Worried about not having sex

[Denvaux]

I'm over three years now since I found I am HIV+. My recent bloodwork has revealed my very best cd4 count ever above 400 and VL is about 19000. My doc recently asked if I would take part in a trial relating to a med that slows down immune defense activation - a placebo trial - I'm still thinking about it but worried about taking pills just now as I intend to travel and carrying medication could be a problem; also 48 weeks is a long time. Anyhow that's not actually why I'm posting; my issue right now is sex. I'm 42 years old and I have lost all interest in sex. This has been pretty much the case since I found I was positive but it's even moreso today. I'm not at all happy about this and hope the situation will change in the future. Does anyone have any advice or experience and can you tell me - will I mend?

[antibody]

well it doesn't state in your post but if you are male have your testosterone checked and maybe see a Doctor to see if you might be depressed. Low testosterone will affect your libido, it did with me. I also remember not thinking about sex too much when I was depressed.

[sensual1973]

to me it seem like depression related symptom,am not a doctor but i can still relate.most of the time when i get depressed about my hiv status i try to chat to someone whos hiv and share with,this helps alot as i dont feel am the only one in this boat,especially if i find someone whos poz for a longer time than me and doing very well.You can also try one on one therapy with a psychologist.

best of luck

[Miss Philicia]

Denvaux, are you masturbating and if so with what frequency?  Sorry to ask, but if so you can probably rule out libido issues of course, and then focus on depression.  And it's depression then, while medication may help (as long as it's not an anti-depressant that messes up libido) it's more important to engage in one-on-one therapy sessions to get at the root cause of this issue for you.

[ColtbearNJ]

Hello, Denvaux:

Since you're personally familiar with being clinically depressed (but fortunately, did not get that tone from your post), I'm certain you know that would affect your libido.  If in fact, you are not depressed, as a few others have already suggested, please have your testosterone level checked.  I (among many other men), happen to be one where the hiv virus wreaks havoc with my testosterone level, causing it to be VERY low, resulting in depression and virtually no sex drive whatsoever.  Fortunately, there are gels and foams and patches to easily remedy this situation that your doctor can prescribe if that turns out to be the case, and if so, you'll not only be on the mend, but should be back to your frisky self in no time.  Good luck!

Peace, health and blessings to all,
Steve

[MarcoPoz]

Hello, Denvaux.

There's so many things that intersect with our libido and the posts above are chock-full of good advice.  Sure, as we get older somethings aren't like they used to be, but sexual and sensual energy can be one of the true blessings we have too--it doesn't have to disappear.  Our emotional and mental health play just as an important role as our physical health when it comes to this and living with HIV and ALL we go through--we get a hefty load of 'stuff' that can impact this area of our life.

Hang in there--try to treat yourself with kindness.