What can I do to improve my sex drive?
When I don’t have sex for a lengthy period of time, I notice a significant decrease in my sex desire. As a result, when I eventually put it on, it’s a bit blah. What am I supposed to do?
You’ve probably heard the expression “use it or lose it,” and that is certainly true of your libido. Testosterone levels decrease when you don’t have sex for a period of time (and males aren’t the only ones who generate this hormone). Because testosterone is a factor in sex drive, the lower your testosterone level, the lesser your desire.
Even when you are experiencing a dry period, consider bringing more sexual stimulation into your life: read hot tales, engage in steamy fantasies, experiment with a vibrator, and allow yourself the time and flexibility to excite yourself to orgasm.
I believe you should also make an attempt to increase your level of arousal when having sex. It’s possible that your sack sessions are “ho-hum” because you’re getting into a pattern, or because you’re not talking enough about what gets you on.
My recommendation is the following: Start by determining what it is about the sex that is so boring. Is it a mental or physical illness, or a combination of the two? Do you feel like you’re not receiving enough foreplay? What if you don’t like how your man touches you? Is there anything you really desire but aren’t receiving it? Consider what precisely is wrong with your situation. Once you’ve identified the issue, you’ll be ready to begin working on a solution.
You should also experiment with your own space in your bedroom. Unpredictability, spontaneity, and a feeling of risk are required for a passionate love life. So, alongside your companion, begin exploring a variety of sexual avenues: Try role-playing or mild bondage; try some new positions; or even simply having sex at a different time (a noon rendezvous, for example) or location (for a change, take it outside the bedroom) may help to increase your desire. It’s easy to become stuck in a rut, but by injecting some variety into your sex life, your humdrum sex life should begin to sing.
What resources are available to women who have a low libido?
Treatments that increase libido are putting sexy back into fashion.
Women with little libido
There are a variety of reasons why your sexual desire may have gone into neutral.
Hormones may be messed up during pregnancy, nursing, and menopause. Stress, sickness, medicines, and difficulties in a relationship may all impair sexual desire.
If you observe a significant decrease in your level of arousal, first rule out any medical reasons. Yes, it may seem strange to discuss getting frisky with your doctor, but medical experts have heard it all before.
Your OB/GYN, general care physician, or women’s health specialist may identify issues such as medication side effects or hormonal changes (such as perimenopause) that are interfering with intimacy and help you resolve them.
Despite this, many women suffer decreased sexual desire for no apparent cause – a condition known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). In addition, there has been an increase in research and medicinal alternatives for this disease in recent years. As Dr. Thacker explains, “we now have several great choices.”
Other strategies for increasing sex desire
When it comes to a sluggish libido, medications aren’t always the greatest option. Low sex drive is often associated with psychological concerns such as a bad body image, previous unpleasant sexual experiences, trust issues, or relationship difficulties. In such situations, working through your thoughts and emotions with a mental health expert may be beneficial.
Dr. Thacker also believes that some women just need a refresher course in sex education. In addition, she says that being more familiar with your sexual anatomy — specifically, the significance of clitoral and G-spot stimulation — may help you have more desire. After all, if something does not make you feel good, you will not desire it.
Also keep in mind that you may have a healthy sex desire without becoming a seductress by following these guidelines. “Most women just aren’t thinking about sex on a regular basis.” As Dr. Thacker explains, “they have a more sensitive response to sexual stimulation.”
You don’t have to be the one who starts the haystacking session to enjoy it. She goes on to say that all you have to do is be receptive to it. As with exercise, you may not feel like doing it at first, but once you get started you’ll almost always be happy you did.
DHEA in the vaginal area
This hormone suppository may help postmenopausal women who are experiencing vaginal dryness and pain. Some women who have low libido report that it enhances their genital sensitivity while others report the opposite (in a good way).
Testosterone
Female libido can be improved by using testosterone, but since it is not authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, this “off-label” usage is fraught with controversy. It has the potential to produce adverse effects such as acne, hair loss, facial hair development, and mood swings.
In addition to Addyi®, there are many more brands that are available (Flibanserin)
For the treatment of HSDD, this prescription medication has been on the market since 2015. Dr. Thacker believes that flibanserin, which is taken at night, may increase sex desire. Taking it within 2 hours of consuming alcohol may induce drowsiness, therefore avoid doing so.
It takes about 2 months for the medicine to begin to function, which is a drawback. The therapy, on the other hand, is worth the wait for many women (and their pleased boyfriends).
