are there any natural ways to increase testosterone--such as foods? I'd like to avoid adding more supplements in at the moment because of my digestion. Thanks so much, all!

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Sounds like too low Cholesterol is not an issue. I would recommend you NOT take oral Dhea as it easily converts to estrogen but sub-lingual or cream (would likely need an RX) might be helpful.. not sure but many do take it for increasing Testosterone. Metatetrix makes a sub-lingual spray. – Crowlover Jul 10 at 22:44
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CARBS and SLEEP

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OKAY and THANKS! Haha...sorry! Thank you for the comment though, :). – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:19
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Take a week off of training and focus on mobility and ART (Active Release Techniques) Eat seafood. Laugh and enjoy quality time with your significant other (truly focus on the relationship. Sex will fall into place when time is right.) Get a good nights rest. Don't be shy on saturated fats and cholesterol (coconut, Kerrygold butter, grass-fed red meats, eggs, fish oil unless you're eating good fish, etc) Meditate and ensure all major stress is out of your life (a little is okay, but chronic isn't.)

The above things fixed me right up in no time. Now, I want to hump inanimate objects at work (eh hem...)

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Perhaps you are just "hot" for Paleo, at the moment. I know when I get really engrossed in something, a novel, or painting, or studies, sex is the last thing on my mind, and can be an annoyance. I can actually achieve a mind-orgasm over an amazing archeological finding, for example. I don' think you're as much of a dork as I am, but, well, sex does start in the mind- mental perceptions of pleasure and desire.

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I'm a physics nerd... imagine how I feel with all the Higgsteria going on ;) – Varelse Jul 10 at 2:24
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That's one sexy Boson! – Lyndsay Jul 10 at 4:11
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The God particle. Shortly to be followed by the Jesus gene, and let's face it--saturated fat, red meat, and cholesterol are already called The Devil... – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:15
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Lyndsay: It's possible. I'm a very focused person when I feel passionate about something/someone...which sounds kind of creepy I guess, but I simply mean to say that I always like to put my all into something--man...this is all coming out wrong, haha...I'M A FOCUSED PERSON! – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:23
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And Lyndsay, one last thing. I write comic books...checkmate. – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:24
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Well this is not really an answer but since so many others commented rather than answered Im gonna go out on a limb here.... I want to make sure I understand you as your comment at the end about not desiring companionship, threw me.

By No interest and No libido you mean that absolutely literally right?
In other words besides no interest in sex with a/your partner, you also are not interesting in masturbation?

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Yep, bingo (or  Yahtzee, if you prefer). I stopped self-fulfillment completely a couple of months ago. It became a chore, and the thing is I've never been into porn, so I can't really blame it on the burnout theory. – Rigton Jul 9 at 8:12
Ok thanks.. Yep true "loss of libido" I agree that you should get your testosterone levels checked and also make sure your cholesterol is not too low. Is there anything you are taking that could lower your testosterone? DHEA for example can turn into estrogen.... – Crowlover Jul 9 at 20:35
Sigh, at first my response would have been "no", but after doing some research, and remembering things, I was on licorice and wild yam for digestive issues for several months (both of which raise estrogen levels). To be fair though, I have stopped those awhile back, so I would have thought my levels would have started rising. Any ways to naturally raise testosterone levels (I'm trying to avoid supplements for right now because of my sensitive digestion). Isn't liver a couple of times a week supposed to raise testosterone? – Rigton Jul 9 at 20:46
Also, again to be fair to my herbalist, my sleep has been terribly inconsistent these past few months. Some nights I'll be in bed by 9pm, others at 6am. – Rigton Jul 9 at 20:47
Get your testosterone levels checked!!! – Crowlover Jul 10 at 1:36
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Everyone's aiming for Carbs- I want to know how much fat and protein you're getting. Both are needed to produce regular levels of testostorone in your body. I would keep LC if you're still looking to lose weight. You can't be a fat burner/ketogetic with more than 50grams of sugar per day let alone 250grams. Look for MDA's.

