Low libido can be frustrating and concerning, but the cause may not always be obvious. Here are five things that could secretly be killing your sex drive, from medication to stress, and what you can do to boost your libido.
- Too many responsibilities at the workplace
Okay, you are busy and very much needed by the company you are working for. That’s wonderful. But if you allow the demands of your career to stress you out, this could be secretly killing your sex drive.
Too much stress is never good for life in general anyway. The thing about extreme stress, which may also lead to fatigue, is that this causes your body to pause producing good hormones for sex and pleasure.
Instead, the more stressed out you are, the more your body produces cortisol, which is also called the stress hormone.
Cortisol is important to help you resolve issues because it makes you more alert, but it does nothing to help you seek pleasure.
So, to reduce cortisol, your body needs to know it’s not trying to resolve too many issues. And of course, this begins by your taking fewer responsibilities at the workplace.
According to Verywell Mind, a hectic schedule can lead to a preoccupied mind, making it challenging to unwind and get into a relaxed and intimate mood. Furthermore, packed schedules can create difficulties in finding time for sex, making it feel like just another item on an extensive to-do list. Additionally, excessive workload can result in stress, which can negatively impact libido and desire.
- Consuming too much red meat
Although a variety of red meat is a normal part of the modern diet, eating too much of it can cause your sex drive to plummet.
This is because red meats are very unhealthy for humans when consumed in excess. Red meats are very high in cholesterol and we know it is very bad for human health.
Cholesterol causes a plethora of ailments and may even damage your body’s ability to produce the right hormones for sex.
This is especially the case if your consumption of red meat is not accompanied by adequate consumption of other nutritious foods.
Fruits and veggies are integral to a healthy diet because they provide minerals, vitamins and amino acids that help maintain the production of essential hormones.
Meanwhile, excess consumption of red meat does indeed kill your sex drive because it causes your hormones to go out of whack.
- A lack of physical activities
Are you always indoors? And worse yet, staying put whilst being indoors? Well, that is a recipe for a drop in libido.
A lack of physical activities can cause your body to be lethargic, and then, what comes next is hormones getting out of whack.
It is never a good thing when your hormonal balance is disturbed.
When such a thing happens, your body produces hormones that try so hard at making you stressed out whilst pausing to produce hormones that make you active for seeking sex.
Of course, if you aren’t that into sex, maybe this is not a big problem for you. But if you do crave sex but can’t seem to get it on due to a lack of sex drive, then it’s a different story.
According to Healthline Media, leading a sedentary lifestyle or not getting enough exercise can lead to several health problems that might affect sexual desire and arousal. By integrating regular exercise into your daily routine, you can lower the chances of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, all of which have been associated with decreased libido.
Try to get your body to move even if all you do is walk. In fact, walking 30 minutes a day is good enough.
- Having difficulties communicating with your partner
People come into relationships for different reasons, but if you and your partner find it difficult to communicate honestly, this could spell disaster for your sex life.
Whatever the nature of your relationship is like, if you can’t express your thoughts and feelings in an authentic way, you will harbour a lot of hardened emotions.
Such suppressed negative feelings could sour your connection to the other person and this may make sex that much less satisfying.
Then, when sex has become consistently dissatisfying, your libido will drop accordingly because you aren’t excited about the idea of sex anymore.
With that said, try to have honest 2-way communication with your partner. If you can’t develop this on your own, try to seek help from a relationship counsellor.
A relationship coach will be able to mediate and also give professional advice for you and your partner.
- A disease you are suffering from
Lastly, if you are suffering from a disease that is known to cause a drop in libido, know that at least the causes are clear.
Many diseases related to the heart also carry the consequence of decreased sex drive. This is because not only are your hormones imbalanced but your mindset and vigour for life are also plummeting.
You may be worried daily about your recovery and that takes a lot from your mental health. As such, lacking the motivation to get intimate with someone you care about becomes a norm.
As reported by the National Health Service, the loss of libido (sex drive) is a prevalent issue, impacting up to 1 in 5 men and even more women at some stage in their lives. Various nonsexual illnesses, such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and neurological diseases, can also have an effect on sex drive.
Of course, this doesn’t mean the end of the world. There are many ways your doctor can help you regain the desire for sex. Sometimes, certain exercises or diet plans will be advised.
Sometimes a change in medication may also be administered. It may take time to regain your sex drive back, but your recovery from the disease is currently a top priority.
In conclusion, being aware of things that can potentially harm your physical or reproductive health is necessary. Knowing these five things can help you prioritize your sexual health and well-being if you want a more fulfilling life.
Causes Of Low Sex Drive In Women
Introduction
Sex drive, also known as libido, is a person’s overall sexual desire or interest in sexual activity. It is a natural and normal part of human sexuality and can vary from person to person. However, women may experience a decrease in their sex drive at some point in their lives, which can be a cause of concern for both them and their partners. This paper aims to discuss the possible causes of low sex drive in women.
Causes
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on a woman’s sex drive. Fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone levels can cause a decrease in libido. Estrogen is responsible for maintaining sexual function, while testosterone plays a role in sexual desire. Any disruption in their levels, such as during menopause, can lead to a decrease in sex drive.
2. Stress and Fatigue
Stress and fatigue can also contribute to a low sex drive in women. When a woman is stressed or tired, her body releases high levels of the hormone cortisol, which can suppress the production of sex hormones and decrease libido. Additionally, stress can also affect a person’s mood and make them less interested in sexual activity.
3. Relationship Issues
Intimacy and sexual desire are closely linked, and relationship problems can significantly impact a woman’s sex drive. Issues such as lack of communication, unresolved conflicts, and infidelity can all lead to a decrease in sexual desire. Women who feel emotionally disconnected or unsupported by their partners may also experience a decrease in libido.
4. Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also cause low sex drive in women. For instance, conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic illnesses can affect a person’s mental and physical well-being, leading to a decrease in libido. Additionally, certain medications used to treat these conditions, such as antidepressants, can also have a side effect of lowering libido.
5. Body Image Issues
Body image issues can also play a significant role in a woman’s sex drive. Many women struggle with feeling confident and comfortable in their own bodies, which can lead to a decrease in sexual desire. This can be due to societal pressure, unrealistic beauty standards, or past experiences of body shaming.
6. Pregnancy and Postpartum
Pregnancy and postpartum can also cause a decrease in libido in women. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and fatigue can all contribute to a reduced sex drive. After giving birth, women may also experience a decrease in libido due to physical changes in their bodies, fatigue from caring for a newborn, and hormonal fluctuations.
7. Lack of Sexual Stimulation
Women require sexual stimulation to feel aroused and experience sexual desire. If a woman is not receiving adequate sexual stimulation, it can lead to a decrease in libido. This can happen due to a lack of understanding of one’s own body, difficulty communicating sexual needs with a partner, or being in a relationship that does not prioritize sexual satisfaction.
Conclusion
A low sex drive can have various causes, and it is essential to identify the underlying factors to address the issue effectively. In many cases, a combination of factors may contribute to a decrease in libido. It is crucial for women to communicate with their partners and healthcare providers to address any concerns and find ways to improve their sex drive. Seeking therapy or counseling can also be beneficial in addressing relationship issues and improving intimacy. Additionally, making lifestyle changes, such as managing stress levels, getting enough sleep, and practicing self-care, can also help improve sex drive in women.
