About Low Libido

Medical surveys reveal that approximately 43% of all adult women suffer from what specialists consider various forms of sexual dysfunction. Although not even nearly publicized as male erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction is just as serious and commonly met. The problem is not “just in your head”. You are not crazy, or alone, of fated never to have an orgasm or feel sexual again.

The definition given by specialists to female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is the consistent or inconsistent lack of sexual fantasies, desire and/or initiative in order to perform sexual intercourse, fact which leads to a state of personal distress or difficult interpersonal relationships. Female sexual dysfunction is also called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSSD).

Unlike male ED - erectile dysfunction which is 90% physically determined, FSD develops on a psychological background such as family concerns, job and financial worries, carrier difficulties, childcare issues, illness, guilt, death, physical and/or emotional abuse, depression and, more often than not, incomplete or unsatisfying couple life.

FSD, however, may also be biologically determined. Conditions like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, cancer, neurological disorders or even lupus and other autoimmune disorders may lead to low sexual appetite. Moreover, FSD may derive from anti-hypertensive and depression medication, illegal drug abuse and alcoholism as well, just like men's erectile dysfunction.

What all men and women should keep in mind is that sexual dysfunction can be treated in all ages.

Find out more about Women's Sexual Health

What signs may indicate that a woman has a sexual problem?

What are Main Causes of Low Libido?

How should a woman talk to her partner about a sexual problem?

How should a woman talk to her doctor about a sexual problem?

Female Sexual Dysfunction at a Glance.

 

What signs may indicate that a woman has a sexual problem?

In order for a woman to be considered as having a sexual disorder, the symptoms must be persistent and pervasive and her problem must cause her personal distress. Sexual dysfunction can be psychological, physiological or a combination. Symptoms can include: vaginal dryness, decreased genital sensation, difficulty achieving orgasm, genital pain with or without sexual contact, lack of sexual interest. Other underlying problems can include history of abuse, pelvic surgery (hysterectomy, pregnancy, straddle injuries), medicines, hormonal problems and blood flow problems.

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What are Main Causes of Low Libido?

Many things can interfere with sexual pleasure and function, from medical causes, such as certain medications, to psychological issues, such as relationship strife. Most often, sexual dysfunction is born out of a combination of the two. The following are some of the primary causes for a low female sex drive and possible solutions you can use to combat them

Oral contraceptives: The trouble with the Pill is that what keeps you from getting pregnant is also what can sap your sex drive. The medication puts your ovaries to rest for three out of four weeks each month, but there other functions of ovaries beside making eggs - and that is making hormones. The second problem is that the Pill causes the body to produce a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds itself to sex hormones, in particular testosterone, essentially sucking them up. Testosterone plays a role in vaginal blood flow and sensitivity in the opening of the vagina, so lower levels of the hormone can lead to sexual problems. What you can do: If you've noticed your sex drive isn't what it used to be and suspect it may be because of your birth control pill, talk to your gynecologist. He or she may switch you to another type of Pill or a different birth control method, such as the Mirena IUD or condoms.

Medications: Antidepressants - in particular, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac or Paxil - are one of the best-known offenders for low libido and impaired orgasm. Certain chemicals in the brain stimulate sexual activity, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and oxycontin, while other chemicals are inhibitory, such as serotonin. SSRIs raise serotonin in the blood, which can affect libido. Other culprits include prescription blood-pressure-lowering drugs, which can interfere with nerve signals, and antihistamines, which dry up not only a runny nose but your vaginal lubrication as well, making sex uncomfortable.

What you can do: Talk to your doctor about your sex drive. He or she may be able to adjust your medication regiment.Your physician may also be able to switch you to a different antidepressant medication.

Depression: One of the hallmarks of depression is a lack of interest in sex. Although it's not fully understood why depression affects sex drive, part of the reason may be that not feeling good about yourself and your worth, in addition to having low energy levels, dampens the desire for pleasure.

