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Decreased Libido at Age 17

3/19/2025, 11:40:23 PMMale25-34

At the age of 17, I've noticed a considerable decline in my libido compared to what it used to be. This has persisted for several months, and it's been a long time since I experienced an erection beyond the typical morning occurrences. This situation has made me quite anxious since, from the ages of 7 to 16, I engaged in masturbation nearly every day and had sexual relations with my girlfriend on a daily basis when I was 15. However, this change came abruptly and seemingly out of nowhere. It's been two months since I've been intimate with my girlfriend due to some rough patches in our relationship. I feel as though my feelings may have changed, but the situation is complicated. Despite not being sexually active, I've also lost the urge to masturbate. Additionally, I've observed that my urine stream isn't as strong as before, and my erections lack the firmness they once had. Overall, my health seems stable. I do smoke cigarettes and consume cannabis daily, starting from the age of 15, but I haven't noticed any issues related to that until now. I researched how marijuana might influence sexual desire, but the changes I’ve encountered were sudden rather than gradual. I don’t experience any pain, though my eating habits have been poor over the past couple of years, mainly consisting of processed and greasy foods. If this were the cause of my issues, shouldn’t the changes have been more gradual? Thank you for your insights. As background information, I'm a 17-year-old male, standing at 5'9" and weighing 60 kg. I've made significant reductions in my weed consumption over the last two months, and I've been vaping and smoking nicotine since I was 14, although I'm also trying to cut back on that.

Low TestosteroneUrologyAndrology

Answers (1)

Cony

3/19/2025, 11:40:39 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning change in your libido and sexual function, which can understandably lead to anxiety. Multiple factors can contribute to these changes, particularly at your age, including psychological, lifestyle, and possibly hormonal influences. Let’s break this down into understandable parts.

Understanding Your Situation

  1. Psychological Factors: Changes in relationship dynamics, anxiety about performance or intimacy, and stress can significantly affect libido and sexual function. Since you're going through a rough patch in your relationship, it’s possible that emotional factors are at play.

  2. Lifestyle Choices: Smoking cigarettes and daily cannabis use can impact hormonal levels and blood circulation, both of which are vital for sexual health. Poor eating habits might also contribute to overall health and hormone regulation.

  3. Hormonal Changes: Though these symptoms may seem sudden, fluctuations in testosterone and other hormones are common in younger individuals and can affect libido and erection quality.

  4. Physical Factors: A decreased urine stream could suggest a urinary tract issue or something affecting your prostate, which may also influence sexual function.

Prioritized Next Steps

  1. Reflect on Relationship Dynamics: Consider your emotional connection and feeling towards your girlfriend. Addressing any stress or anxiety in this area may help improve your libido.

  2. Assess Lifestyle Changes:

    • Reduce Smoking and Cannabis Use: Gradually reducing or quitting these substances can have positive effects on your libido and overall health.
    • Improve Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This can positively impact your energy levels and hormonal health.
  3. Monitor Physical Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including your libido, erection quality, and urinary strength, over the next few weeks. Note any changes, whether positive or negative.

  4. Consider Stress Management Techniques: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, mindfulness, meditation, or talking to a trusted friend or family member about how you feel.

  5. Seek Professional Guidance (when appropriate): If your symptoms persist or worsen, considering a discussion with a healthcare professional might be valuable. They can offer tailored advice and check for any underlying health concerns.

Closing Thoughts

It's important to remember that fluctuations in libido and sexual health can be normal, especially during your teenage years. You're taking a positive step by seeking to understand this change. Make small, manageable adjustments, and give yourself some time to see how these impact your overall health and well-being. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.

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