Women’s Libido
Non-estrogen options, such as Intrarosa (prasterone) are also available.
Treat vaginal discomfort
For example, hypertension (high blood pressure) has been linked to decreased sex drive, but it’s hard to know if it’s due to the underlying disease or the medications people take to treat it, Dr. Clifford says. Diabetes, cancer, coronary artery disease, and neurological diseases are also linked to lower sex drive, per the Mayo Clinic. Anxiety and depression can make it difficult to get in the mood, and common medications for treating them—most notably, SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors— are also known for reducing sex drive. Having low self-confidence or just overall feeling negative about your body can cause your libido to plummet.
4. Work With a Therapist
Dr. Clifford notes that this can happen at any point throughout life, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. “Some women feel very sexual in pregnancy, but many do have a diminished libido not just because of hormonal changes but also body image issues,” she says. Breastfeeding can also affect how you feel about your body, turning your breasts from a source of pleasure into nourishment for your baby. Additionally, surgery on the breasts or genitals can also affect how you feel about your body and your desire for sex, according to Dr. The goal of hormone therapy for the vaginal symptoms of menopause is to decrease dryness and discomfort, making sex more comfortable. Topical testosterone, while not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat low libido in women, is sometimes prescribed off-label to postmenopausal women who are concerned about sex drive, per the Mayo Clinic.
- Low libido may be a symptom of underlying health issues.
- Regular intimacy fosters emotional bonds.
- Support groups can help address sexual concerns.
- Proper foreplay increases female arousal.
- Herbal teas like red clover may influence libido.
- Personal grooming can boost confidence and desire.
- Some women find that humor decreases sexual tensions.
- Age-related libido decline is natural but manageable.
- Anxiety or fear around sex diminishes desire.
- Education about sexuality can empower women.
Two medications are FDA-approved for treating low desire in premenopausal women, Dr.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 20 Pills | 71.14€ 67.75€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 60mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 196.67€ 187.30€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100 mg | 10 Sachets | 54.55€ 51.95€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 60 + 2 Pills | 146.74€ 139.75€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 330.21€ 314.49€ | |
| Cialis Original | 20mg | 64 + 4 Pills | 274.18€ 261.12€ | |
| Super Kamagra | 160 mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 342.71€ 326.39€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 60mg | 10 Pills | 41.22€ 39.26€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 311.78€ 296.93€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 90 + 2 Pills | 207.09€ 197.23€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100 mg | 84 + 4 Pills | 233.05€ 221.95€ | |
| Cialis Super Active | 20mg | 90 + 10 Pills | 314.14€ 299.18€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 10mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 62.39€ 59.42€ | |
| Priligy Generic Dapoxetine | 60mg | 30 + 6 Pills | 106.65€ 101.57€ |
Clifford says.
Can Menopause Cause Low Libido?
Clifford, including hormonal changes that cause dryness or health conditions like endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Sexual dysfunction and inability to orgasm can also make sexual activity less appealing to you, and therefore, you stop desiring it. If there’s relationship friction—maybe you and your partner have been fighting a lot, or you feel a lack of connection, distrust, or are having communication issues—chances are, you won’t feel the closeness that you need to want to be intimate, according to Dr. Clifford. Past sexual abuse or trauma from an intimate relationship can also deeply affect your trust and sexual desire in a new relationship, even if you do feel safe and cared for now, she adds.
Relationship issues
There are several formal medical terms for low libido: When it doesn’t cause you distress, it’s known as female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD); when lack of desire does cause emotional distress, it’s called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), per the National Library of Medicine. When you have a combination of the two, it's known as female sexual arousal/interest disorder (FSAID). A diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation by your OB/GYN, Dr. Chuang says. “This may include discussing medical history, conducting a physical examination, and assessing potential psychological factors.” Your provider may also order blood tests to check hormone levels or identify any underlying medical conditions that could affect your arousal. Addyi (flibanserin) is a once-daily pill, and Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is a shot that you give yourself before sexual activity. Both work to increase libido by altering certain chemical messengers in the brain. In clinical trials, these drugs have shown only modest improvements, and they both come with potential side effects, like upset stomach, drowsiness, tadalis 20 and fatigue.
What Is Low Libido in Women?
Clifford. Some medications are well known for affecting libido, including SSRIs for depression tadalista professional and anxiety. Others, like hypertension medication, hormonal birth control, anti-seizure meds, and opioids, have also been linked to changes in sex drive, though research is a bit mixed, Dr. Clifford says. Smoking cigarettes, drinking a lot of alcohol, and taking recreational drugs can all affect sexual arousal.
What can quickly increase libido?
Being sleep-deprived can make sexual activity feel like the last thing you want (or have the energy) to do. Similarly, stress can be an absolute mood killer. When you’ve got too much on your plate and mind, “by the time it’s bedtime, the last thing you want to do is have sex, and that’s normal,” Dr. Clifford says. Sex can be painful for multiple reasons, explains Dr. Still, they may be worth discussing with your doctor.
How Is Low Libido Diagnosed?
Clifford says. Working with a pro specializing in this type of therapy will help you learn to communicate better, feel more connected, and ultimately, improve intimacy. If your low libido is related to perimenopause, menopause or the vaginal dryness that can accompany these transitions, your doctor may prescribe a form of local estrogen, Dr. Clifford says. This could be a vaginal tablet, cream, or a ring that goes into the vagina and secretes the hormone. If you’re on a medication known to affect libido, or you suspect your med is having an impact, your doctor can help you find an alternative.
