How Women Can Boost Their Sexual Desire

During perimenopause and menopause, you may have less desire for sex, or you may have trouble getting or staying aroused.

Can Relationship Issues Lead to Low Libido?

No matter which treatment path you choose, you can experience tremendous relief in having a supportive space to express your concerns and make positive changes to your libido. We understand that sexual dysfunction influences both physical and emotional health and, fortunately, most cases are treatable. Our goal is to help you restore your sexual well-being, as this can profoundly improve your relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Schedule an appointment at Virtua Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health or call 856-247-7435. Discover expert insights, inspiring stories, health tips, and more by exploring the content below!

What can quickly increase libido?

It’s normal to lose interest in sex from time to time, especially as you age. In fact, it may not be a big deal to you if you’re comfortable with it. But if a dip in your libido, also known as sex drive or desire for sex, is affecting your daily life — or causing a rift with a partner — know there are ways to get things going again. Everyone has a different level of sexual desire, but you’re the expert on your body. Don’t want to have sex as often as you once did Don’t think about sex or lack sexual fantasies Have trouble getting or staying aroused or having an orgasm If these changes are causing you stress or creating strain on your relationship with your partner, you’re not alone. Another common issue is vaginal dryness, which can lead to uncomfortable sex, or you may have trouble holding urine.

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“If you’re feeling pain during sex, or decreased sex drive is causing you concern, your doctor can help,” says Dr. Whitehurst. “Don’t be afraid to speak up.

• Libido can be suppressed by hormonal imbalances.
• Social factors and cultural attitudes influence desire.
• Libido peaks during certain life stages.
• Open relationships may have different impact on desire.
• Physical touch and affection can stimulate libido.
• Medical conditions like thyroid issues affect desire.
• Nutritional deficiencies can diminish libido.
• Women with higher self-esteem tend to report higher desire.
• Overcoming past trauma can positively influence libido.
• Mindfulness can help women reconnect with sexuality.

When you don’t feel good — whether because of untreated anxiety or depression, high stress, poor body image or low self-esteem — sex is likely the last thing on your mind. “And if you’re coping with stressors by smoking, drinking alcohol or using other substances, your physical health will also be worse as a result,” adds Dr.

Medications for Low Libido in Women

Studies indicate that decreased sexual desire can negatively affect body image, self-confidence, self-worth, relationships, and overall quality of life. Low sexual desire has also been associated with psychological and emotional distress. While it’s normal to experience fluctuations in sex drive, a chronic or distressing lack of interest may be a sign of a hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), which is very treatable. A woman’s libido is complex, and the diagnosis of HSDD can stem from a variety of biological or psychosocial factors, including: Complicating matters, sexual desire differs for women compared to men. Interpersonal factors, such as relationship troubles or lack of emotional intimacy A history of trauma or negative emotions like shame, fear, or guilt related to sex Past experiences with tadacip 20 tablet disappointing or painful sex But it’s not merely a mental issue—decreased sex hormones due to menopause, fatigue, or illness can also take a toll.

Am I Normal: There's Pain During Sex

Common medications, from antidepressants to antihistamines, and oral contraceptives to cholesterol meds, can reduce a woman’s sexual desire. There’s no “one size fits all” approach to sexual response. However, gaining a better understanding of female anatomy and orgasm can help you overcome feelings of being “abnormal.” You may experience a single intense orgasm during sex or sexual play, while another woman may have multiple orgasms that are less intense. Understanding adequate sexual stimulation—and the effects of age-related changes in sexual desire at various life stages—can unlock new opportunities to have a healthy sex life. At Virtua Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health, we collaborate with patients to address emotional factors in their relationships. Whitehurst.

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

If your mental health is taking a toll on your overall well-being, it’s time to talk to your doctor. “A therapist can help you manage any mental health conditions and teach you healthy ways to cope with stressors,” says Dr.

Alternative medicine

Psychotherapy or couples sex therapy can be beneficial to modify existing thoughts, behaviors, or emotions, or to improve communication between partners. We make it easy to talk about and learn how to add sexual aids or toys that may also improve your sex drive. Clitoral stimulators or vibrators can enhance your arousal, and topical feminine massage oil or compounds can increase blood flow and genital nerve sensitivity. Specific nutritional supplements, traditional or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or anti-anxiety medications like buspirone may help increase your sex drive. Additionally, two medications are available specifically for women with HSDD: Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide).

4. Connection and Communication

Systemic testosterone has also been shown to increase desire in women who are peri- and post-menopausal, though it's not FDA approved at this time. Sometimes, a medication you take for another condition can influence your libido. In that case, we'll consider replacing it with medications that don't affect it, if available. With so many life-changing treatment options to improve your sex drive, you shouldn't struggle in silence. A sexual dysfunction specialist can work with you to identify the root cause and develop a tailored treatment plan. Whitehurst.

