Yet, medications to treat these conditions could be making it worse or even causing it.

What causes hypoactive sexual desire disorder?

The issue of low libido in women is even more complex, with causes ranging from past negative and abusive experiences with sex to fatigue and stress. Life stressors and fatigueAfter growing their families, many women are not only weeks behind on quality sleep but also haven't exercised in months and eat only when they can find a spare second. It's no wonder they say that they feel exhausted and sexually dead. They often confide that they don't feel like they could have a sexual or intimate encounter even after a long time. MedicationsDepression and anxiety lead to lowered libido. This isn't a reason to stop taking an important medication, but it's definitely a topic to discuss with a sexual health specialist.

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Weight gainWeight gain can lead to low energy, negative self-image and loss of intimacy with your significant other. Hormone changesEstrogen levels drop during menopause and can greatly affect libido.

Is it safe to use OTC products for sexual health?

A thorough evaluation of your symptoms and possible causes, along with an individualized treatment plan, may put you in the mood more often. Physical issuesIncreased weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, endocrine disorders and high cholesterol can affect the ability to maintain an erection or decrease sex drive. These conditions also can lead to low energy and low self-image which can cause a significant loss of libido. In many cases, this can be corrected through diet, exercise and medical management. PornographyThis is a big cause for many men.

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Pornography permeates many committed relationships and can change how men view sexuality. For buy fildena 100 online some, it causes pseudo-low libido, which is when a person is still interested in sex but not in a healthy way. This often leads to unrealistic expectations of body image, confusion about what an intimate encounter is and, in some cases, negative sexual behavior. Often, people who are committed to changing their behaviors are referred to sexual addiction counseling to manage this effectively. Loss of intimacyI'm always amazed at how dedicated and committed people are to their jobs, sports teams or extracurricular activities but treat relationships like a given, self-maintaining entity. It can cause vaginal dryness and lead to painful or uncomfortable sex. While not as common, hormonal contraceptives also can cause lower libido.

Hormone	Function	Effect on Libido
Estrogen	Regulates menstrual cycle, arousal	Maintains vaginal tissue, mood
Testosterone	Contributes to sexual desire	Higher levels can enhance libido
Progesterone	Supports pregnancy, can dampen libido	Varies during cycle
Oxytocin	“Love hormone,” enhances bonding	Elevates arousal or intimacy

In some women, they cause vaginal irritation which leads to a decreased willingness to initiate a sexual experience.

What Lifestyle Changes Can Boost Libido?

Samantha is a proud member of the Healf editorial team, where she merges her love for storytelling with industry insights and science-backed evidence. An avid WHOOP wearer, keen runner (with a sub 1:30 half marathon) hot yoga enthusiast and regular gym goer, Samantha lives and breathes the wellness lifestyle she writes about. With a solid black book of trusted contacts (including some of the industry’s leading experts) she’s committed to creating accessible, well-informed content that empowers and inspires Healf readers. What drives libido in women and why sex drive isn’t always the right phrase Desire vs arousal: Why low libido can feel confusing but totally normal The biology of libido in women: hormones, brain chemistry and stress What actually helps increase sex drive in women Supplements for female libido: what’s worth it and what’s mostly marketing How to actually increase libido in women: Expert top tips It may feel uncomfortable to talk about low libido with your partner and your health care team. Unfortunately, it's a common problem that affects adults everywhere, yet many people have never been asked about their sexual health by their health care teams.

What can quickly increase libido?

Although it may be difficult to discuss, sexual health is important and factors that are causing low libido should be addressed. Many primary care, psychology and OB-GYN professionals are trained to care for and treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or HSDD. This is the persistent or recurrent deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. It's often referred to as having a low libido and can cause significant distress and relationship problems. The desire for sex is based on a complex interaction of many things that affect intimacy, including physical and emotional well-being, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and relationship status. Sexual pain or dyspareuniaIf it hurts, why would you do it?

How Do Psychological Factors Affect Libido?

Relationships, intimacy and sexual health require work and effort. In many cases, a lack of emotional connection can lead to low libido in both partners. MedicationsMany medications used for anxiety and depression can lower libido in men and, in some cases, delay orgasm. While some men have no side effects, others may encounter significant issues. It's important to note that you should not stop taking any medication without first talking with your health care team.

What increases libido immediately?

Alcohol and drug useIncreased alcohol use can reduce testosterone levels and increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and low libido. Illicit drugs often increase sex drive in the short term but have significant long-term negative effects on sexual function. Depending on the substance, drug use can cause a decrease in testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction or change how the brain responds to activities that were previously viewed as pleasurable, like sex. Remember, the answer to treating a low libido is more than turning to medications. Acknowledging there's an issue and seeking professional help can be the start of getting back something great. The good news is that pain during sex can often be treated. The first step is to be evaluated by a sexual health specialist who will recommend a treatment plan, which could include a referral to a psychology specialist or pelvic floor physical therapist.

