Where’d my libido go? Causes of low sex drive in women

“Fatigue, changes to your body and the stress of being a new parent may also cause a dip in your libido,” adds Dr. Whitehurst. “This is normal, especially for the first few months after giving birth.” As you age, your body makes less of key hormones. Even before you stop menstruating you may have symptoms from lower hormone levels — a phase called perimenopause. This phase can last anywhere from tadapox tablets 2 to 10 years, but around 4 years is more common. During perimenopause and menopause, you may have less desire for sex, or you may have trouble getting or staying aroused. Another common issue is vaginal dryness, which can lead to uncomfortable sex, or you may have trouble holding urine. “If you’re feeling pain during sex, or decreased sex drive is causing you concern, your doctor can help,” says Dr. Whitehurst. “Don’t be afraid to speak up. When you don’t feel good — whether because of untreated anxiety or depression, high stress, poor body image or low self-esteem — sex is likely the last thing on your mind. “And if you’re coping with stressors by smoking, drinking alcohol or using other substances, your physical health will also be worse as a result,” adds Dr. Whitehurst. If your mental health is taking a toll on your overall well-being, it’s time to talk to your doctor. “A therapist can help you manage any mental health conditions and teach you healthy ways to cope with stressors,” says Dr. Whitehurst. It’s not surprising that sexual trauma can impact your desire for sex. But studies are also finding women who had other kinds of childhood trauma tend to have less libido in later life, as well as other health issues. Trauma can include being physically or emotionally abused, witnessing violence or having significant instability when parents divorced or were incarcerated.

Natural supplements for libido to avoid

SSRIs work by raising the levels of serotonin in your body, making you feel more calm and less anxious. Other drugs that may cut your desire are some medications used to treat high blood pressure, seizures or cancer, or those that block the effects of testosterone. “There are other medications and physical factors, like an underlying medical condition, that may lower your sex drive,” adds Dr. Whitehurst. “Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can suggest new prescriptions or dosages and help you manage any medical conditions that may be impacting your well-being.” If you’re pregnant, just had a baby or are breastfeeding, your sexual desire may be low due to changing hormones. You didn’t choose to endure these events, but you can choose to seek therapy or other support options and build a healthier future. For many women, emotional closeness is essential for intimacy. So having problems with your partner could cause a lower-than-normal sex drive. A lack of connection, unresolved conflicts or trust issues are all good reasons to seek marriage counseling or couple’s therapy. With guidance, you can work together to resolve the issues — and focus on building your relationship back up. “Counseling can also be helpful to communicate and decrease stress if you or your partner have medical issues like fatigue, chronic pain or erectile dysfunction,” says Dr.

Whitehurst. When the problem is simply lack of time or effort, set aside time for connection and intimacy.

Is Reduced Libido a Matter of Concern?

Studies indicate that decreased sexual desire can negatively affect body image, self-confidence, self-worth, relationships, and overall quality of life. Low sexual desire has also been associated with psychological and emotional distress. While it’s normal to experience fluctuations in sex drive, a chronic or distressing lack of interest may be a sign of a hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), which is very treatable. A woman’s libido is complex, and the diagnosis of HSDD can stem from a variety of biological or psychosocial factors, including: Complicating matters, sexual desire differs for women compared to men. Interpersonal factors, such as relationship troubles or lack of emotional intimacy A history of trauma or negative emotions like shame, fear, or guilt related to sex Past experiences with disappointing or painful sex But it’s not merely a mental issue—decreased sex hormones due to menopause, fatigue, or illness can also take a toll.

You’re approaching or in menopause

Common medications, from antidepressants to antihistamines, and oral contraceptives to cholesterol meds, can reduce a woman’s sexual desire. There’s no “one size fits all” approach to sexual response. However, gaining a better understanding of female anatomy and orgasm can help you overcome feelings of being “abnormal.” You may experience a single intense orgasm during sex or sexual play, while another woman may have multiple orgasms that are less intense. Understanding adequate sexual stimulation—and the effects of age-related changes in sexual desire at various life stages—can unlock new opportunities to have a healthy sex life. At Virtua Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health, we collaborate with patients to address emotional factors in their relationships. It can go a long way toward spicing up your love life.

• Women may experience increased libido during ovulation.
• Libido varies widely among women and over time.
• Meditation and mindfulness can improve sexual desire.
• Safe sex practices contribute to a positive libido.
• Libido can be affected by relationship quality.
• Some women experience libido enhancement from acupuncture.
• Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to low libido.
• Obesity can impact hormone levels and desire.
• Libido is influenced by both physical and emotional health.
• Women’s libido can be improved through counseling.