What you can do: Seek help right away, especially if you have thoughts of death or suicide. Exercise can help with mild to moderate depression by boosting mood, self-esteem and energy levels while improving blood flow, including to the genitals. For moderate to severe depression, professional counseling and prescription antidepressants can help. Let your physician know if your lack of sex drive doesn't change (or worsens) with treatment.

Poor body image: Feeling self-conscious about your curvy hips or less-than-ample breasts can diminish your sexual drive.

What you can do: Think of a time in your life when you felt sexually at the top of your game. What did you wear (for instance, your favorite little black dress or low-rise jeans), what was your workout routine, how did you eat, what perfume did you wear, what shoes did you slide on - and when was the last time you wore that, did that, ate that, etc? These cues can help you get back into the mindset and habits of your sexy self. Get back into an exercise routine. Exercise has a direct effect on the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. In addition, working out will shape up your physique and give you more energy. If these changes don't help improve your body image, it's time to consider professional counseling to get at the root of the problem.

Menopause: Menopause is marked by a whole host of changes in your body. There's a decline in ovarian function that leads to an abrupt drop in estrogen levels, which play a role in vaginal lubrication. What's more, testosterone production drops by up to half, which can trigger a sudden dip in your sex drive as well as diminished sensitivity in the clitoris and a weakened ability to climax. Add to that weight gain, fatigue and difficulty sleeping, and sex can become the last thing on a menopausal woman's mind.

What you can do: First and foremost, speak with your doctor. If medical reasons have been ruled out, there are many options, including starting a doctor-approved exercise regimen to improve blood flow. To combat vaginal dryness, start exercising to improve blood flow and use a water-based lubricant that feels natural to you. Your doctor may prescribe a topical estrogen therapy, which increases vaginal lubrication and elasticity. Have open communication with your partner and explain to him that your body is changing. Let him know that it doesn't mean you're not turned on by your partner just because you have to use a lubricant. In some cases, physicians may prescribe testosterone (in pill, cream, suppository, lozenge or patch form) to older women with low levels of the hormone who experience a loss of well-being. Oral and topical testosterone may help increase sexual urges.

Medical conditions: Health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid disorders and autoimmune disorders like lupus can all change a woman's sexual desire by affecting blood flow, nerve signals and hormone levels.

What you can do: Let your doctor know that you are feeling a change in libido. He or she may prescribe medication to treat the health condition, which generally limits sexual side effects. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and eating healthfully, which may allow you to cut back on medication.

Stress: When you're stressed about paying bills and meeting a deadline at work while trying to juggle your role as wife and mother, feeling sexual often falls by the wayside. Part of that is because stress is a distraction - it's hard to focus or enjoy sex when you're mentally still at work. In addition, when stress strikes, the hormone cortisol goes up, which alters the hormones (testosterone and estrogen) that influence your sex drive.

What you can do: The irony is that having sex - in particular, orgasms - is a known stress reliever. Chemicals, such as oxycontin, are released during sex, which combat those high cortisol levels. But if you're too wound up to hit the sheets, find another way to calm anxiety, such as by exercising, which increases blood flow all over your body, including your genitals, and gives you a mental boost. Yoga and meditation are also great stress relievers.

Childbirth and breastfeeding: Pelvic nerves and muscles may become damaged during delivery, reducing genital sensitivity, while breastfeeding lowers levels of estrogen, which keeps the vagina lubricated and flexible, making penetration painful. Breastfeeding also increases the hormone prolactin, which curbs sexual desire and lowers testosterone. Some women may have postpartum depression, which also lowers libido. What's more, having a baby is an exercise in sleep deprivation, which can leave you too exhausted just for motherly duties, never mind sex.

What you can do: Talk to your physician about your change in libido and have him or her rule out a physical cause as well as postpartum depression. If breastfeeding is to blame, know this is a temporary situation. Give yourself time to adjust to the new schedule and lack of sleep that come with a new baby and find ways to stay connected to your partner, such as by communicating and cuddling.

