LOW SEX DRIVE IN WOMEN: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND TREATMENT
Just like men have their sexual battles, women are not exempted. Low sex drive in women varies and to a large extent, it’s seen as normal, considering the fact that women experience a lot of hormonal changes when they are menstruating, ovulating, pregnant, sick or at their menopausal age.
Now, what are the symptoms of low sex drive in women? As a woman, you will know your libido is low when:
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You never or rarely have sexual imaginations.
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You’re unbothered about your lack of sexual imaginations or activities.
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You have little or no interest in any type of sexual activities, such as kissing, smooching and foreplay.
Below are the known causes of low sex drive in women
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Medical reasons. There are a few diseases that can affect a woman’s sex drive. They include arthritis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and neurological diseases. Also, certain prescription drugs, especially , some antidepressants can lower your sex drive. In addition, any surgery done on sensitive parts of your body- your breasts or genital tracts can affect your body image, sexual function and desire for sex. Your estrogen levels also decline as you approach menopause and can make you less interested in sex.
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Sexual problems.
If you experience pain during sex or can’t climax, it can reduce your desire for sex. Any history of physical or sexual abuse, or previous negative sexual encounters also have a way of making you avoid sex or not enjoying it at all, so you just \”do\” it as an obligation.
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Tiredness. Exhaustion from caring for young children or aging parents, or even the thought of how to be there for them, can contribute to low libido. Stress, such as financial stress, work stress or mental stress also can lead to low sex drive.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hormone changes during pregnancy, just after having a baby and during breastfeeding. These hormonal changes can reduce your sex drive. You can\’t really control this as a woman, except you intentionally make a conscious effort to wanting sexual pleasures.
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Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression reduce your desire for sex. It\’s impossible to be depressed or worried about something and at the same time think about sex! Also, when you have poor body image, you don\’t see yourself as being good enough for anyone to love you, talk more of wanting to have sex with you. Poor body image and low self-esteem are twin sisters. They ensure you don\’t see beyond condemning yourself, such that you\’re blind to any form of self-improvement. So, when you\’re full of these mental issues, you barely or never think about sex.
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Relationship problems. Lack of connection with your partner on various relationship levels, poor communication of or misinterpretation of sexual needs and preference, trust issues, unsettled conflicts or fight can make you uninterested in sex. It is understandable that as a woman, you need some level of connection with your partner in order to enjoy sex and all that comes with it.
How to work on your sex drive
It\’s pertinent to mention that intentionality is key as regards boosting your sex drive
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Sex education and counselling. Talking with a sex therapist or counsellor skilled in handling sexual problems can help with low sex drive. Your therapist or counselor will likely provide recommendations for reading materials, videos or exercises that will help you.
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Medications. Your doctor will want to review the medications you’re already taking if you have any health issues at all, to see if any of them tend to cause sexual side effects. For example, antidepressants such as Paroxetine (Paxil) may lower sex drive. In addition, your doctor may prescribe medications to increase your libido.
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Exercise. It\’s recommended that you exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise and strength training done on a regular, can make you stronger, improve your body image, lift your mood and boost your libido.
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Stress less. Find a better way to cope with work stress, financial stress and daily activities. This will enhance your sex drive.
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Communicate with your partner.
Couples who learn to communicate in an open, honest way maintain stronger emotional connection. This can lead to better sex. Communicating about sex is also very important. Talking about your sexual likes and dislikes can set the stage for greater sexual intimacy. Communication here, shouldn\’t make anyone feel bad.
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Add little spice to your sex life. Dear woman, explore and don\’t be rigid. Don\’t be afraid to try different sexual positions, different time of day or different location for sex. If you and your partner are open to experimentation, sex toys and fantasy can help rekindle your sexual desire.
There are many reasons why a woman may have low sex drive, or why it might be unstable. Medications, age, health conditions are some of the factors that affect it. There are also many ways to increase your sex drive. This include, exercise, sex therapy and getting enough sleep as a woman. We understand how difficult this can be, however, try. Don’t feel shy to talk to your doctor, therapist or even your partner about any issues with your sex drive. They could render relevant solutions. If your physical response or any medical issue is the problem, your doctor may prescribe medications that boost sexual arousal.
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