If you’re finding that your libido is not quite what it used to be, you are not alone. Sexual problems affect about 40% of women.* There can be any number of underlying causes for this change.
Physical concerns
Conditions like anemia, arthritis or diabetes can all affect your sex drive, as can certain medications. If you have difficulty achieving orgasm or experience pain during sex, these too can impact your desires.
Changes to your hormones
Hormonal changes – which can happen after having a baby, while breastfeeding or during perimenopause – can impact your emotions, your sleep, and your sex drive.
Relationship and emotional issues
It’s not unusual for couples who have been together for a long time to lose interest in the bedroom. You’re often trying to juggle job and family responsibilities, or may have added stress and fatigue from caring for kids or aging parents. All these can have an impact on your sex life.
Things that can help
Exercise and eating right can help improve your overall wellbeing. Challenges with sexual drive can often be improved by treating any underlying medical conditions.
The most important thing you can do to rekindle your sexual desire is to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Go on a date night or simply find something fun to do together. Learn to practice mindfulness, which has been shown to foster a healthier sex life.** One way to do this is to engage all your senses during intimate moments. (Think scented candles and mood music.)
If you have a decrease in sexual drive you can also talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Sex therapy has been known to help many couples. Remember, there is no “normal” when it comes to sex drive. Every person and every relationship is unique.
Become a pro at being proactive.
Being able to talk openly with your doctor can influence the health decisions you make, so it’s important to be an active partner.
*Allahdadi KJ, Tostes RC, Webb RC. Female sexual dysfunction: therapeutic options and experimental challenges. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem. 2009 Oct;7(4):260-9. doi: 10.2174/187152509789541882. PMID: 19538161; PMCID: PMC3008577.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3008577/
**Mayo Clinic Press. “Mind over matter: Practicing sexual mindfulness.” November 17, 2022. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/mind-over-matter-practicing-sexual-mindfulness/