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1 tbsp of coconut oil per meal (roughly 4-6 times a day), plus fatty cuts of meat. I could plug it in to fitday...or whatever program you could recommend. And...MDA? I'm not looking to lose weight, by the way. I'm pretty happy with my weight--in fact, I'm trying to pack on more muscle now that I'm feeling better. – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:17
Sorry - Mark's Daily Apple. One of the biggest paleo sites online. I was typing on my phone and I guess I accidentally truncated the message. – ecks Jul 11 at 2:22
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Overtraining can be a culprit here.

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2-3 days a week of weights, and walking for an hour 4 times a week. I don't think that's too much, do you? (That's not sarcasm, by the way--personal experience has taught me that is pretty moderate). – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:16
That seems right on to me. It's still pretty individual with weights. Do you periodize your weight training? I'm bad at it, but it will ensure you don't dig any holes with your lifting. – Allan Jul 31 at 14:07
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Stress hormones are the single biggest factor in lack of sex drive. There have been a lot of replies on here but this would be the first place I'd look.

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Definitely where I'll look first. At least, before I give the natural ways to increase testosterone awhile. Thanks! – Rigton Jul 10 at 3:50
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This won't fix you by any means.. But if you're a dude, try running your little guys under cold water. When I started taking cold showers, this was the first thing that I noticed.

Cold water + testicles = awesome jump in libido

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I'm sorry; I can't get past your name. This is all I can think of, and if you get the reference, you shall forever be my hero. fightersgeneration.com/characters/glacius-s.gif – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:13
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Stress makes a huge difference. Because I am a horrible and nerdy person I tracked sex for my partner and I over a year during which we made very few dietary changes and found that I could track when midterms, exams, moving house etc was by how much our sex frequency decreased. Stress can be life (those freaking exams, fighting, tired etc) or physical (sick, poor digestion, headache etc). By maximizing your overall health, you can reduce the physical stress that can really hit the libido. The life stuff though, can only be dealt with by either decreasing them (de-stressing your lifestyle) or learning techniques to manage them better. No matter how awesome your physical health is, it's good to keep in mind that life stress will continue to affect libido if it stays ignored!

There are, of course, other more specific things that other people have covered (heavy lifting, sprinting, decrease estrodials, check zinc levels, check thyroid), but I thought that the stress thing is something to keep in mind!

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Sooo...you hear the word "spread" and you immediately pull of Microsoft Excel and open a spreadsheet now? Hah! Joking! I know what you mean though about stress. I may have one or two signs of low testosterone, BUT I think stress is much more likely, and in a way stress or testosterone, testosterone or stress, doesn't matter, both cause each other. Thankfully, I got rid of my stressful ex a month or so ago. – Rigton Jul 10 at 3:49
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Hmmm...I've also noticed a decrease in thinkIng about sex or feeling the need for it...but I think it's more that I've become pickier about what I want in a partner. I think if I met the right man who turned me on, I'd have tons of libido! Is it possible that what you think of as libido lack might just be more self control & a desire for a partner that really turns you on instead Of just any ole available person?

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I'm definitely picky. Ask any of my friends. The irony is, while I want someone who I'm physically attracted to, it's the intellectual side of relationships that complicates things for me. I want someone intelligent, quick wit, the whole package, so to speak. That's a tough find, and at this point in my life, I'm not willing to settle for anything else. However, seeing everyone getting married or being carefree about the situation does make me feel isolated to a certain extent. Not enough to change. Just enough to feel isolated. – Rigton Jul 10 at 3:57
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I feel your pain, Rigton. It's a bitch being a nerd who likes brains and a foodie narcissist who can't settle for someone who doesn't adore themselves enough to do what they can to look good. – Varelse Jul 10 at 5:04
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I'm not sure how to comment under VB's posts but don't see how the hunter-gather comparison is valid. Do we know males were monogamous or did they have multiple partners. That alone can increase "interest" in sex. We also have many more things in our lives that can lower our libido. Modern stressors being the main culprit.

