But I’ve found that hearing from others who are dealing with similar feelings (or a lack thereof) can be a source of great comfort. So if libido is significantly affected by several factors, many of which are truly out of our control, then why are we so hard on ourselves about it? There have been many moments in my own relationship where my and my partner’s desire to have sex was mismatched. While I can achieve and sustain an orgasm, feelings of arousal are hard to produce. A lot of the pressure to “perform” is coming from myself. I feel guilty, convincing myself that if I am not having sex with my partner regularly, then I would have failed my duties as a wife.
Many women with a reduced sex drive may also have trouble becoming and remaining aroused, reaching orgasm, and/or enjoying sex. This can affect your personal life in several ways, from interfering with your sexual pleasure and self-esteem to causing problems with romantic partners. If no treatable cause is found, there are now two different prescription medications available to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Addyi (flibanserin) is a pill, and Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is an injection. They both work by affecting brain chemicals responsible for desire. They can’t be taken with alcohol, and they have side effects, including fainting, dizziness, headaches, and high blood pressure.
When you start doing the things that touch her soul, she will be more inclined to do the things that touch your body. Too little or too much exercise can also be responsible for low sex drive in men. A primary care physician “would be the place to start,” says Dr. Lentz, as they can conduct a screening and start to investigate potential causes of low libido. A gynecologist or urologist visit could also provide insight.
When the tug of war has ended, he or she might feel more amorous. Heavy alcohol drinking, or more than 14 mixed drinks in a week, has also been linked to a decrease in testosterone production. Over a long period of time, excessive amounts of alcohol can reduce your sex drive. Too little exercise (or none at all) can lead to a range of health problems that can affect sexual desire and arousal.
This helps get across the message that talking about your sex life doesn’t need to mean talking about all of the things that are wrong with your sex life. I know it’s frustrating that you haven’t gotten much of a response from your girlfriend thus far. Many in your position would likely feel similarly, but I recommend giving it another shot but changing your approach. I suggest starting with the more general idea of talking about your sex life and working on it together as a team. The main symptom of low libido is a decrease in sexual desire compared to your regular interest in sex. Loss of libido (also known as sex drive) is a typical cause of troubled relationships and a major source of anxiety among young couples.
Low libido, or a decreased interest in sexual activity, can be a common issue for many individuals. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, relationship problems, or certain medications. If you are struggling with low libido, there are steps you can take to help improve your sex drive and overall sexual satisfaction.
1. Communicate with Your Partner
One of the first things you should do if you are experiencing low libido is to talk to your partner about it. Open and honest communication can help both of you understand each other’s needs and desires. Discuss any concerns or issues that may be affecting your sex drive and work together to find solutions.
2. Address Underlying Health Issues
If you suspect that a health issue may be contributing to your low libido, it is important to see a healthcare provider. Conditions such as depression, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or hormonal imbalances can all affect your sex drive. Getting proper treatment for any underlying health issues can help improve your libido.
3. Manage Stress
Stress can be a major factor in low libido. Finding ways to manage and reduce stress levels can help improve your sex drive. This could include practices such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or spending time doing activities you enjoy. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is essential for a healthy libido.
4. Make Time for Intimacy
In our busy lives, it can be easy to neglect intimacy with our partners. Making time for physical closeness and connection can help improve your libido. Schedule regular date nights, prioritize time for cuddling and affection, and explore new ways to be intimate with your partner.
5. Consider Therapy or Counseling
If low libido is causing significant distress in your life or relationship, it may be helpful to seek therapy or counseling. A mental health professional can help you explore any psychological factors contributing to your low libido and provide strategies for improving your sexual satisfaction.
Overall, dealing with low libido requires a combination of self-care, communication, and seeking professional help when needed. By taking proactive steps to address the underlying causes of your low libido, you can improve your sex drive and enhance your overall sexual well-being.
