Have you noticed a decline in your libido lately? A healthy sex life is an important part of your romantic relationship, so when you’re not in the mood, it can take its toll in a variety of ways. Enjoying a healthy sexual libido – and a satisfying sex life – will make you feel healthier, more confident and more positive about life in general.
Causes for a diminished sex drive run the gamut from being overtired and stressed to hormonal imbalance. If your libido has dropped off, make an appointment with your healthcare professional to make sure everything is okay.
7 Reasons Why Your Libido Has Decreased
If you’ve noticed that your sex drive has taken a bit of a dive, take the time to explore why. It’s almost always a sign that something needs to be addressed – whether physically or emotionally – and the sooner you fix it, the better.
- You feel tired/stressed/depressed Your sex drive is entirely connected to your mental and emotional well-being. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, are stressed about work, family, money or your job, odds are that your sex drive is going to take the back burner while you’re mind processes all the muck. If your life is a little more stressful than usual, make sure you’re taking care of yourself, eating well, getting regular exercise, etc. Take time out to take some deep breaths, clear your mind and stretch. Even five to ten minutes a day can have a remarkable effect and can get you back in the mood again.
- Relationship issues. Are you being an ostrich with your head in the sand about existing relationship issues? They can make you feel tired and stressed, not to mention a host of other negatively-charged emotions toward your partner. Working to resolve your issues can bring you back into the romantic and attracted zone again. If your partner isn’t willing to communicate, seek out the help of a therapist who can help you cope and process your own experience.
- Health complications. When’s the last time you had a physical?
Health complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and other medical conditions can all have negative effects on sex drive and the way sex feels. Tending to these issues can help. - Medications. Unfortunately, a lack of libido is a relatively common side effect of medications, especially anti-depressants and anti-seizure medications. Even certain forms of hormone-related birth control can cause a change in sex drive – ironic, but true. If you’re taking prescription meds, review the side effects. If low libido is one of them, and you feel it’s a cause of yours, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives.
- Hormonal changes. Perimenopause, the beginning stages of menopause, can begin as early as your late-30s and early-40s (even earlier if you experience early-menopause). This begins the slow decline of estrogen and progesterone, both of which are involved in libido and the way your body responds to sexual advances. On the flip side of the coin, pregnancy and breastfeeding also cause significant hormone changes, resulting in some women losing their sex drive.
- Pain during sex. This may seem like a no-brainer but you would be surprised how many women have accepted discomfort or pain as a “normal” sexual experience. Understandably, this can lead to a lack of interest in sex. If you experience discomfort or pain during sex, don’t be afraid to bring it up with your OB/GYN. There are often remedies and solutions to the problem, and you’ll be thrilled to experience sex as a pleasure – rather than a hindrance or something to dread.
- Low self-esteem or poor body image. If you don’t feel sexy, odds are you won’t feel as excited about having sex. Are there underlying causes for your low self-esteem? In most cases, these issues can be addressed with a combination of techniques including a change in diet, exercise, lifestyle habits and the help of a great therapist or self-help books.
Are you concerned about a sudden loss of libido? Schedule an appointment with the OB/GYNs at Women’s Health KC and work with a compassionate team of healthcare professionals who places your well-being as a top priority.