Medication Type	Common Drugs	Effect on Libido
Antidepressants	SSRIs (e.g., Prozac)	Usually decrease
Birth Control Pills	Various formulations	Can lower desire
Hormone Therapy	Estrogen or testosterone patches	May increase libido
Blood Pressure Medications	Beta-blockers	Potential decrease

Relationship issuesFor many women, emotional closeness is essential for sexual intimacy.

What Can Cause a Low Libido?

If sex feels uncomfortable, address the cause first (it’s one of the fastest ways to rebuild safety in the body). Take “sex” off the table sometimes and focus on connection, touch and closeness without a goal. Desire often returns when it’s not being demanded. Have an honest conversation about what you actually want. If you’re partnered, talk about needs, boundaries, timing and what feels good now… not what used to work.

Sexual Issues

A coach or therapist can help unpack emotional blocks, relationship dynamics, or past experiences that may be quietly switching desire off. This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf Samantha Nice is a seasoned wellness writer with over a decade of experience crafting content for a diverse range of global brands. A passionate advocate for holistic wellbeing, she brings a particular focus to supplements, women’s health, strength training, and running. Problems in the relationship like a lack of connection, unresolved conflicts or trust issues can be a major contributor to a low sex drive. Previous traumaPrevious physical or emotional trauma can affect the way people experience sex and lead to low libido.

Testosterone, though lower in women, affects sexual desire.
Sexual activity releases endorphins, boosting mood and desire.
Postpartum hormonal changes may decrease libido temporarily.
Mind-body therapies can support healthy libido.
Certain birth control methods influence libido differently.
Sleep disorders can lead to reduced sexual interest.
Libido often correlates with overall mental well-being.
Sensuality and body confidence enhance desire.
Regular intimacy boosts female libido over time.
Pelvic floor exercises can increase sexual arousal.

Sexual desire and arousal often are numbed in people who have been physically or sexually abused.

Mindfulness during intimacy can heighten desire.
Maintaining a healthy weight supports hormonal health.
Pelvic health exercises improve blood flow and desire.
Vitamin B complex might influence libido positively.
Hydration impacts overall sexual function.
Women’s libido can reflect emotional connection.
Certain spices, like cardamom, have aphrodisiac qualities.
A balanced sex life contributes to overall well-being.
Exercise releases hormones that can increase desire.
Creative visualization techniques may enhance libido.

Women who have been abused often avoid sexual contact because the neural networks in their brains associate sex with power, fear or pain.

MonaLisa Touch: Designed for intimate wellness

One of the fastest ways to tank libido is comparing your sex life to what you think it should look like. “I wish more women knew that if your sex life doesn’t look like what we see on TV and in films, that’s completely normal,” says April. “What we’re shown is entertainment, not a realistic reflection of how desire actually works in real life.” Real desire is shaped by real life, not a scriptwriter’s fantasy. “There is no normal amount of sex you should be having, and your libido will look different to everyone else.” That matters, because so many women label themselves broken when their libido fluctuates. “I speak with women all the time who constantly refer to their bodies as ‘broken’ if they don’t want sex as much as their partner or if their libido fluctuates from month to month or even feels like it's non-existent,” April says.

6. Make Lifestyle Improvements

But libido is context-dependent, not character-defining. “Desire is far more complex and context-dependent than most of us were ever taught; it’s shaped by stress, hormones, relationships, and how safe and connected we feel in our bodies.” If your libido has gone quiet, you don’t need to panic or perform. Low libido in women is often a sign that your body is under strain. The goal isn’t to make yourself want sex, it’s to create the conditions where desire can return naturally. Here are some practical and tangible places to start: Protect your sleep like it’s part of your libido plan. Even a previous consensual, yet negative, sexual experience can reduce a woman's desire for sex in the future.

How to Increase Women’s Libido

Aim for consistent bed and wake times, and prioritise wind-down time so your nervous system actually gets the message it’s safe to rest. Protect your sleep like it’s part of your libido plan. Lower your stress load in small, real ways. Think short walks, breathwork, a phone-free ten minutes, or anything that brings you out of “on” mode. Stabilise blood sugar to support energy and mood.

Addressing Dry Spells: Expert Tips to Boost Intimacy and Sexual Desire

Build meals around protein, fibre and healthy fats, and avoid running on caffeine and chaos (tempting, but not libido-friendly). Check in on hormones if things feel noticeably different. If you’re experiencing symptoms alongside low desire (like fatigue, cycle changes, mood shifts, vaginal dryness) speak to a healthcare provider about hormone and thyroid support. Don’t ignore pain or discomfort during sex. Pain isn’t something to push through.