I know plenty of people that watch a lot of porn, make their own porn, and have way more sex than I do so I don't think your study is all that scientific either.

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I have, in all fairness, seen many relationships affected by it, however. The man/woman no longer has interest in sex with their partner because it's not what they consider normal anymore. That being said, what you state about monogamous ancestral relationships is most likely accurate. Males in most species are driven to "plant the seed" to dominate various groups, areas, tribes, ect. Hell, Genghis Khan still owns half the world be his libido alone! – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:12
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  1. Up your carbs
  2. NO PORN - it lowers your libido, it does not increase it
  3. Are you with the same girl? Coolage effect maybe? Spice up your relationship a bit. And I don't mean anything kinky - just go some place with her over the weekend. If you don't have a girl - find a good one.
  4. Good for you for stopping self-fulfillment.

EDITED:

Here are three links for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wSF82AwSDiU#! http://www.yourbrainonporn.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKDFsLi2oBk&feature=player_embedded

You are welcome!

(Lucky, don't watch!)

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The porn thing, I think lots of people (men and women) who are motivated by visual stimulation would disagree with you... – JeJ Jul 9 at 20:55
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They can disagree with me, but they cannot disagree with science. And, according to research, men who watch porn perform worse than those who do not due to reset dopamine levels. I know a great website that will teach you all about how bad porn is for you. Also there is an link on Melissa's blog about hunter-gatherer's sex life. They do not watch porn and can go up to 5 times per night in their forties. Just sharing my knowledge. – VB Jul 9 at 21:04
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Performance isn't the same as libido, at all. – Varelse Jul 9 at 21:05
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wha wha whaaa? (Channeling Kyle's Mom here) Orgasms beget orgasms. I vote for staying sexual while single. Let the happy chemicals flow and stay in touch with the erotic. Otherwise, isn't the OP just giving up? – syrahna Jul 10 at 2:02
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In other words, okay to play solitaire, so long as you realize poker is a much better game! – Rigton Jul 10 at 4:02
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I went paleo VLC first of the year. Plenty of red mean and fat. I noticed my desire, or rather, preoccupation with sex in my mind went way down. As opposed to before, I became more interested in thinking of other things, and I just didn't seem to want sex much. When I was away from my girlfriend during the week, I wouldn't care about sex at all. I'd masturbate maybe once a week (but that went down too). Yet, once with my girlfriend, I'd get aroused, and had no problem getting down to business.

It still bothers me that I dont seem to want sex, or care much about it, anymore. I'm single now, and I dont have any desire to go out and find another girl. I'm not hungry, as it were. Even once I have sex, it doesnt seem to thrill me like it used to.

That said, EVERYTHING ELSE is better. I am happier internally with my life. I feel better. I am stronger. Perhaps, when everything else sucks, we need sex to give us that good feeling that we are lacking in all other things. Once paleo makes so many aspects of life more interesting and feel so much better, we dont need that emotional/physical crutch anymore. So maybe thats a good thing.

Maybe that will make me be even more picky about a partner. For the first time in my adult life (37), I dont even want a girlfriend. Dont get me wrong, getting laid occasionally will still happen, and if I dont masturbate for long enough or have sex, something internally reminds me. Im just not preoccupied with it.

When SHE comes along and thrills me, Ill go after HER. Until we find each other, Ive got other shit to do.

Also, a clove of raw garlic a day in the blender raises my semen volume and sex drive every time. But, it also lowers alpha wave brain patterns, so thinking suffers. So I cycle it for a couple weeks, then go off it for a while.

For the last three weeks Ive been doing leangains. I eat 320g of carbs on workout days. Those carbs DID raise my libido and overall good feelings (VLC really got rid of my depressive lows, but killed my euphoric highs). I am still pretty even keeled emotionally now on paleo, as opposed to way up and down before, but with carbs I get a little more highs.

Hope this helps.

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