Dealing With a Low Sex Drive and How to Solve It

A low sex drive can be a source of frustration for many women (and men). It is normal for our interest in sex to ebb and flow over the course of our lives because of its dependence upon our medical, physical and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, many couples experience moments in their relationship where sex will naturally decline as other priorities take hold. But if you find your lack of desire for sex distressing or believe it’s affecting your relationship, then you should consider the common sources.

Understanding the causes of a low libido

Loss of sexual desire is one of the most common sexual health problems that women experience. A recent study found that nearly one-third of women aged 18 to 59 suffer from a lost interest in sex. Causes of a reduced sex drive include:

Medical conditions

Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), coronary artery disease or depression are known to lower libido in both men and women.

Medications

A number of medications including antidepressants (e.g. Prozac, Zoloft) have side effects that include a reduced sex drive.

Major life changes and partner relationships

Relationship strains, conflicts or fights may have the effect of lowering interest in sex. Additionally, major life changes like pregnancy or childbirth can also affect your desire for sex.

Menopause and perimenopause

As women transition to menopause, the amount of estrogen in the body declines. This can result in a reduced libido or vaginal dryness which itself may cause sex to be painful or uncomfortable. Other symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, sleep changes or mood problems may also contribute to a lower sex drive.

Emotional and psychological factors

In many cases, the emotional and psychological factors around sex and relationships can affect our sex drive. Factors such as stress, low self-esteem or poor body image may all impact how we feel about sex.

To get a better understanding of the issues that are specific to your own case, it might be useful to speak to a healthcare professional.

When to make an appointment

If you’re concerned about your low desire for sex or are having difficulty figuring out the root cause, make an appointment to speak to one of our specialists. Our doctors will take the time to discuss your own experiences, obtain a full history and ask questions surrounding your medical and emotional health. If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic tests to rule out possible medical conditions.

Treatment options

Whether it’s a medical problem, emotional issue or the effects of menopause at play, our staff can discuss a range of treatment options that are tailored to you. Options may include:

Management of menopause symptoms
O-Shot® Procedure
Techniques for stress reduction and relaxation
Psychotherapy
Medications or supplements
Dietary changes

At The Kaplan Center we understand that sexual health is a part of overall good health. Our goal is to provide support to our patients and help them achieve the best possible outcomes for all of their health concerns.