What a Primary Care Evaluation for Low Libido Looks Like
Per the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms may include: Lack of interest in sexual activity, including masturbation Lack of interest in sexual activity, including masturbation Difficulty getting aroused or experiencing pleasure during sexual activities Difficulty getting aroused or experiencing pleasure during sexual activities Sadness or concern about your lack of sexual desire Sadness or concern about your lack of sexual desire “Low libido can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health as it may lead to feelings of frustration, inadequacy, guilt, or shame,” Dr. Chuang adds. Multiple factors impact a woman’s sex drive. Physical health, mental well-being, hormonal fluctuations, relationship dynamics, life experiences, and stress levels can all affect whether or not someone is in the mood, Dr. Chuang says.
Does low libido always mean a hormone problem?
Some of the most common causes of low libido in women include: “Hormonal imbalances, such as decreased estrogen levels during perimenopause or menopause, and the changes that happen during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, can impact sexual desire,” says Dr. Chuang. Low estrogen can not only dampen desire, but it can also cause vaginal dryness, which leads to painful sex. And if sex no longer feels good, you’re naturally not going to want it. Plenty of chronic health conditions (physical and mental) can affect your libido, both directly and indirectly. For example, since dampened sex drive is a common side effect with SSRIs, your doctor may work with your psychiatrist to determine another way to treat your depression. Other types of antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion), Trintellix (vortioxetine), and Remeron (mirtazapine), tend to have less of an effect on libido.
| Supplement | Common Brand Names | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maca Root | Nature’s Way, Gaia Herbs | May improve energy and desire |
| Tribulus Terrestris | NOW, Solgar | Possible boost in sexual desire |
| L-arginine | Now L-Arginine, Natrol | Enhances blood flow |
| DHEA | DHEA by Source Naturals | Hormone precursor, consult doctor |
In fact, according to research on bupropion and sexual dysfunction in women published in Current Neuropharmacology, this medication may help improve libido in women with HSDD. Switching up your daily habits may be enough to improve your sex drive, per the Mayo Clinic.
- 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.
Exercise can improve your physical and mental health and body image and boost your mood and libido.
| Condition | Effect on Libido | Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Often causes decreased libido | Thyroid hormone therapy |
| Diabetes | Can impair sexual function | Blood sugar control |
| Depression | Frequently reduces desire | Antidepressants, therapy |
| Pelvic Pain | Deters sexual activity | Medical or physical therapy |
Stress management techniques, like meditation, yoga, listening to music, and getting more sleep, can reduce the weight on your shoulders and help you feel more in the mood.
Need help finding a certified menopause practitioner?
Clifford says. First off, therapy can help normalize low libido, easing any guilt or shame you may feel about it, she says. If your low libido has a psychological or emotional basis, therapy can help you figure out the root cause and also work through any mental health issues impacting your sex drive, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or a history of abuse. You may also benefit from couples therapy, or more specifically, sex therapy. “There are sex therapists that do wonders for couples,” Dr. Mixing up your sex routine—trying new positions, asking for more foreplay, adding lubricants, and even just talking openly about sex with your partner—may also help. Since smoking cigarettes, using drugs, and drinking too much alcohol can dampen your sex drive, quitting those things may make a difference in your level of desire (and boost your health to boot), according to the Cleveland Clinic. Low libido is way more common—and treatable—than you might think. If your lack of desire is bringing you down or causing tension in your relationship, talk with your doctor. Your ob/gyn is a good place to start.
- Hormonal replacement therapy can be considered for low libido.
- Female arousal disorder impacts sexual desire.
- Social support enhances mental health and libido.
- Women’s libido can fluctuate throughout life.
- Sexual fantasies can increase desire and arousal.
- Hormonal fluctuations during illness impact libido.
- A positive attitude towards sexuality is beneficial.
- Artificial hormones or pills should be used cautiously.
- Listening to your body can guide your sexual health.
- Laughter and joy are linked to heightened desire.
They can help you address any underlying issues, recommend lifestyle changes, and explore other treatment options, like medications and therapy, referring you to other practitioners as needed. While many things can lower your libido, that means there’s a lot you can do to boost it, reconnect with your sexual side, and feel the heat again. A chronic low sex drive is a sign of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Discover what causes low libido and how expert help can transform your sex life. By Elizabeth Kusturiss, MSN, CRNP, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Virtua Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health From movie scenes to song lyrics to advertising, we’re inundated with images of couples who seem eager for sex, anytime, anywhere. This is one of the biggest myths in our society—that a consistently strong sexual desire is the norm in a loving relationship.
| Hormone | Function | Effect on Libido |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen | Regulates menstrual cycle, arousal | Maintains vaginal tissue, mood |
| Testosterone | Contributes to sexual desire | Higher levels can enhance libido |
| Progesterone | Supports pregnancy, can dampen libido | Varies during cycle |
| Oxytocin | “Love hormone,” enhances bonding | Elevates arousal or intimacy |
It can lead people to believe there’s something wrong with them if they’re not interested in sex. The truth is that decreased sexual desire, or low libido, is much more common than society suggests. Most women experience lower desire at some point in their lives, but due to embarrassment, many avoid discussing it with a healthcare professional.
Progesterone and Estrogen
The best fix for low libido will depend on the cause. Depending on why your sex drive has tanked, the following treatments may be beneficial. Keep in mind that several factors may contribute to your flattened desire, so you may need to try a combination of treatments to feel a notable difference, according to Dr. Clifford. Working with a mental health professional can be extremely valuable for improving desire, Dr.
