Low libido can be embarrassing and difficult to talk about. At the Intimate Wellness Institute our team and environment make it comfortable and safe for you to discuss and get help for this issue. Our only goal is the get you feeling better.
Low libido (low sex drive) is a decrease in the frequency and/or intensity of sexual desire that you once had. It can be temporary or long-term.
Libido is your overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity, which includes sex with a partner and masturbation. Libido is complex and is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors. Biologically, sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) and neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and oxytocin) regulate libido.
Libido naturally varies significantly from person to person. Your sex drive can also change throughout your life. There’s no right or wrong level of libido. Some people have sex or feel like having sex every day, while others may feel like having sex a few times a year or not at all. The “right” or “normal” libido for you depends on your preferences and life circumstances.
However, if a decrease in libido is causing you distress, it’s important to talk to us. Several conditions and situations can lead to low libido, including:
Low libido (low sex drive) is common. It affects over half of women and up to 1 in 5 men at some point in their lives. It’s also common to experience a drop in sex drive more than once during your life.
The main symptom of low libido is a decrease in sexual desire compared to your regular interest in sex.
Other symptoms include:
Several biological, psychological and social factors can lead to low libido.
Medical conditions that can lead to a decrease in sexual desire in women include:
Perimenopause and menopause: During perimenopause and menopause, your ovaries decrease their production of estrogen, which can lower libido.
Sexual dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction is a problem that can happen during any phase of the sexual response cycle. Issues such as painful sex (dyspareunia), vaginal dryness, vaginismus or problems reaching orgasm can create anxiety surrounding sex and lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
Pregnancy, giving birth and breastfeeding: These processes involve large fluctuations in hormone levels, which can affect sex drive. Uncomfortable physical symptoms and stress related to these life situations can also lower your libido.
Infections: Temporary conditions, such as vaginal yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs), can result in a decrease in libido.
Reproductive health conditions: Reproductive health conditions, such as endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all negatively impact libido.
Birth control and low libido: Certain types of hormonal birth control (contraception) can also lead to a decrease in sex drive, including:
Health conditions that can lead to a decrease in sex drive in anyone include, but aren’t limited to:
Psychological and social factors that can lead to a decrease in sex drive in anyone include:
Relationship problems with your partner: Relationship issues, such as problems with communication, trust or intimacy, are among the most common causes of a decrease in sex drive. A couple’s desire for sex also tends to decrease over the course of their relationship.
Stress and exhaustion: Stress, including stress from work, family or life in general, can reduce your sex drive by taking your mind off of sexual desire. Chronic stress can also interfere with your hormone levels, resulting in lower libido.
Depression: Low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness and physical fatigue can lower your libido. Depression also causes an imbalance of the neurotransmitters that help regulate libido.
Anxiety disorders: Anxiety can cause increased levels of the hormone cortisol (the “stress hormone”). High levels of cortisol can suppress the sex hormones that impact your sex drive.
History of sexual trauma: Experiencing trauma such as sexual harassment, sexual abuse or rape can impact your sexual desire.
Other causes of low libido include:
Side effects of certain medications: Antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, chemotherapy drugs and blood pressure medications can decrease your sex drive.
Alcohol, smoking or recreational drugs: Drinking excess amounts of alcohol and improperly using drugs can both lead to a loss of sex drive. Smoking can suppress your testosterone levels, which can cause a lowered libido.
Physical activity: Either too much or too little physical activity can cause a decrease in sex drive.
Since a decrease in sex drive has several possible causes, your IWI team member will ask questions about your:
The treatment for low libido (low sex drive) depends on the cause. At IWI we know many factors can affect libido and we approach treatment for sexual issues in a holistic way to identify the cause and use a tailored treatment program to get you feeling the way you want to feel.
In most women the main cause of low libido is low hormone levels. IWIs comprehensive hormone optimization program offers the most accurate testing and most sophisticated treatment options in the region.
Hormone therapy for low estrogen and menopause: Hormone optimization therapy boosts your hormone levels and relieves the symptoms of menopause or other situations that cause low estrogen, including low libido. The two main types are estrogen therapy alone and estrogen-progesterone/progestin hormone combined therapy. We offer estrogen in creams, gels, patches and, the most effective form, pellets.
Hormone therapy for low testosterone: even in women Testosterone is the main hormone that drives libido and it is critical for women to have testosterone. IWI has the most comprehensive program to improve testosterone levels in a way that improves your symptoms and minimizes your risk of unwanted side effects such as hair growth. We offer testosterone in creams, injections, gels, patches and, the most effective form, pellets.
With IWIs hormone optimization program we carefully monitor and regulate your therapy, with exams, questionnaires and lab tests to ensure you treatment is effective and safe. (Hormone optimization program link)
Education and communication: Education about sex, sexual behaviors and sexual responses may help you overcome anxieties about sexual function. Open dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns also helps overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.
Stress management: Stress management involves using techniques to improve how you respond to life stressors. These techniques can prevent or ease stress-induced symptoms, such as low libido. Stress management may involve journaling, exercise, meditation and other forms of self-care.
Medication change: When a medication is the cause of low libido, we may recommend changing the medication and work with your other physicians to find a safe alternative.
Individual psychotherapy: Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Therapy with a mental health professional can help you address medical conditions, mental health conditions or situations that may be contributing to a decrease in libido.
Couples therapy: In couples therapy, you and your partner work with a mental health professional to improve the overall quality of your relationship, work on resolving underlying problems and learn how to increase intimacy and physical affection. This can help with issues related to libido.
Sex therapy: Sex therapists are qualified psychologists, doctors or healthcare professionals who have specialized training in helping people with problems relating to sex, including a loss of sexual desire.
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