Bhathiya Barukanda
Your partner is in the mood. Maybe they even tried to set the atmosphere by dimming the lights, making a romantic candlelight dinner or putting on your favorite music. You love your partner very much …but you’re just not in the mood.
In fact, you have found that you aren’t in the mood a lot lately. If this scenario happens all too often, you may be experiencing low libido in women, a condition that results in a decreased sex drive and disinterest in intercourse or foreplay. We’ve had several patients ask us why they’re not “in the mood” anymore, and we’re able to help them return to the intimacy they once enjoyed.
Why Do I Have No Interest In Sex?
There are several reasons why you may not have an interest in sex. We’ve outlined a few of these. Do you think any of them may apply to you?
8 Reasons You May Be Experiencing Low Libido in Women
1. Difficulty with sexual issues
If you’ve had difficulty reaching orgasm, or have painful sex, this can put a damper on your desire. As a result, you may have a decreased interest in intercourse.
2. Physical illnesses
If you have certain medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer or neurological diseases, your libido can be negatively affected.
3. Medications
If you’re on an antidepressant—particularly a type called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors— you may find your libido lacking.
4. Fatigue
When you’re caring for children, aging parents, or just having a hectic week, your libido can take a dive. In addition, stress can be a major contributor to fatigue. If you’re having trouble with fatigue, we urge you to schedule an appointment with us because fatigue can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions.
5. Hormonal Changes
Menopause or other changes in hormones can directly affect how interested you are in sex. These changes may also transform vaginal tissue, making it thinner and drier. The result is intercourse that is uncomfortable or even painful. Those who have entered menopause, when the levels of estrogen are reduced, are particularly at risk for a low libido.
6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Your body undergoes a lot of hormonal changes when you’re pregnant and breastfeeding. There are several contributors to low libido during this time, including changes in body image, fatigue, and the challenges of caring for a new baby.
7. Anxiety or Depression
Psychological issues play a role in low libido. In fact, experiencing any of the following can put a damper on your sex life:
- Mental health issues, including generalized anxiety disorder or clinical depression.
- Stress, either from work or challenges at home
- Anxiety caused by poor body image or low self-esteem
- Previous negative sexual experiences
- A history of sexual or emotional abuse
8. Relationship Issues
Sometimes, conflicts with your partner can make their way into the bedroom. Every couple has periods of difficulty and challenges. There may be trust issues or it could be that your partner simply doesn’t understand what gives you pleasure.
In this case, communication is the key to resolving the issue. Emotional intimacy is, in many ways, just as important as sexual intimacy. If you have ongoing conflicts that you can’t resolve, you may want to consider couples therapy through a licensed psychologist.
Is Lack of Interest in Sex Normal?
Everyone’s sex drive tends to wax and wane. There are a lot of factors that influence how interested—or not interested—we are in sex. This can range from additional stress from work, relationship issues, hormonal changes or even pregnancy. All of these can determine how interested you are in sex.
However, if a lack of interest in sex is causing you distress or creating strain in your relationship, then you should schedule an appointment to talk to use about to how we can help you with your low libido. This is actually a fairly common condition. Roughly 40 percent of American women have problems with sexual function—and the most common sexual issue is a lack of interest in sex.
How Often Should Couples Have Sex?
Sex and intimacy are important aspects of a relationship. However, there is no one rule about how often couples should have sex, and frequency may often vary depending upon a number of factors. If you find that your partner is always interested in sex and you aren’t, then we encourage you to see us to determine if maybe you have a low libido.
How Is a Low Libido in Women Treated?
The treatment for low libido in women depends upon the underlying cause. First, we will perform a pelvic exam to check for problems that may be causing low libido. Depending upon the results of that exam, we may recommend:
- Hormone therapy
- Reviewing your medications and possibly making adjustments if needed
- Working with a sex therapist or counselor
- Medication that can boost your libido
- Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Eliminate any use of illicit drugs—these can affect your sex drive
source: associatesinwomenshealthcare.net
