Common Causes of Low Libido and Sex Drive in Women

Low sexual desire or loss of libido is quite a common occurrence that affects women at some point in their lives. It is usually associated with relationship problems, tiredness or stress, however, it can also be a sign of an underlying medical issue, like reduced hormone levels. Every individual’s sex drive differs in one way or the other. If you are experiencing low sexual desire and it is affecting your health or your relationship, we recommend that you seek help. This article will explain the common causes of low libido and where you can get help.

Common Causes of Low Sexual Desire

1. Relationship Problems

One of the most important things to take into consideration is if you are happy and satisfied in your relationship. Low libido can be caused by:

●Reduced sexual attraction.

●Constant arguments and unresolved issues.

●Difficulty in trusting your partner.

●Lack of communication.

●Physical sexual complications.

Getting help from a professional will be able to help you and your partner deal with issues that are occurring in your relationship.

2. Sexual Problems

Another factor to keep in mind is whether the problem is a physical one that makes sex unsatisfying or difficult. Low sexual desire can be due to the following reasons:

●Erectile dysfunction

●Painful sexual intercourse

●Ejaculation problems

●Inability to reach orgasm

●Vaginal dryness

●Tightening of the vagina

3. Anxiety, Stress and Exhaustion

Anxiety, exhaustion and stress can be extremely consuming and have a significant impact on a woman’s sexual health. If you feel tired, anxious or stressed constantly, you might need to make some changes to your lifestyle.

You need to consider the following:

●Why am I always tired?

●Getting help with fear, panic or anxiety

●Breathing exercises for stress

4. Depression

Depression is a serious problem that affects all aspects of your life and most importantly, your sexual drive.

Signs of depression may include the following:

●Feelings of intense sadness that you are not able to shake off

●Feeling helpless

●Losing interest in activities that you used to enjoy

It is important to get help if you think that you may be depressed. Psychiatrists can give you advice about the essential treatments for depression like antidepressants or talking to a therapist.

It should be noted that low sexual desire can also be a side effect of antidepressants.

5. Menopause

Reduced sex drive is an avoidable part of getting old and it is something many women experience as they get older. This can happen due to various reasons like:

●Reduced levels of hormones just prior to or during and after menopause

●Age-related issues such as mobility problems

●Side-effects of certain medications

There are various treatments to increase hormone levels if reduced levels are the cause. These treatments may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with testosterone treatment for women who are going through menopause.

6. Giving Birth, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Reduced sex drive is common during pregnancy, after giving birth and while breastfeeding. This can be due to:

●Fluctuations in your hormone levels

●Changes in your body and doubts about your body image

●Exhaustion

●Painful sex caused by an injury like tearing during birth

●Changed priorities like concentrating on taking care of your baby

7. Underlying Health Issues

A long-term medical problem can affect your sex drive. This might be a result of the emotional and physical strain these problems can cause or maybe a side-effect of a certain treatment. Lack of interest in sex can be linked with:

●Heart disease

●Diabetes

●An underactive thyroid, the gland stops producing enough hormones

●Cancer

●Major surgery, such as hysterectomies

8. Medications

There are certain medications that can decrease libido. Some of them are:

●Medication for high blood pressure

●Antidepressants

●Medication for fits

●Hormonal contraception

Go through your prescription as well as the leaflet that comes with your prescription to check if reduced sexual desire is listed as one of the possible side effects.

9. Drugs and Alcohol

Drinking a large amount of alcohol for a long time can result in reduced sex drive. It is best to limit large amounts of alcohol. Misuse of drugs is also associated with a reduced sex drive.

10. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Reduced sexual desire, medically known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is the most common form of sexual impairment among women of all ages. The biggest sexual issue that affects women’s sexual health is caused by a combination of both physical as well as mental factors that are not likely to be cured just by taking pills.

Getting help from a therapist is the best idea. They will go through a sexual desire quiz to understand if there are any underlying problems that are affecting your sex life. Apart from this, if you have hypoactive sexual desire disorder, you do not have to worry. There are several treatment options for HSDD such as sex therapy; changing medications; vaginal estrogens; testosterone therapy; as well as addressing underlying medical issues.