5 Common Reasons for Low Libido in Women
Sexual satisfaction has a major role in a women’s well-being, having problems with low sex drive should be given attention and treated immediately as other mental or physical illnesses.
Cultural aspects like religion and subtle information about women’s bodies and their anatomy over the generation affect women’s sexuality. Also if your upbringing and background shame yourself that having sexual desires is immoral, this will lead to low sex drive. Here are the most common reasons that cause low libido in women.
Impact of stress in your sex life
Stress is one of the crucial causes of low sex drive. Common stressors that affect the women’s sex drive are,
- Financial problems are the major factor for stress be it low income or debt.
- Work stress due to long hours, hostile and dysfunctional work environment, overlooking lack of motivation, etc.
- Relationship problems like lack of communication about sex, unaddressed relationship problems and lack of emotional support.
- Family issues such as no proper support to handle children, parenting or pregnancy, housework, etc.
Only a doctor will be able to pinpoint the exact reason for low sex drive, there are many ways by which you can relieve stress and balance your life and sexual satisfaction. Some of the ways you can relieve stress from your daily life are,
- Asking your partner to help you at home.
- Prioritizing quality time with friends and family.
- Following a proper sleep routine irrespective of unfinished work.
- Taking care of relationship issues by spending time with your partner or going for counseling and regain the lost relationship.
- Talk about sex. Never keep your problems within, if this is a taboo in your circles find a trusted friend to share with.
Diseases decrease your libido
Physical and mental illness can affect your sexual desire. Some of the major physical and mental causes for low libido are,
- Injury any sort of injury-related to the reproductive system may cause low libido. Procedures like hysterectomy and even childbirth injuries can cause low sex drive.
- Chronic illnesses like hormonal imbalance, anaemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and neurological disorders can harm a women’s sexual life.
- Anxiety and depression are the most common mental illness that reduces sex drive. Antidepressants and chronic illness treatment side-effects may also lower your libido.
To overcome these problems and improve your mood and energy you will have to follow certain healthy lifestyle changes like,
- Take more rest and spare leisure time for yourself, this will help you focus on healing.
- Follow a healthy diet with lesser carbs to increase your energy levels.
- Physical activities and exercises will make you feel relaxed and energized.
Smoking or alcohol abuse will affect sexual performance
Too much of cigarettes and alcohol for a prolonged period of time will lower your sex drive and also cause impotency.
Alcohol can lower your chances of pregnancy, particularly if you have fertility problems. If you cut back smoking and alcohol, you will be able to focus on your healthy lifestyle to get a positive increase in sex drive.
Hormonal imbalance
Hormones like cortisol, testosterone, estrogen and thyroid hormones at a balanced level are necessary libido. Constantly feeling tired and drained out may indicate that your cortisol levels are down. This will also lead to unhealthy cravings. Estrogen is another important hormone which when out of tract will cause sudden weight gain, mood swings, dryness of the vagina, heavy or light bleeding, abnormal Pap smears, and low sex drive. Under-active thyroid will reduce your mood and make you tired, it might also cause rapid weight gain and fatigue.
Decreased testosterone occurs during your twenties and this will reduce women’s libido apart from problems like acne, hair loss, excess hair growth and infertility which might be a major problem when it comes to conceiving. Menopause and hysterectomy can also be a reason for low libido.
Psychological problems may reduce libido
Mental illness is one of the vital reasons for low sex drive. Though these are problems that do not need ant treatment but that have a major impact on your libido. Here are a few problems that affect your sex drive.
- Self-esteem and confidence. When a woman has love, acceptance, and respect for herself and her body she will have a healthier sex life. Feeling insecure might shake one’s self-confidence.
- Abusive relationships in terms of physique, sex and emotion can lower your libido.
- Childhood trauma unhealthy and dysfunctional views about sexuality and the female body over the generation might influence a woman’s sexual desire.
If you are wondering how to solve this issue it is quite complex. Consulting a therapist, physician and sex therapist may help you to find a solution to this problem. There are many low sex drive remedies available around but make sure you consult your physician before using them.