Definition

Sex drive represents a basic motivation to pursue and initiate sexual activity and gratification and is tightly regulated by sex hormones—testosterone in men and both testosterone and estrogen in women. In other words, sex drive can be thought of as a person's general urge to have sex.

History and Modern Usage

Sex drive is thought to have evolved to ensure the survival of the species by motivating sexual behavior and hence reproduction. This is consistent with the fact that children who have not yet reached puberty, who have low levels of sex hormones and are incapable of reproduction, do not typically report strong urges for sex (although they are capable of sexual arousal). The importance of sex hormones (such as testosterone) to sex drive has been demonstrated ...

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