Libido , colloquially known as
sex drive, is a person's overall sexual drive or desire for
sexual activity. Sex drive is influenced by
biological,
psychological and social factors. Biologically, the
sex hormones and associated neurotransmitters that act upon the
nucleus accumbens (primarily
testosterone and
dopamine, respectively) regulate libido in men and women. Social factors, such as work and family, and internal psychological factors, like personality and stress, can affect libido. Sex drive can also be affected by medical conditions, medications, lifestyle and relationship issues, and age (e.g.,
puberty). A person who has extremely frequent or a suddenly increased sex drive may be experiencing
hypersexuality.