No matter what’s causing your low sex drive, there are ways to improve it.

• Libido can fluctuate due to menstrual cycle phases.
• Certain medications might lower female sexual desire.
• Hormonal therapies can help restore libido in some women.
• Psychological factors like depression impact libido.
• Body image issues can decrease sexual desire.
• Herbal supplements such as ginseng may enhance libido.
• Physical intimacy fosters emotional and sexual connection.
• Sexual fantasies can be a natural part of desire.
• Lifestyle factors like smoking reduce libido.
• Chronic illnesses may negatively affect female libido.

Your primary care doctor or OB-GYN can help identify any physical factors that may be causing your low libido. Lifestyle changes, including healthy stress management, smoking cessation or decreased alcohol use.

Factors that can affect sex drive

No matter which treatment path you choose, you can experience tremendous relief in having a supportive space to express your concerns and make positive changes to your libido. We understand that sexual dysfunction influences both physical and emotional health and, fortunately, most cases are treatable. Our goal is to help you restore your sexual well-being, as this can profoundly improve your relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Schedule an appointment at Virtua Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health or call 856-247-7435. Discover expert insights, inspiring stories, health tips, and more by exploring the content below!

When to see a doctor

It’s normal to lose interest in sex from time to time, especially as you age. In fact, it may not be a big deal to you if you’re comfortable with it. But if a dip in your libido, also known as sex drive or desire for sex, is affecting your daily life — or causing a rift with a partner — know there are ways to get things going again. Everyone has a different level of sexual desire, but you’re the expert on your body. Don’t want to have sex as often as you once did Don’t think about sex or lack sexual fantasies Have trouble getting or staying aroused or having an orgasm If these changes are causing you stress or creating strain on your relationship with your partner, you’re not alone. Mindfulness techniques may also help you manage stress and stay in the moment. Medication changes, either by tweaking existing medications or prescribing new ones. Medication can also help you manage any underlying medical conditions, including symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.

Therapy — either as an individual or as a couple — so you can work toward healing and managing any personal or relationship issues that may be causing your low sex drive. “If your low libido is bothering you, it’s worth talking to your doctor about,” says Dr. Whitehurst. Find a gynecologist at Geisinger Severe periods?

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Psychotherapy or couples sex therapy can be beneficial to modify existing thoughts, behaviors, or emotions, or to improve communication between partners. We make it easy to talk about and learn how to add sexual aids or toys that may also improve your sex drive. Clitoral stimulators or vibrators can enhance your arousal, and topical feminine massage oil or compounds can increase blood flow and genital nerve sensitivity. Specific nutritional supplements, traditional or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or anti-anxiety medications like buspirone may help increase your sex drive. Additionally, two medications are available specifically for women with HSDD: Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide).

What can cause your libido to be low?

Systemic testosterone has also been shown to increase desire in women who are peri- and post-menopausal, though it's not FDA approved at this time. Sometimes, a medication you take for another condition can influence your libido. In that case, we'll consider replacing it with medications that don't affect it, if available. With so many life-changing treatment options to improve your sex drive, you shouldn't struggle in silence. A sexual dysfunction specialist can work with you to identify the root cause and develop a tailored treatment plan. It may be endometriosis What causes yeast infections?

How Accessible Primary Care Can Support Women’s Sexual Health

“Low sex drive in women is common and can be caused by many things,” explains Sabrina Whitehurst, MD, OB-GYN at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. The first step to improving your sexual health? If things are awry with your physical or emotional health, for example, your desire for sex is likely to take a hit. “Finding the root cause can lead to effective treatment — often, it’s as simple as changing a medication you’re taking,” says Dr. Whitehurst.

Symptoms of Low Libido

Here are some common causes for low libido in women: Most birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. If you’re taking a pill with both, it may lower your level of testosterone — the hormone that drives your sexual desire. Beyond the pill, hormones are also found in other kinds of birth control that could affect your sex drive, including Depo-Provera®, the vaginal ring, implants and some IUDs. Your doctor, primary care physician or OB-GYN may be able to adjust or change your birth control method or prescription to help you. Several medicines are known to decrease desire for sex, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Why do Older Women Have a Reduced Libido? Is Reduced Libido a Matter of Concern? Elderly women generally have a lower sexual desire or libido because of age-related physiological, psychological, and social transition. Although libido reduces gradually with age in both men and women, women are two to three times more susceptible to such decline.