Sex drive may be genetic
It's probably one of the most common (and embarrassing) problems that my patients face: a slow sex drive. Oftentimes, their problem is being caused by some poor lifestyle choices or maybe an illness.
But, as it turns out, your libido's highs and lows could also be genetic.
In a recent study, researchers paid close attention to a certain gene-- called the DRD4 gene, and its effect on sexual desire. (The DRD4 gene produces a type of protein that serves as a receptor for dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a key role in your ability to experience pleasure.)
The researchers studied 148 young adults, using samples of their DNA and an anonymous online survey about their sexual attitudes and actions, asking them about how often they have sex, how many sexual fantasies they have, how often they become aroused, and how important their sex lives are to them.
Then, they compared their answers to their DNA samples, paying special attention to the DRD4 gene.
The researchers found that people with a different variation of that gene also had lower levels of sexual desire, while another variation was linked to a higher libido.
Of course, it's not so easy to find out what kind of gene you have. And the researchers haven't figured out why this gene had an impact, or what to do about it. But research like this does serve a pretty important purpose: the more you understand about how your libido works, the easier it may one day be to control it, or fix it when it's broken.
