Sex is not only a primal requirement for women but it is a bridge that joins a man and woman together. It plays a significant role in marriage and most people who go for counseling, have this one issue in common.
Loss In LibidoSexual desire or libido doesn’t remain the same throughout life, sometimes you can are ready to jump the bones, and at the others, you would rather read a book than have a sack session. Sexual desire in women is a complex process and is not as simple as in a man. The lack thereof is also due to a combination of myriad reasons.
Female Sexual Dysfunction
Female sexual dysfunction is a common malady and a below-par sexual experience can take its toll on other aspects of a woman’s daily life. Some common sexual problems faced by women are:
- Low libido
- Taking a much longer time to get aroused
- Not achieving orgasm
- Painful sex
Causes of Low Libido
The common causes of low sex drive are:
1. Physical Factors
Here are some of the commonly known external factors that can lead to low libido.
- Health issues like arthritis, cancer, diabetes, cardiac and neurological problems, and high blood pressure.
- Surgery in the genital area
- Medications like antidepressants and oral contraceptives.
- Pain during sex due to endometriosis, cystitis, vaginal dryness, or chronic pelvic pain.
2. Hormonal Factors
Other than physical factors, hormones can act as catalysts as well in this case. Here's how.
- Menopause
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding
3. Psychological Factors
Who thought, the psychological factor has a role to play here? It's true. Here are some of the factors known to affect your sex drive.
- Body image issues
- Mental health problems like stress, depression, and anxiety
- History of physical and sexual abuse
4. Emotional Factors
Emotions and sex undoubtedly go hand in hand. Here are the possible emotional factors behind low sex drive.
- Unresolved conflicts
- Lack of communication among partners
- Trust issues
5. Menopause Can Affect Sex Drive
With the onset of menarche during puberty, a girl turns into a woman, and not only her physical but emotional and psychological state becomes governed by hormones. The primary female hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and also testosterone in minute quantities. Hormones regulate reproduction, sexual desire, and much more.
Reduced levels of female hormones affect a woman’s sexuality. Menopause takes a heavy toll on women’s health like weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings are common symptoms.
Estrogen: It is the primary female hormone, and during perimenopause, the level of estrogen dips significantly, which leads to vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy which leads to pain during sex, mood swings, and body image issues. All these factors contribute to low sex drive.
Progesterone: The ebb in the levels of progesterone has an impact on a woman’s sexual health and desire.
Testosterone: Though it is a male hormone, it plays a significant role in a woman too. with menopause, there is a decline in testosterone which leads to the lowering of sexual arousal and libido.
Reduced Sex DriveTreatment for Reduced Sex Drive
Reduced sex drive can certainly be treated. Not to worry, so here are some of the popular ways to do it.
- Counseling by a sex therapist will help with techniques and couple’s exercises that can assist in improving your intimate relationship.
- Medications can certainly affect libido. Consult with your doctor, who can change the medication.
- Hormone therapy is one of the most popular treatment methods. Estrogen therapy helps in relieving the symptoms of menopause but increased use of estrogen can have potential risks like stroke, heart attack, and breast cancer. Doctors suggest estrogen topical creams. You can also lubricants for vaginal dryness. Testosterone therapy might also be suggested but it is still in its nascent stage.
- Certain lifestyle changes can also help in reviving libido like exercising which not only makes a woman feel fit but also leads to the release of endorphins which help in reducing stress. Also reducing alcohol consumption, smoking and drug abuse can help ignite your sexual fire.
- Change your sexual routine by trying different positions and new places, setting aside regular time for coitus, extending foreplay and fantasies, mutual masturbation, and also trying orgasmic meditation.
- Communicate with your partner, as he may feel alienated due to lack of intimacy. Share your doubts and problems and make him a part of your solution.
- Alternative medicines like ayurvedic and herbal treatment, have also proven to be beneficial for some women. It doesn’t have any side effects.
Sexual dissatisfaction can greatly impact a woman’s life as well as her relationship. Having spousal support is important during such times. We might not have control over our hormones but with certain lifestyle changes and alternative medications, things can get back to being steamy once more.
Also Read: Women Have Low Sex Drive?
