How To Help With Loss Of Libido
A healthy
sex drive is a natural part of a human being's makeup
There
is no simple pill or potion to increase sex drive in women. In
fact, most women benefit from a multifaceted treatment approach
aimed at the many causes behind this condition. The first
medical intervention for low sex drive is usually addressing an
underlying medical condition or medication that's known to have
sexual side effects. This may include adjusting or
changing your current medications or starting treatment for
previously undetected conditions. This may include sex
education, counseling, lifestyle changes and sometimes
medication.
Lifestyle changes you can make
Healthy lifestyle changes can make a big difference in
your desire for sex:
Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise and strength training can
increase your stamina, improve your body image,
elevate your mood and enhance your libido.
Stress less
Finding a better way to cope with work stress,
financial stress and daily hassles can enhance your
sex drive.
Be happier A sense of personal well-being and
happiness are important to sexual interest. So find
ways to bring a little extra joy to your world.
Strengthen
your pelvic muscles Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises)
can improve your awareness of the muscles involved
in pleasurable sexual sensations and increase your
libido. To perform these exercises, tighten your
pelvic muscles as if you're stopping a stream of
urine. Hold for a count of five, relax and
repeat. Do these exercises several times a
day.
Relationship changes you and
your partner can make
For women, better emotional intimacy often leads to
better sexual intimacy:
Communicate with your partner
Conflicts and disagreements are a natural part of
any relationship. Couples who learn to fight fair
and communicate in an open, honest way usually
maintain a stronger emotional connection, which can
lead to better sex. Communicating about sex also is
important. Talking about your likes and dislikes can
set the stage for greater sexual intimacy.
Seek counseling Talking with a sex therapist or counselor
skilled in addressing sexual concerns can help with
low sex drive. Therapy often includes education
about sexual response and techniques and
recommendations for reading materials or couples'
exercises.
Set aside time for intimacy
Scheduling sex into your calendar may seem contrived
and boring. But making intimacy a priority can help
put your sex drive back on track.
Add a little spice to your sex life Try a different sexual position, a
different time of day or a different location for
sex. If you and your partner are open to
experimentation, sex toys and fantasy can help
rekindle your sexual sizzle.
Medical treatments for low sex
drive
Medications aren't always necessary to treat low sex
drive. But they can help.
Treating underlying causes of low sex drive
Conflicts and disagreements are a natural part of
any relationship. Couples who learn to fight
fair and communicate in an open, honest way usually
maintain a stronger emotional connection, which can
lead to better sex. Communicating about sex also is
important. Talking about your likes and
dislikes can set the stage for greater sexual
intimacy.
Estrogen therapy
Systemic estrogen therapy by pill, patch or gel can
have a positive effect on brain function and mood
factors that affect sexual response. Local
estrogen therapy in the form of a vaginal cream or a
slow-releasing suppository or ring that you place in
your vagina can increase blood flow to the vagina
and help improve desire. In some cases, your
doctor may prescribe a combination of estrogen and
progesterone.
Testosterone
therapy Male hormones, such as testosterone, play
an important role in female sexual function, even
though testosterone occurs in much lower amounts in
women. However, replacing testosterone in women is
controversial and it's not approved by the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) for sexual dysfunction in
women. Plus, it can cause negative side
effects, including acne, excess body hair, and mood
or personality changes.
Testosterone seems most effective for women with low
testosterone levels as a result of surgery to remove
the ovaries. If you choose to use this
therapy, your doctor will closely monitor your
symptoms and blood levels to make sure you're not
experiencing negative side effects.
Herbal treatments These natural remedies can help with womens
low libido in many different ways
Angelica Root
Angelica is a potent root used to improve
circulation and warm the body. It is a general
tonic for improving sexual function. Do not use this
root during pregnancy.
Ashwagandha
Ayurvedic equivalent to ginseng. Assists in
increasing sexual energy. It is a well-known semen
promoter and it treats impotency and infertility.
Black
Cohosh
Also called squawroot, black cohosh has compounds
that mimic the effects of estrogen, balancing the
body's hormone levels.
Chaste
Tree Berry
Has a normalizing effect on the sex drive. It
stimulates production of the hormone progesterone
and balances estrogen dominance. Chaste tree
berry helps overcome depression associated with the
menstrual cycle, headaches, premenstrual acne,
breast tenderness, cramps and bloating.
Damiana
Leaf Known as Turneria aphrodisiaca, damiana
leaf has been shown to increase sensitivity in the
clitoris, as well as stimulate sexual desire and
pleasure. It also strengthens the hormone
system.
Dong
Quai
Is an estrogen-balancing herb for women.
Estrogenic herbs and foods have the same effect on a
woman's body as her own hormones do, but without
negative side effects of synthetic estrogen.
False
Unicorn
Is a uterine tonic that relieves congestion.
It has been traditionally included in aphrodisiac
formulas for women.
Ginger
and Cloves
Warms, increases blood flow to extremities
heightening sexual arousal.
Licorice Root
Is another herb with plant estrogen activity.
It helps reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness,
abdominal bloating, mood swings, and depression.
Licorice strengthens adrenal glands to boost energy
levels and minimize the effects of stress.
Maura
Puama
Research points to muira puama's ability to increase
libido and help in hormone production.
Muirapuama
Few reputed health-enhancing plants are as popular
or as widely consumed among the natives of the
northern Amazon river basin as the bark of
muirapuama. For centuries, this plant has been
used to increase libido and improve sexual potency.
Panax
Ginseng
Has estrogen like effects on the female reproductive
tissues and prevents vaginal atrophy. It is
especially good over the long term, because it helps
the body secrete moisture.
Zallouh root
Also known as shirsh zallouh, is a small shrub with
thin leaves and tiny white or yellow flowers.
The plant grows at altitudes between 6,000 and
10,000 feet around massive Mount Haramoun, which
straddles the borders of Syria, Lebanon and Israel.
The plant's root has been used as a sex enhancer
since antiquity by men with erectile problems, and
for men and women with low libido.
Alternative medicine remedies
can be considered
Alternative approaches involve little or no risk and can
be considered as the best and safest way for treating
Low female libido.
Acupuncture
Is a Chinese medical treatment involving the
insertion of very fine sterile needles into the body
at specific points according to a mapping of "energy
pathways". It's an excellent treatment, but
complicated to follow.
A successful acupuncture treatment involves time,
money and finding the right practitioner.
Therefore, most women are looking for less
complicated ways of alternative treatment and think
herbal remedies are a safe and effective solution.
Aroma
therapy
Scents like ylang ylang, sandalwood, lavender and
jasmine can also help you relax, lift your mood and
gently aid in improving feelings of sexual desire as
well.
Warning
As with all health supplements, results vary from person
to person so be sure to consult your physician or
qualified medical professional before taking any
supplement for low libido.