This on-demand prescription drug, Vyleesi® (Bremalanotide), was authorized by the FDA in 2019 for the treatment of high-risk sexual dysfunction. Women should inject it beneath the skin at least 45 minutes before they expect to get horny or ecstatic.
According to Dr. Thacker, as many as 40% of women suffer nausea after taking the medication, and this number is increasing. As a workaround, she recommends that you take it just before night and cancel your morning meetings the next morning. In addition, since the drug has a 16-hour duration, you are likely to sleep through any pain and be able to experience the romantic benefits once the sun rises.
What exactly is a low libido?
Low libido is defined as a diminished desire to engage in sexual activities.
It’s normal to have periods of decreased desire in sex, and libido levels fluctuate throughout one’s life. It’s also natural for your interests to differ from those of your spouse from time to time.
Some individuals, however, may be concerned if their libido remains low for an extended length of time. It may sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue.
Here are a few of the possible reasons of low libido in guys that you should know about.
testosterone deficiency
Men’s hormone testosterone plays an essential role in their development. The testicles are the primary site of production in males.
Testosterone is responsible for the development of muscle and bone mass, as well as for the stimulation of sperm development. Your testosterone levels also have a role in your desire to have sexual relations.
Normal testosterone levels will vary from person to person. Adult males, on the other hand, are deemed to have low testosterone, also known as low T, when their testosterone levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), according to recommendations from the American Urological Association (AUA).
It is natural for your desire for sex to diminish as your testosterone levels decline.
The decline in testosterone levels is a natural component of the aging process. A significant reduction in testosterone, on the other hand, may result in reduced libido.
If you believe this may be a problem for you, speak with your doctor about it. In order to raise your testosterone levels, you may be able to benefit from taking supplements or gels.
Medications
Certain medicines, such as birth control pills, may reduce testosterone levels, which can result in decreased libido.
Examples of such medicines include blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, which may interfere with ejaculation and erections.
There are a number of other medicines that may decrease testosterone levels, including:
Hormones used in the treatment of prostate cancer that are used in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation
Anabolic steroids, which may be used by athletes to increase muscle mass, opioid pain relievers such as morphine (MorphaBond, MS Contin) and oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet) an antifungal medication known as ketoconazole cimetidine (Tagamet), which is used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) certain antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline
If you are suffering the side symptoms of low testosterone, you should see your doctor immediately. Some doctors may recommend that you change your medication.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which the legs become restless (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by the inability to control the desire to move your legs.
According to the findings of a recent research, men who suffer from RLS are more likely than those who do not to acquire erectile dysfunction (ED). When a guy is unable to get or sustain an erection, he is said to have ED.
Researchers found that males who had RLS occurrences at least five times per month were about 50 percent more likely to acquire ED than men who did not experience RLS occurrences at all.
Additionally, those who had RLS episodes on a regular basis were more likely to develop impotence.
Depression
Depression has an impact on all aspect of a person’s life. People suffering from depression report a diminished or total loss of interest in things that they previously considered pleasant, including sex.
It is also a side effect of certain antidepressants, such as the ones listed below:
SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), are used to treat depression (Zoloft)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL), a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NRDI), has not been found to decrease libido in studies.
If you’re on antidepressants and you’re experiencing a decrease in libido, see your doctor. In order to address your adverse effects, your doctor may decide to modify your dosage or have you switch to another drug.
Illness that lasts a long time
When you’re not feeling well as a result of the consequences of a chronic health condition, such as chronic pain, sex is probably not at the top of your priority list of things to do.
Certain diseases, such as cancer, may also have a negative impact on your sperm production levels.
Other chronic diseases that may have a negative impact on your libido are as follows:
Obesity and type 2 diabetes
hypertension (high blood pressure)
lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure caused by excessive cholesterol over time
Consider discussing with your spouse how you and your partner might be more intimate at this time if you are suffering from a chronic disease. You may also think considering consulting with a marital counselor or a sex therapist about your concerns.
Problems with sleep
According to a research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, nonobese men who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had lower testosterone levels than obese men. The result is a reduction in sexual activity and desire as a result of this.
According to the findings of the study, almost one-third of the males who suffered from severe sleep apnea also had low testosterone levels.
Another recent studyTrusted Source found that testosterone levels in young, healthy males were reduced by 10 to 15% following a week of sleep restriction to five hours each night, according to the researchers.
