Women are often clueless about their sexual health and ignore their sexual well-being, which could affect them in the long term. For this reason, we have listed five interesting things women should know about their sex drive.
- Your Medicine Cabinet Can Negatively Impact Your Libido
Medications are a vital part of female health. But some medicines have a knack to knock your libido off course.
These treatments create unintended side effect that subdue your sexual desire, leaving you and your partner in a mismatched libido situation.
An article on GoodRX Health website lists various medicines that could prevent you from enjoying sex, despite your best effort.
Blood pressure pills and antidepressants are the most common culprits known to lower a woman’s libido. These types of medication belong to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
They help manage depression by increasing the levels of serotonin while at the same time decreasing your libido. Pressure drugs also have adverse effects on your sexual health.
Such medication can decrease blood flow to the genitals, therefore, causing vaginal dryness. They can also lower your libido and make it difficult for you to achieve an orgasm.
Other libido-squashing drugs are those used to manage high cholesterol levels. These group of drugs contains fibrates and statins which interfere with the production of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
Some birth control pills can also lower your libido. Most birth control pills contain synthetic estrogen which lowers your testosterone levels and therefore dampens your sex drive. However, instead of throwing away your pills, you should find better alternatives that do not affect your libido.
- There is Nothing Like “Normal” or “Abnormal” Sex Drive
Our libido levels vary from one person to another and comparing yours with someone else may not be a very good idea. Besides each one of us has different levels of libido, it also changes from time to time and therefore difficult to pinpoint an optimum level.
Furthermore, what one couple considers normal it may be inadequate to another couple or above average for others. For instance, one couple can be satisfied with having sex twice a month while normal for another couple could be twice every week.
You should only start to worry when experience a big deviation from your normal sex drive. For instance, if you are used to having sex twice a week and this has deteriorated to once a month then this should raise an alarm.
You may also experience a decline in sex drive as you advance in age and this is neither bad nor unusual. The only time that you should do something about your libido is when it is affecting your relationship or has significantly declined from your normal levels.
- Physical Exercise Can Boost Your Libido
Besides being in shape and increasing your muscle strength, a physical workout can boost your libido. When you hit the gym, your brain releases certain hormones known as endorphin which pump up your sex drive.
Why are exercises important for feminine sexuality? Well, breaking a sweat has a positive effect in improving your heart and muscle health.
Workouts flex your muscles and ton your skin, according to an article appearing on WebMD website.
The article, titled “Exercises for Better Sex,” suggest that any form of exercise increases vaginal lubrication.
Physical exercise also increases blood circulation to various parts of the body including your genitals. This boosts your cardiovascular capabilities and also increases your sexual appetite.
Going for a simple spin class or a Saturday morning Zumba session can transform your sex life.
Yoga is another exercise that can go a long way in boosting your sex drive. When yoga is done properly it enhances deeper breathing, calms the autonomic nervous system, and increases blood flow to the pelvic area.
Its relaxing effects can also benefit your sexual life in general. Kegel exercises are another group of exercises that can boost your libido.
The Kegels focus on toning and strengthening your pelvic muscles, therefore, increasing vaginal sensitivity and sensation.
- Certain Foods May Help
Certain types of foods and herbs have been known to impact sexual health and boost sex drive. Foods such as honey, coffee, apples, oysters, and strawberries are usually referred to as aphrodisiacs due to their positive effect on your libido. A2014 study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics states that there is a positive correlation between consumption of apples and improved sex drive. Honey on the other hand is a rich source of antioxidants that play a vital role in our sexual health.
Foods such as oats are not only a great breakfast meal but are also rich in largine and amino acids. As they are used to treat erectile dysfunction in men they have also been known to increase libido in women. If you are a big fan of fatty fish then you can try sardines, wild salmon, or tuna. Such fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. As such they not only increase blood circulation to your sexual organs but also trigger the production of dopamine which increases arousal.
- Great Sex Starts in The Brain
There is a common analogy that the brain is the biggest sex organ. The analogy might have developed due to the critical role the brain plays when it comes to sexual satisfaction.
