All Posts tagged Not in the mood to have sex

Reasons Women Experience Low Libido

When you’re not in the mood, you don’t feel like you. Feelings of self-doubt can add stress and insecurity to your already complicated emotions as you start asking yourself, “What’s wrong with me?” Don’t let such questions impact your self-esteem. There are a variety of reasons why women experience low libido, that doesn’t have anything to do with whether or not they are a good partner. If you’re worried that you may not be in the mood for sex as frequently as you once were, read on for common explanations for this change in desire.

What’s Wrong with Me?

Before you start to worry that what you’re experiencing is not natural, know that there is a very real explanation for feeling a loss of libido. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is the most common form of sexual dysfunction in women. It is defined as a deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. HSDD is a condition experienced by 30 percent of women ages 18 to 59, which means you’re not alone in feeling an unexplainable loss of desire.

What Causes HSDD?

There are a variety of mental and physical factors that cause HSDD:

Physical Factors

• Low testosterone levels.
• Some medical conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, thyroid disorders, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease (CAD), and some neurological diseases.
• Certain medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure lowering medications, oral contraceptives, and some anti-seizure medications.
• Age.
• Menopause.
• Fatigue.
• Pregnancy, having recently given birth, or breastfeeding.
• Recent surgery, especially a procedure that impacted your breasts or genital tract.

Emotional Factors

• Depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
• Stress.
• Peer pressure.
• Pressure to meet unrealistic sex standards set by pop culture or the media.
• Personal beliefs.
• Poor body image.
• Low self-esteem.
• History of physical or sexual abuse.

Lifestyle Habits

• Overconsumption of alcohol.
• Use of recreational drugs.
• Smoking.

Relationship Factors

• Interpersonal relationship issues.
• Partner performance issues.
• Poor communication of sexual needs.
• Sexual problems such as difficulty orgasming or pain during sex.

How do I Know if I’m Experiencing HSDD?

Symptoms of HSDD may include:

• Lack of sexual thoughts.
• Lack of sexual desire.
• Distress or relationship issues caused by lack of sexual thoughts or desire.

Can it be Treated?

The good news is that thanks to recent advancements and research, there are treatments available that have been proven effective in helping to kick-start the female libido. The type of treatment that will be most impactful for you will depend on the woman and the factors impacting her HSDD, however, proven treatment options include:

• Testosterone therapy.
• Changes to prescribed medications (note: always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your prescription medication usage or dosage).
• Sex therapy/relationship counseling.
• Treating underlying medical or mental health issues.

If you feel you may be experiencing HSDD, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your sexual desire, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you understand the underlying factors impacting your libido and can help you determine the treatment plan that’s right for you.