Reviving low libido in women

Women are complex creatures and the female sexual response is an even tougher one to figure out.  Many factors are involved affecting a woman’s response towards sex that can include physical, mental, and interpersonal factors.   This makes it difficult to pinpoint an exact cause for a loss of libido in women because of the multitude of components contributing to this dilemma.  Whether the cause is arousal problems, painful intercourse, a medical condition such as diabetes or thyroid disease, or inability to achieve an orgasm, it is important to unlock what is the underlying problem for a low sex drive.

Maintaining a fulfilling and healthy sex life can and does wax and wane throughout a woman’s life.  From day to day, a woman’s desire for sex can be influenced by various things such as an overextended work schedule, stress, fatigue, a poor body image, physical ailments, hormonal changes, anxiety, and depression.  When women are experiencing lack of libido creating problems between her and her partner, it is time to discover ways her sex life can be resurrected and revived to help her enjoy a pleasurable sex life she deserves.

How to revive sex drive in women

There are several steps a woman can take to awaken her libido.  Here are ones she can consider:

·      Get a thorough physical examination – This should be at the top of the list for a woman to start with in figuring out why her sex drive has fizzled. It could be attributed to a medical or psychological condition that can be treated.  Until a woman sees her doctor for a physical, she may not uncover what is the problem. 

·      Check medication use – Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can have an impact on sexual desire.  The risk of sexual side effects is increased if a woman is taking several medications.  Antidepressants and hormonal medications such as Lupron and Zoladex may reduce sexual libido.  If a woman is taking such medications, she needs to discuss with her doctor about possibly switching to another medication or changing the dosage.

·      Stop smoking – It is known that smoking can contribute to erectile dysfunction in men and in women it can also affect sexual functioning negatively.

·      Avoid sexual enhancement supplements – The last thing a woman should resort to is any sort of supplement purporting to stimulate sex drive or increase libido.  Often sold in health food stores and on the Internet, none of these supplements are proven effective or safe.  There is also the possibility they will interact with other medications and can be unsafe for anyone with a health condition.

·      Use a lubricant for vaginal dryness – If the issue stems from vaginal dryness, over-the-counter lubricants such as K-Y Jelly or Vagisil can help with no side effects. Also consult with a gynecologist on their suggestions for restoring lubrication.

·      Consider testosterone therapy after menopause – Testosterone is not just for men.  The ovaries and the adrenal gland in women secrete a small amount of this hormone which plays in a role in female sexuality.  Testosterone therapy is not for every woman and all woman should thoroughly research it discussing with her physician whether it could be an option for a lagging libido.

·      Keep doing Kegels – Kegel exercises should be done daily by all women for toning the entire pelvic floor and for making sex more pleasurable.  The repeated tightening and releasing of the pelvic floor muscles provide many benefits for improving a woman’s sexual health and pleasure by:

·      Relaxing the vagina muscles allowing the vagina to be more open which helps with women who experience pain during sexual intercourse.

·      Increases sexual arousal

·      Improves a woman ability to reach orgasm

·      Improves  blood circulation to the vagina

·      Increases vaginal tone and lubricatio

·      Seek help if the problem is due to psychological issues – For some women, growing older can mess with them psychologically.  Gray hair, extra pounds and dry skin only reminds women of the passing of time and the loss of their sexuality. Individual or couples counseling along with sex therapy can be a tremendous help for any woman whose sexual hang-ups are due to this.  It is best to find a therapist who specializes in sexual problems who can relate to what a woman is going through to give her the best advice. 

·      Handle stress like a pro – One of the most stressful times for women is mid-life.  Caught between caring for teenage children and aging parents, their job, marriage and other responsibilities, life gets hectic quick.  Any of these scenarios ramps up stress putting sex drive in low gear. Stress is unavoidable so focusing on making time spent with their partner is key.  Have a date night or time spent going on long walks can bring couples closer.  Or consider couples counseling if sexual energy is just not there or if the relationship has hit a rough patch.