To begin with, the cerebral cortex is part of the brain that is responsible for higher functions such as inducing thoughts about sex and sexual fantasies.
An article published in the Medical News Today state that female prefrontal cortex is responsible for active orgasm. Other brain parts that are highly illuminated are cerebellum, cingulate gyrus and orbitofrontal cortex.
These regions are responsible for processing emotions, and sensation to pain, metabolism, and decision-making. Orgasm creates similar effects as dancing or listening to music in this brain region.
It is also responsible for triggering a chain of reaction that promotes the production of different sex hormones including estrogen and testosterone.
The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are also parts of the brain that play a significant role in terms of sexual function. The pituitary gland helps to produce the luteinizing hormone, which triggers the ovaries to produces estrogen.
The hypothalamus is responsible for producing dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter in charge of pleasure and motivation among other functions. It is therefore important that you take good care of both your mind and body to have a satisfactory sex life.
Concluding, we discussed five things women should know about their libido. We are hopeful that implementing and knowing these five things can help them understand more about their sex drive and how they can improve it.
Not Interested In Sex? Reasons For A Low Libido In Women
Sexual desire, or libido, is a natural and essential part of human life. However, it is common for women to experience a low libido at some point in their lives. This can be a distressing and confusing experience for women, as it goes against societal expectations of women as sexual beings. In this paper, we will explore the reasons for a low libido in women and how it can impact their lives.
One of the primary reasons for a low libido in women is hormonal imbalances. Testosterone, the hormone responsible for sexual desire, is present in both men and women. However, women have significantly lower levels of testosterone, and any changes in these levels can affect their libido. This can happen during menopause, pregnancy, or while taking certain medications such as birth control pills. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can also affect libido, as it is responsible for vaginal lubrication and blood flow to the genitals. Any changes in these hormones can lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
Another common cause for a low libido in women is stress. In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, stress has become a prevalent issue for many people, especially women. The constant juggling of work, family, and other responsibilities can leave women feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, leaving little energy for sexual intimacy. Moreover, stress can also affect hormonal balance, leading to a decrease in libido. The pressure to perform and meet societal expectations can also create anxiety and negatively impact a woman’s sexual desire.
Relationship issues can also play a significant role in a woman’s low libido. Women are more likely to experience a decrease in sexual desire when they are not emotionally connected to their partner or if there are unresolved conflicts in the relationship. The quality of the relationship and communication between partners can greatly influence a woman’s sexual desire. Trust, respect, and emotional intimacy are crucial factors in maintaining a healthy and satisfying sexual relationship.
Physical health and well-being also have a significant impact on a woman’s libido. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, can cause fatigue and pain, making sexual activity less desirable. Certain medications used to treat these conditions can also have a side effect of reducing libido. Additionally, medical conditions affecting the reproductive system, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also contribute to a decrease in sexual desire.
Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and past trauma can also affect a woman’s libido. These conditions can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and body image issues, making it difficult for women to feel confident and comfortable in their sexuality. Past experiences of sexual abuse or trauma can also have a long-lasting impact on a woman’s sexual desire and functioning.
Moreover, societal and cultural norms and expectations can also contribute to a woman’s low libido. Women are often bombarded with unrealistic and objectifying images of female sexuality, which can create pressure to conform to these standards and lead to feelings of inadequacy or shame. Moreover, in some cultures, women are expected to prioritize their role as a caregiver and homemaker, leaving little time for self-care and sexual expression.
A low libido can significantly impact a woman’s life. It can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, and shame, and strain relationships. Seeking help from a healthcare professional is essential in addressing the underlying causes and finding a solution. Treatment options may include hormone therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes such as stress management and improving communication in relationships.
In conclusion, a low libido in women can have various causes, including hormonal imbalances, stress, relationship issues, physical health, psychological factors, and societal expectations. It is essential to recognize that a decrease in sexual desire is a common and natural experience for women and not something to be ashamed of. Seeking professional help and open communication with partners can help women address the underlying causes and find ways to improve their libido and sexual satisfaction.