Routine in the bedroom: All relationships go through ebbs and flows and ups and downs, so it's important to make the relationship a priority since often other things - work, the house, the kids, the in-laws - come first.

What you can do: Explore new positions through the use of erotic books or videos. Try changing the time of day

you have sex: Instead of being intimate before bed like clockwork, have a quickie before work in the morning or in the afternoon on the weekend. Even if you're not exactly in the mood, sometimes having sex can turn you on since sex itself increases blood flow as well as the emotional connection between you and your partner.

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How should a woman talk to her partner about a sexual problem?

Being concerned about your low sexual desire can negatively impact your relationship Realise that communication is the most important part of identifying and dealing with a sexual problem. The first rule is honesty - let your partner know what you like and want, but never fake an orgasm. The best time to talk is not during sex. Set aside time to talk about what's bothering you. If your partner is dismissive at first, keep trying. For instance, some partners who act impatient with a partner's problems are really feeling insecure and taking it personally that their partner is not responding sexually. They don't want to consider that they may have a causative role in the problem. You can try educational videos, books and experimenting with what is learned. Therapy is always a good choice, but it may not be available, the partner may refuse to go or the couple may feel uncomfortable. You may feel isolated from your partner or you may feel you've drifted apart. Talking openly with your partner can help alleviate the stress and strain that low sexual desire can have on your relationship. Starting the conversation may be the most difficult part. But once you've started, you may find that it's not as difficult as you thought.

Starting the conversation is the most important thing. Your motivation to be close and intimate with your partner can often mean a lot and go a long way toward keeping you close, despite the decrease in sexual desire.

Some important things to cover when you're ready to talk to your partner include:

• Reinforce that you love him, but explain the emotions you are feeling.
• Physical changes in your body may be causing low sexual desire. Explaining these changes to your partner may help relieve some of the pressure on both of you..
• Reinforce your commitment to finding a solution together.

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How should a woman talk to her doctor about a sexual problem?

Talking with your doctor about your sexual problems can cause you anxiety, but in order to get the best care you must be able to communicate your needs. Some doctors may minimize your problem or dismiss it, but that's usually because they don't know how to help, they think it may be psychological, or they are not aware of potential treatment. Arm yourself with information. Information you take to your doctor will be extremely helpful to him or her as well as to you. Most doctors will be open and receptive to your comments and will be happy to learn of any new information, particularly if it is based on science and research.

Raise the discussion with your doctor early at your appointment. Be specific about your symptoms (eg, vaginal dryness, low sexual desire). It can help your doctor determine what's best for you. Explain any changes you may feel in sexual desire or any decrease in sexual activity that may be distressing you. Keeping a diary of these concerns may also help your doctor better understand your symptoms and your progress.

Here are some questions your doctor may ask:
“How long have you had concerns with respect to your desire?”
“Is it always a problem, or only at certain times or in certain situations?”
“Do you have sexual thoughts, daydreams, or fantasies?”
“Does anything appear to improve your desire (such as a romantic vacation or a different partner)? Does anything make it worse?”
“How is your emotional intimacy with your partner?”

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Female Sexual Dysfunction at a Glance.

Sexual dysfunction definition: lack of interest in sex, low libido (hypoactive sexual desire disorder - HSDD)
sexual intercourse is painful (dyspareunia)
inability to reach orgasm (anorgasmia)
difficulty in becoming aroused

Possible causes of low sexual desire:
diminished blood flow to the vagina and uterus
childbirth
diabetes
hypothyroidism
injury to nerves and blood vessels after a hysterectomy
hormone deficiency
low levels of testosterone
high level of stress
fatigue
emotional problems
childhood sexual abuse
relationship/marriage problems
depression and anxiety disorders
antidepressants and other medications
incontinence

Available Treatments:
Intrinsa Patches
Eros-CD, a nonsurgical device
testosterone cream
vaginal lubricants
estrogen patch or pills
reduce stress
behavioral therapy
marriage counseling
lose weight
exercise
natural remedies like chocolate

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