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What is Libido?

Jacob Queen
Jacob Queen

In a general sense, the word libido is used to describe the basic desire for sex. The term was coined by psychiatrist Sigmund Freud. Originally, he used the word specifically to describe the sex drive, but eventually, he started using it to describe the overall human desire to create. He often compared it to the desire to destroy. This more wide-ranging definition is less commonly used, and when most people talk about libido, they are usually specifically talking about sex drive.

The sex drive has the evolutionary purpose of forcing a species to procreate. Nearly every complex animal has libido in some form or another. With humans, the sex drive is a year-round thing, while most other mammals have a seasonal sex drive. The human sex drive is also very mental and deeply tied to our cultural behavior. Many scientists think that the basic drive for sex is totally biological, but the specifics of what attracts people can be culturally influenced, especially at an early age.

Sigmund Freud, who coined the term "libido.".
Sigmund Freud, who coined the term "libido.".

Libido in both men and women is directly tied to testosterone. Men have about 40 times as much testosterone as women, and this is why men are generally thought to have a more intense sex drive and more aggressive behavior. This disparity in testosterone generally exists among other mammals as well, and most species show a bias towards more intense male aggression and sex drive compared to females. Lowered levels of testosterone can be the cause of a lowered sex drive in both men and women, and in some cases, testosterone therapy has been effective in dealing with lowered libido, especially for menopausal women.

Lowered libido is often caused by alcoholism.
Lowered libido is often caused by alcoholism.

As people age, their sex drive often lessens. Many people have looked for different therapeutic solutions to this problem. Certain enhancement drugs were developed for men, but there aren't as many medications available for women. Some people are hopeful that testosterone therapy may be a solution, but it is still being tested.

Age is the most common cause of lowered sex drive, but there are many other reasons. Sometimes, a lowered sex drive may be the result of an illness or drug abuse. Alcoholism is an especially common cause of lowered sex drive. For women, it is generally common for loss of sex drive to come from emotional problems. Females tend to be a bit more psychologically driven in terms of sex, while males are often more driven by visual impulses.

Discussion Comments

ShadowGenius

Jung saw libido as not merely sexual. It comes from the Latin word for "desire," which is actually a cognate of the word "love." Loving something does not always mean sex, it can be a deep desire to create and enjoy things. Sex is a clear example of this, but it also has other analogous aspects in all of life and spirituality.

SilentBlue

@Proxy414

This is true, but I think it can rightly be said that unity in diversity is the best procreator. New life is made when two different people come together, and there are clear and wonderful differences between these two people. Difference should never been seen as meaning inequality.

Proxy414

There are clear distinctions between men and women, nevertheless, there are deep similarities in the way we are driven and behave. Sex is appealing to both men and women, and there is a drive to survive and thrive that is not limited to any gender.

FitzMaurice

Men seem to be driven by goals, which can relate intrinsically to sexual goals, while women can be driven by relationships. Women tend to be better at holding communities together, while men tend to fight and try to make a way for themselves. I find it interesting to note the differences in male and female behavior at parties. Men tend to like to stay in one place, or stake out their claims, while women can more easily move around and enjoy everyone's company.

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    • Sigmund Freud, who coined the term "libido.".
      Sigmund Freud, who coined the term "libido.".
    • Lowered libido is often caused by alcoholism.
      By: kmiragaya
      Lowered libido is often caused by alcoholism.
    • As people age, their sex drive often lessens.
      By: andreusK
      As people age, their sex drive often lessens.
    • Libido is a term for the basic human drive for sex.
      By: JackF
      Libido is a term for the basic human drive for sex.
    • Age is the most common cause of lowered libido.
      By: forestpath
      Age is the most common cause of lowered libido.
    • Naturally found in the body, testosterone in men is mainly produced in the testicles.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Naturally found in the body, testosterone in men is mainly produced in the testicles.
    • Women suffering from an eating disorder may experience a low sex drive.
      By: Sylvie Bouchard
      Women suffering from an eating disorder may experience a low sex drive.