Sex drive varies greatly from one person to another, and a temporary reduction in sexual interest (decreased libido) is common. It is often linked to transient problems such as stress. In other cases, however, the decrease in sexual desire is a symptom of real pathologies.
The reduction in libido can affect both men and women and can put personal and couple stability at risk. It is in fact closely connected to excitement and a satisfying sex life.
Symptoms of low sexual desire
The decrease in libido is manifested by a decrease in the frequency and intensity of the sexual impulse, both spontaneous and evoked by sexual stimuli. The reduction is greater than what might be expected based on the individual’s age and length of relationship.
Desire is linked to the subject’s health conditions and lifestyle, their hormonal levels and the intake of certain drugs as well as being influenced by various psychological factors (bodily experiences as well as the presence of sexual images and fantasies, etc.).
Decreased libido is a condition characterized by a lack or absence of sexual desire and fantasies. It is a situation that creates discomfort and suffering both in the person experiencing it and in the partner and can be specific or generalized to several partners.
Decreased desire can manifest in two different disorders: hypoactive sexual desire disorder and sexual aversion disorder. In the first case, the subject has reduced or no sexual fantasies and little interest in sexual activity. However, it does not reject intimacy as in the case of sexual aversion in which the individual experiences a real phobia with avoidance of sexuality. Sexual aversion disorder is total lack of sexual desire at all.
Causes of low libido
The causes of low libido can be psychological or organic. It is necessary to make a correct sexual history to understand the nature of the problem.
- Organic and pharmacological causes
The most common physiological reasons can be traced back to hormonal imbalances with decreased testosterone production, increased prolactin production and hypothyroidism. The decrease or absence of sexual desire can also depend on numerous chronic diseases, such as uremia, liver failure and various tumors or on neurological causes (eg diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord dysfunction).
Decline in sexual interest may also be related to alcohol and drug (eg, cocaine, opioids, or meth) abuse. Drugs that affect craving include antihypertensives, neuroleptics, antiepileptics, and some antidepressants (particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
Sometimes, oral estrogen therapy and hormonal contraceptives can also cause a decrease in libido.
- Psychological and physiological causes
Having negative thoughts about intimate relationships (e.g. performance anxiety, fear of unwanted pregnancy or contracting disease) as well as depression and relationship problems and/or unrewarding experiences (e.g. due to lack of sexual skills or poor communication of needs) can affect sexual desire.
In women, the decrease in libido can be associated with poor natural lubrication, conditions of pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) and the impossibility of penetration due to involuntary contraction of the vaginal wall (vaginismus).
Furthermore, the reduction in sexual desire can be linked to some circumstances, such as the phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, the quality of the couple’s relationship and dissatisfaction with one’s body.
- Pregnancy and menopause
During pregnancy, maintaining libido is subjective: some women express greater desire and continue to have intercourse, while others prefer to reduce or cancel the frequency of intercourse. Often the libido becomes more difficult to recover in the postpartum period when the new mother needs a lot of support.
Furthermore, with hormonal changes and the new and constant commitment to take care of the newborn, the risk of mood disorders and decreased desire increases.
For menopause, systemic estrogen therapy started early can improve mood and help maintain sexual sensitivity and vaginal lubrication. These benefits can increase sexual desire and arousal.
The man, on the other hand, as a result of a decrease in libido could experience a problem of erectile dysfunction. If not addressed, the decline in desire can negatively affect the psychological environment and the emotional relationship of the couple.
Tips on how to increase libido
As we have seen, there are several factors that influence sexual desire, on which it is possible to act, by changing some habits.
Here are some tips:
- Take away the stress: Start practicing yoga and relaxation techniques, get more sleep, and try home remedies to ease anxiety.
- Exercise: Physical activities such as bodybuilding help increase testosterone blood levels in both men and women.
- Eat high protein diet: How to increase libido at the table? Eat more chicken, fish, eggs and milk, which means more protein that improves sex drive.
- Get sex therapy: Psychological therapy generally includes a phase of psychoeducation to increase knowledge of sexual anatomy and the sexual response cycle. In addition, the therapist can use relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.
- Use of erectile medication: For men experiencing low libido due to erectile dysfunction, use of erection pill such as Viagra or Kamagra is the way out. Kamagra has Sildenafil as it’s main ingredient, thereby helps improve your erection and in turn, boosting your confidence to sex (libido).
- For women experiencing low libido popular pink pill also called “female Viagra” under the brand Lovegra is the way out. Lovegra is very effective sexual enhancer for women. The active compound of Lovegra is also Sildenafil, but Lovegra is especially designed for women. Lovegra will deliver better sensitivity, increased lubrication and often helps to reach orgasm. You can buy Lovegra from various online pharmacies.
- Take supplements: There are specific products for men and women, based on vitamins, mineral salts and plant extracts that stimulate sexual desire.