During the study, the researchers discovered that the effects of sleep deprivation on testosterone levels were most noticeable between 2:00 pm and 10:00 pm the following day.
A man’s aging Testosterone levels, which are related to his sexual desire, are at their peak during his early to mid-twenties.
You may find that it takes longer to have orgasms, ejaculate, and get aroused as you get older. Your erections may not be as hard as they used to be, and it may take longer for your penis to get fully erect again.
However, there are medicines available that may assist in the treatment of these problems.
Stress
If you’re distracted by circumstances or under a lot of strain, your sexual desire may suffer as a result. This is due to the fact that stress may cause your hormone levels to fluctuate. When you are under stress, your arteries may narrow. This constriction of the carotid arteries limits blood flow, which may lead to erectile dysfunction.
In a study published in the journal Scientific Research and Essays, researchers found evidence to support the idea that stress has a direct impact on sexual difficulties in both men and women.
a new research project
Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were found to be more than three times more likely to have sexual dysfunction, according to a study conducted by Trusted Source.
Stress
Relationship difficulties, divorce, dealing with the loss of a loved one, financial concerns, the birth of a child, or working in a stressful workplace are just a few of the life events that may have a significant impact on one’s desire for sex.
It may be beneficial to use stress management methods such as breathing exercises, meditation, and talking to a therapist.
Participants in an 8-week stress management program, for example, demonstrated statistically significant improvement in erectile function scores among males who had just been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Insecurities about one’s own abilities
When it comes to self-esteem, it is described as the overall opinion a person has about themselves. Reduced self-esteem, low self-confidence, and a negative body image may all have negative effects on your mental health and well-being.
If you believe that you are ugly or unwanted, it is probable that your sexual interactions may suffer as a result. Being dissatisfied with what you see in the mirror may lead to a desire to avoid having sexual relations entirely.
Low self-esteem may also contribute to worry over one’s sexual performance, which can result in erectile dysfunction (ED) and decreased sexual desire.
Poor libido is associated with low self-esteem, which may lead to a variety of other mental health problems over time, including depression, anxiety, and substance or alcohol addiction.
Excessive (or insufficient) physical activity
Men who engage in too little or too much physical activity may experience a decrease in sex desire.
A lack of physical activity (or none at all) may result in a variety of health issues, some of which might impair sexual desire and pleasure.
Exercise on a regular basis may lower your chance of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are linked with decreased libido in some people. Getting some moderate activity at night has been shown to decrease cortisol levels and reduce stress, both of which may assist boost one’s sexual desire.
Over-exercising, on the other hand, has been proven to have negative effects on sexual health. Increased levels of chronic severe and long endurance exercise performed on a regular basis were shown to be significantly linked with lower libido ratings in males, according to one research.
Alcohol
In addition, heavy alcohol use (defined as more than 14 mixed drinks in a week) has been related to a reduction in testosterone production in men. Excessive quantities of alcohol may have a negative impact on your sexual desire over a lengthy period of time.
It is recommended by the Cleveland Clinic that men who frequently consume three or more alcoholic drinks should think about cutting down on their consumption. According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source, an average adult man should have two or less alcoholic drinks per day; any more than this may result in long-term health damage.
Use of illicit drugs
In addition to the use of alcoholic beverages, the use of cigarettes, marijuana, and illegal substances such as opiates has been linked to a reduction in the synthesis of testosterone. This may lead to a loss of sexual desire as a consequence.
It has also been shown that smoking has a detrimental effect on sperm production and motility.
Low libido may have both physical and emotional consequences.
For males, a reduction in sex desire may be very uncomfortable. Low libido may result in a vicious cycle of physical and mental side effects, including erectile dysfunction (ED), which is defined as the inability to sustain an erection for a long enough period of time to have satisfying sex.
Anxiety over sex may be triggered by erectile dysfunction in men. The result may be more stress and disagreement between him and his partner, which may result in fewer sexual experiences and more relationship problems.
Failure to perform as a result of an ED may lead to feelings of despair, low self-esteem, and a negative body image, among other things.
Outlook
The treatment of low libido is often dependent on the treatment of the underlying problem.
If you have low libido as a result of a medical issue, you may need to change your prescription to treat it. A therapist for relationship therapy may be required in the event that your low libido is caused by psychological factors.
You may also do things on your own to increase your libido. There is a possibility that the following activities may enhance your libido:
adopting a more healthy way of life
Getting adequate sleep, stress management, and eating a better diet are all recommended.