• Yoga can improve flexibility and libido.
• Estrogen therapy is sometimes prescribed for low libido.
• Lifestyle adjustments can restore sexual interest.
• Sexual health clinics offer personalized advice.
• Female libido is a complex interplay of many factors.
• Some women find that fragrances or lotions increase arousal.
• Overexertion and fatigue lower sexual desire.
• Open conversations about desires improve intimacy.
• Libido may increase with new or stimulating experiences.
• Self-awareness about sexuality can enhance desire.

It’s not surprising that sexual trauma can impact your desire for sex.

• Women may experience increased libido during ovulation.
• Libido varies widely among women and over time.
• Meditation and mindfulness can improve sexual desire.
• Safe sex practices contribute to a positive libido.
• Libido can be affected by relationship quality.
• Some women experience libido enhancement from acupuncture.
• Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to low libido.
• Obesity can impact hormone levels and desire.
• Libido is influenced by both physical and emotional health.
• Women’s libido can be improved through counseling.

But studies are also finding women who had other kinds of childhood trauma tend to have less libido in later life, as well as other health issues.

There's So Much More to Explore

“Low sex drive in women is common and can be caused by many things,” explains Sabrina Whitehurst, MD, OB-GYN at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. The first step to improving your sexual health? If things are awry with your physical or emotional health, for example, your desire for sex is likely to take a hit. “Finding the root cause can lead to effective treatment — often, it’s as simple as changing a medication you’re taking,” says Dr. Whitehurst.

1. Stress and fatigue

Here are some common causes for low libido in women: Most birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. If you’re taking a pill with both, it may lower your level of testosterone — the hormone that drives your sexual desire. Beyond the pill, hormones are also found in other kinds of birth control that could affect your sex drive, including Depo-Provera®, the vaginal ring, implants and some IUDs. Your doctor, primary care physician or OB-GYN may be able to adjust or change your birth control method or prescription to help you. Several medicines are known to decrease desire for sex, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Trauma can include being physically or emotionally abused, witnessing violence or having significant instability when parents divorced or were incarcerated.

Seeking Help

Your ob/gyn is a good place to start. They can help you address any underlying issues, recommend lifestyle changes, and explore other treatment options, like medications and therapy, referring you to other practitioners as needed. While many things can lower your libido, that means there’s a lot you can do to boost it, reconnect with your sexual side, and feel the heat again. A chronic low sex drive is a sign of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Discover what causes low libido and how expert help can transform your sex life.

When to see a doctor

By Elizabeth Kusturiss, MSN, CRNP, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Virtua Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health From movie scenes to song lyrics to advertising, we’re inundated with images of couples who seem eager for sex, anytime, anywhere. This is one of the biggest myths in our society—that a consistently strong sexual desire is the norm in a loving relationship. It can lead people to believe there’s something wrong with them if they’re not interested in sex. The truth is that decreased sexual desire, or low libido, is much more common than society suggests. Most women experience lower desire at some point in their lives, but due to embarrassment, many avoid discussing it with a healthcare professional. You didn’t choose to endure these events, but you can choose to seek therapy or other support options and build a healthier future. For many women, emotional closeness is essential for intimacy. So having problems with your partner could cause a lower-than-normal sex drive. A lack of connection, unresolved conflicts or trust issues are all good reasons to seek marriage counseling or couple’s therapy. With guidance, you can work together to resolve the issues — and focus on building your relationship back up.

1. L-arginine

SSRIs work by raising the levels of serotonin in your body, making you feel more calm and less anxious. Other drugs that may cut your desire are some medications used to treat high blood pressure, seizures or cancer, or those that block the effects of testosterone. “There are other medications and physical factors, like an underlying medical condition, that may lower your sex drive,” adds Dr. Whitehurst. “Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can suggest new prescriptions or dosages and help you manage any medical conditions that may be impacting your well-being.” If you’re pregnant, just had a baby or are breastfeeding, your sexual desire may be low due to changing hormones.

Can exercise really increase libido in women?

“Fatigue, changes to your body and the stress of being a new parent may also cause a dip in your libido,” adds Dr. Whitehurst. “This is normal, especially for the first few months after giving birth.” As you age, your body makes less of key hormones. Even before you stop menstruating you may have symptoms from lower hormone levels — a phase called perimenopause. This phase can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years, but around 4 years is more common. “Counseling can also be helpful to communicate and decrease stress if you or your partner have medical issues like fatigue, chronic pain or erectile dysfunction,” says Dr. Whitehurst. When the problem is simply lack of time or effort, set aside time for connection and intimacy. It can go a long way toward spicing up your love life.