Low Libido in a Challenging Economy?

A frequent concern among those seeking guidance from me as a sex coach is a diminished sex drive. My training prepared me for this, covering various factors that can lead to periods of reduced sexual interest: hormonal fluctuations, difficulties in communicating sexual needs with a partner, insufficient knowledge about sexual pleasure, and the impact of medications or medical conditions on sexual well-being. However, I was surprised by the number of individuals reporting low libido without any apparent common cause.

After nearly a decade in practice, I’ve learned that our sexual lives are not solely influenced by personal experiences or relationships. They can also be affected by feelings of uncertainty or danger in the world around us.

There is a . While striving for a fulfilling sex life is valuable, acknowledging and accepting that current circumstances may not be conducive to it is also important. Abstaining from sex when the world feels overwhelming can be a valid choice.

If you’ve noticed a recent decline in your interest in sex or find yourself not thinking about it at all, you’re not alone. Many of my clients have observed a sudden drop in their libido without any immediately obvious explanation. The situation in my practice mirrors what I observed in 2017 and 2020: couples experiencing high stress levels due to socio-political unrest and insecurity are engaging in sex less often.

Some clients don’t perceive their stress levels as particularly high, yet they describe the daily challenges of navigating work, home, and family life. They often express concerns about climate change, political instability, and financial pressures. They may be unaware of their actual stress levels, as we tend to adapt to increasingly higher levels over time. Moreover, persistent, low-grade stress (such as financial insecurity, fear of job losses, inflation, or geopolitical instability) is . These realities have significantly affected my clients’ ability to feel sexually connected, and these factors are widespread.

From 2017 to 2020, I worked with clients grappling with the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. Many survivors of sexual assault, coercion, or abuse were sharing their experiences with their partners for the first time or were retraumatized by the constant stream of stories. They required space within their relationships to process these events, sometimes knowing that their male partner had voted for President Donald Trump, who at the time faced sexual assault allegations and now has been of this crime.

Amidst this political turmoil came the COVID-19 pandemic. While the nationwide preventative measures implemented in March 2020 led to a as couples spent more time together at home, it also brought stress for many dealing with illness, loss, childcare, and homeschooling, not to mention the monotony of daily life. Throughout the pandemic, I witnessed many couples struggling to adapt to their “new normal” and find intimacy amidst the drudgery. It was challenging, and some persevered as vaccines became available and people regained more freedom of movement.

Then, in 2022, came the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson. This assault on reproductive freedom, with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, left many without adequate access to pregnancy prevention or proper medical care in the event of an abortion. Consequently, we’ve seen a decrease in sexual frequency among singles under 50. According to a June 2024 , over 1 in 10 singles reported having less sex as a direct result of this consequential ruling. The stress stemming from the fear of pregnancy is enough for many to reconsider the risks associated with having sex.

Now, with discussions of a potential recession during Trump’s second term, many Americans feel increasingly insecure about the future, also reeling from the daily impact of government layoffs and mass deportations, among other issues.

The impact of politics, economics, and access to healthcare on our sexual lives extends beyond adults. Gen Z is than previous generations, and despite having greater earning potential than Millennials, the majority are living paycheck to paycheck. There has been discussion about why Gen Z might be hesitant to given the massive climate crisis and poor housing prospects, and there have also been studies showing that younger people are experiencing —or a reduced ability to experience pleasure. All of this could be diminishing their desire for partnered sex.

We have been navigating largely unprecedented times with little respite. While we can find moments of joy, celebration, and deep connection with our partners, feeling sexy in the current economic climate can be challenging.

We often take our sexual desire for granted, failing to recognize its connection to factors beyond our control. Some may feel inspired to have sex *in spite* of current challenges, resisting the impact of modern stressors on their sexual pleasure. This can be a great source of stress relief! Others may feel guilt or shame for no longer feeling “in the mood.”

Of course, there is a future where circumstances may improve, allowing sexual desire to flourish. Until then, it’s acceptable to abstain from sex if desire feels unattainable.