Changes in libido can be caused by several life events, and it’s essential to know how to handle them. In this article, we’ll discuss five common life events that can cause libido changes and offer tips on how to manage them.
- A life event where you move to a different environment
People usually do not live a constant life. Things are always changing and sometimes we are hurled into new situations and environments. This kind of abrupt change could uproot us from what’s familiar.
It is common that stress, worries and anxieties become a part of life during these changing times. And as such, these changes could very well affect our hormones, and thus, affect our libido.
According to the study documented by Cleveland Clinic, moving from one environment to another can create stress for some people, whereas others might find it invigorating. Individuals display diverse reactions or responses to changes, and specific changes can have an invigorating effect, potentially resulting in an increased libido for certain individuals.
During times of change, different people react or respond differently to these changes. Some changes are exciting and that may cause someone to have a higher libido than usual.
Moving to a dream city is definitely exciting. But some changes are quite scary because then you don’t know what’s ahead of you.
This might as well cause your libido to drop and you can’t seem to think about sex. This is normal and you just need to wait until the move is made.
- A life event where you get severely ill
Many people deal with seasonal flu or allergies. Sometimes, eating the wrong foods could cause us to cough for a few days or get a stomach ache for half a week.
All of these conditions are mild and quite common, and they usually affect libido in such small ways unless you really need to just rest and sleep.
However, in some cases, some people are met with the struggles of facing a severe illness. Cancers are usually a big shock to everyone who hears about them.
During such a time, your whole world might crumble and now you have to think about your life. You know, the more important stuff that’s more important than just the pleasure of sex.
You also need to think about the illness and treatment. During this transitional period, it is understandable that your libido will hit rock bottom.
- A life event where you lose a dear one
Losing somebody who is dear to you is never an easy thing. People get really brokenhearted when they lose someone they hold dear in their heart. Maybe a dear friend is moving to a really faraway country.
Maybe someone in the family has just passed away. Maybe someone has even lost a pet. Whichever the case may be, losing a dear somebody can affect our hormones, moods, and vigour for life.
As stated in the report from the National Institute of Health, experiencing the loss of a significant person can be incredibly painful. This type of loss can impact our hormonal balance, moods, and overall enthusiasm for life. Naturally, such changes can influence your sex drive. It’s important to recognize that feeling sad is a natural response and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.
Of course, sex drive can be affected as well and this is nothing to feel guilty about. You are allowed to feel your sadness until you come to terms with the loss. You need a clear mind to be able to enjoy sex.
You need to be in the present moment. But while you’re still missing your dear one, you just need to take care of yourself before jumping into intimate activities again.
- A natural life event where you begin to grow old
Everybody grows older as the years go by. But entering the mid-age is usually quite heavy. Many people go into deep thinking mode when they enter their 40s or 50s.
Even people who are entering their 30s can have many things to think about. Entering the next decade of life can usually make people focus on reflecting back on their lives. Like, how did I get here?
How far have I come in life? What have I been doing all this time? Am I living a good life? A lot of such thoughts can easily take away our focus from sex, automatically decreasing our desire for it.
Based on the study reported by Mayo Clinic Health System, as individuals age, they often contemplate the trajectory of their lives, reflecting on their journey, achievements, and the quality of their existence. Such introspection can easily shift attention away from sexual desires, potentially leading to a decrease in the desire for sex.
This doesn’t go on forever anyway and those life reflections are indeed necessary. So, you don’t have to worry too much about it because your sex drive will come back when you’ve come to terms with ageing.
- A life event where you become a parent
Becoming a parent is a world-changing experience for a lot of people. Well, yeah, more so if it’s the first time, but even the advent of a second child will cause many people to have to focus on preparing a lot of new things.
That said, it is normal that during such a time your sex drive hits a low point. When people are the busiest, they have the littlest interest in sex. After all, sex is supposed to be an attention-consuming activity.
When engaging in sex, people want to be fully immersed in the experience so they can gain the most satisfaction. Now for women, being pregnant and giving birth are also big life events that affect the hormones.
The fluctuating hormones can cause your libido to also change rapidly on a day-to-day basis. You’ve just got to roll with it.
All things considered, we discussed how certain life events can negatively impact a sex drive of an individual. We have provided some solutions for you, and we hope those solutions can help you manage your libido.
What Factors Affect Libido (Sex Drive)?
Introduction
Libido, or sex drive, is defined as the desire for sexual activity and is a fundamental aspect of human sexuality. While libido is often associated with males, it is important to recognize that females also have a strong sex drive and that it can vary greatly among individuals. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the factors that affect female libido. While there is no single answer to this question, it is believed that a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors play a role in determining a woman’s level of libido. In this paper, we will explore the various factors that can affect libido in females.
Biological Factors
Biological factors are believed to be the primary influence on libido in females. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating sexual desire, and any changes in the levels of these hormones can have a significant impact on libido. Testosterone, the primary male hormone, is also present in women but in much smaller amounts. A decrease in testosterone levels can lead to a decrease in libido in women. This can occur due to natural aging, hormonal imbalances, or certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or menopause.
The menstrual cycle also has a significant impact on female libido. During the first half of the cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone increase, leading to an increase in sexual desire. However, during the second half of the cycle, these hormone levels drop, and many women experience a decrease in libido. This change in hormone levels can also be affected by birth control pills, which can cause a decrease in testosterone levels and subsequently, libido.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors can also have a significant impact on female libido. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to a decrease in sexual desire. These conditions can affect the brain’s production of hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a crucial role in regulating sexual desire. Additionally, past traumas, relationship issues, and body image concerns can also have a negative impact on libido.
Another psychological factor that can greatly affect female libido is self-esteem. Women with low self-esteem may have a lower libido due to feelings of inadequacy or a lack of confidence in their sexual abilities. On the other hand, women with a high self-esteem may have a higher libido due to feeling more comfortable and confident in their own skin.
Social Factors
Social factors such as cultural norms, societal expectations, and personal beliefs can also influence female libido. In many cultures, there is a stigma surrounding female sexuality, and women may feel ashamed or guilty about their sexual desires. This can lead to a decrease in libido as they may suppress or ignore their sexual thoughts and feelings.
Relationship dynamics can also play a role in female libido. A lack of communication, unresolved conflicts, or a lack of emotional connection can all contribute to a decrease in sexual desire. Additionally, if one partner has a higher libido than the other, it can create tension and frustration within the relationship, ultimately affecting the overall sexual desire of both partners.
Age and lifestyle choices can also impact female libido. As women age, they may experience changes in their bodies that can affect their sexual desire. For example, menopause can lead to a decrease in estrogen and testosterone levels, resulting in a lower libido. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can also contribute to a decrease in libido.
Conclusion
In conclusion, female libido is a complex issue that can be influenced by a variety of factors. Biological factors such as hormonal changes and the menstrual cycle are believed to be the main contributors to changes in libido. However, psychological and social factors, such as stress, self-esteem, and cultural norms, can also have a significant impact. It is essential to recognize that each woman’s libido is unique and can be affected by a combination of these factors. Understanding and addressing these factors can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling sex life for women. Additionally, seeking professional help from a healthcare provider or therapist can be beneficial in addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to a decrease in libido.
