Low libido, or decreased sexual desire, is a common sexual problem among women. The libido may increase or decrease several times throughout a women’s life.
These changes in libido may coincide with several events, such as a new relationship or Menopause, in a woman’s life.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide a deeper understanding of the causes and treatment for low libido in women.
Understanding low libido
Low libido or low sex drive is a decrease in sexual desire. It is very common for women to experience changes in their sex drive.
These changes in libido may coincide with the beginning or end of a relationship, Menopause, or an illness.
Changes in sex drive may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause of such changes.
The medical term for low libido is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). In such cases, a person may have little to no desire to participate in sexual activity.
You may need to see a doctor when it causes relationship problems or bothers you.
You should note that HSDD differs from FSAD (Female Sexual Arousal Disorder). In FSAD, your body may struggle to respond to sexual stimulation and maintain sufficient lubrication.
Healthcare providers may suggest Viagra for women, i.e., Lovegra or Flibanin such cases.
Causes of low libido in women
Low libido can have several causes, including physical, hormonal, and psychological changes. Causes of sexual problems like low libido in women may include:
- Physical changes like aging often coincide with lower sex drive in women
- Fatigue, body pain, body image concerns, and life stressors are common causes of low libido
- Menopause
- A study suggests that lower androgen levels positively correlate with female sex drive. This means that low androgen levels may lead to low sex drive
- Health conditions like cancer, arthritis, and constant headaches can affect your ability to have sex, thereby lowering the desire to have sex
- Medicines for blood pressure, Depression, and chemotherapy can reduce your sex drive or make it hard to have an orgasm
- Stress and Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship problems with your partner.
- Sexual abuse in the past
Low libido in women treatment
Treating low libido can be tricky as there are multiple causes of low libido in most cases. Treating underlying causes of low libido may help you increase your sex drive.
Initially, lifestyle changes or counseling may help several women. If that does not work, hormone replacement therapy and medications may be some medical treatment options.
Communication and counseling
Effective communication with a partner and taking professional psychological counseling can help. It may aid you in solving relationship issues and increase intimacy with your partner.
This can help you enhance your desire to have sex.
Lifestyle changes
Source: maaram-from-getty-images-proMany women may prefer making lifestyle changes to treat low libido before going to a doctor.
Lifestyle changes like lower stress, proper sleep and diet, and regular exercise may help increase women’s desire to have sex.
Medications
Some FDA-approved medications for HSDD or low libido include Flibanserin and Bremelanotide.
Doctors may suggest these medicines to women with low sex drive for six months or more.
Hormone replacement therapy
Research suggests that hormone replacement therapy, particularly Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT), may be helpful. It may help increase sexual desire in many women.
But this therapy migt not work for some women.
A significant number of women may have increased sex drive initially but later face the same sex problems again.
In such cases, adding Androgen to the treatment may be helpful.
Summing up
Low libido is a common problem among women. The medical term for low libido or sex drive is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).
A study by the University of Virginia mentions that HSDD affects about 1 out of 10 women in the USA.
There may be several physical, hormonal, or psychological changes that may lead to low sex drive.
Sex drive decreases in most women as they change. This may result from body image concerns or hormonal changes after Menopause.
Other causes of low libido may include Stress, Depression, and health conditions like cancer and high blood pressure.
Treating low libido may be tricky due to the multiplicity of causes. Many women may prefer to make some lifestyle changes as a treatment before they see a doctor.
Psychotherapy or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may also help many women. Yet doctors may suggest FDA-approved medicines like Flibanserin and Bremelanotide.
They may be more convenient, and many women may prefer oral medications over HRT.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can hormonal imbalances affect a woman’s libido?
Hormonal imbalances, especially changes in Estrogen and Testosterone levels, can affect a women’s sexual desire.
These hormonal imbalances may result from pregnancy, Menopause, or breastfeeding.
When should I seek professional help for low libido?
You may seek professional help if you have a persistent problem with low libido that causes distress to you or your partner.
You may see a healthcare expert specializing in sex problems who may suggest appropriate treatments.
What are the common signs and symptoms of low libido in women?
Common symptoms of low libido in women may include a disinterest in sex, no or very few sexual fantasies, and a lack of initiative to engage in sex. Other signs may also include difficulty feeling aroused or dissatisfaction during sex.
Can a woman’s low self-esteem contribute to low libido?
Low self-esteem can affect the overall sense of desirability and sexual confidence. They may have body image concerns and the fear of being rejected.
This can affect their desire to have sex. Improving self-esteem by focusing on self-care and body positivity may help.
Can low libido in women be a side effect of certain antidepressant medications?
Common side effects of antidepressants may be sexual problems like low sexual desire and sexual arousal.
About 72% of women taking antidepressants in a study had low sexual desire.
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