Our sex drive, known as libido, plays a major role in our habits, relationships, and of course, our sex life. This is true for both men and women. A decrease in this sexual desire is perfectly normal, common even, but you should not take it lightly.
Discovering a low libido can have a profound emotional effect on the subject and usually their partner as well. Self-doubt, relationship struggles, and depression can arise from low libido, but it doesn’t have to go that far.
There are many ways to treat your libido, which we will discuss throughout the article.
Common Causes of Low Libido
There are many potential causes of low libido, some of which are short-term and some of which are chronic and require treatment.
For example, high blood pressure or other issues with blood flow are potential causes of both low libido, specifically low male libido, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Other underlying medical conditions that may impact sex drive include osteoporosis or arthritis.
If you are experiencing mild to high pains in your joints and bones, this could decrease your desire to have sex since some pain levels may accompany sex. Diabetes, certain types of cancer, and heart disease are other conditions that can cause low libido.
On the other hand, low libido can also be caused by emotions and stress. Sometimes bringing back your sexual drive is as easy as taking a vacation or spicing up your sex life to take your mind off things.
This issue is just as serious as a physical condition since low libido can either be caused by or lead to mood issues like depression and anxiety. Treating the matter with care is essential since it will encourage full communication with a doctor and create a sense of safety, which will, in turn, provoke a recovery.
A lowering libido is natural as humans get older, but you should never be afraid to bring up any concerns to your doctor. Your health and comfort are of the utmost importance, and going to the doctor could help catch any underlying condition.
Hormone Therapy: Is It Worth It?
Sometimes a low libido is simply caused by an imbalance of hormones. There could be too much estrogen, too much testosterone, or difficulties producing both. But both the male and female bodies need these hormones for a healthy libido.
If it becomes clear that hormones are causing low libido, then you might assume that hormones would be the answer. Injections, medication, and various procedures do indeed exist–but they must be considered with caution.
Taking medication or injections without a doctor’s approval can be counterproductive and even dangerous. Bodies can change or cease to function properly after tipping the scales in the direction of one hormone.
Sometimes the hormone therapy can actually cause diseases, including cancer, rather than prevent them. Hormonal therapies have been successful for many.
For men, it is usually not complicated. Males are administered extra testosterone, to a degree depending on the individual’s needs. Afterward, recipients have noticed not only an increase in libido, but the boost in testosterone can also alleviate erectile dysfunction.
The female body is a bit more complex, however. Estrogen is highest in a healthy female body, and it is made up of four hormones: estrone, estradiol, estriol, and estetrol. The current target hormone is estradiol since affecting this hormone has reaped the greatest results.
Sometimes, however, in rare cases, a female might need more testosterone instead. As mentioned before, this can always come with risks since administering too much can affect both body and personality.
Solutions for Increasing Libido
Now that we’ve gotten the causes out of the way and discussed some of the more delicate solutions, here are some simple yet very effective methods for increasing your sex drive:
De-stress
As mentioned before, sometimes low libido is caused by elevated levels of stress. There could be a case of depression, doubt, guilt, or anxiety clouding the enjoyment of sex. The solution is to focus on those thoughts and feelings rather than the sex for a while. Take time to relax and find encouragement, and ideally, you can do these things with your partner, which will only increase your bond and desire for the other. Seeing a therapist can also be good in order to address any persisting issues.
Foreplay
Sometimes not enough foreplay and enjoyment is sewn into sexual activity, leading to vaginal dryness and a decrease in sexual satisfaction. Too much pressure can be put on the goal of an orgasm, and if an orgasm is never achieved, this could be a major contributor to stress associated with sex. Foreplay ensures that you take your time, get out of your own head, and simply enjoy the other’s company–and in its duration, there can be an increase in desire.
New thrills
It is possible and normal to become bored with sex, and this doesn’t have to be a buzzkill or embarrassing to either partner. Instead, this can be your sign to try new things. New positions, new methods, new locations, even new times of the day can surprise and excite nearly anyone.
On the other hand, if spontaneity has been your focus, then try sticking to a stricter schedule. You may be surprised to find that holding to a schedule can actually evoke a sense of intimacy and respect for your sex life and thus increase your desire for it.
Communication
You’ve heard it before, and it will always ring true: communication is key. Letting your partner know when something hurts or when something feels good helps the other learn preferences.
This, in turn, creates a deeper bond between both partners, clarifies each partner’s tastes, and builds a strong desire. And, of course, this level of open communication will contribute to a healthy overall relationship.
Exercise
Healthy lifestyle changes like getting more exercise can solve many problems, including low libido. Exercising ensures that your body is at its healthiest, and while a body is at its healthiest, it will feel the most comfortable during sex.
Exercise can help increase appetite and energy and dopamine and serotonin, so it’s no surprise that it also gets that blood pumping and desire building.
Habit Control
Addictions associated with drug abuse, alcoholism, smoking, or even pornography can contribute to a low sex drive. Addictions can occupy the mind as a priority, distracting an individual even in the middle of sex.
Not to mention, addictions such as these can hamper the body’s capabilities, causing pain or discomfort during sex, contributing to less libido.
Conclusion
A low sex drive is something that almost everyone experiences from time to time, and there are a variety of reasons you may be struggling with low libido.
Stress, lifestyle changes, and underlying health conditions can all contribute to low libido, and finding the cause is the first step towards rectifying the issue.
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Sources:
Increasing women's sexual desire: The comparative effectiveness of estrogens and androgens | NCBI
Testosterone Therapy Improves Erectile Function and Libido in Hypogonadal Men | NCBI
Loss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging? | Mayo Clinic
Low sex drive in women - Diagnosis and treatment | Mayo Clinic
