The scientific name for low libido that causes distress in women is hypoactive sexual desire disorder. It's defined as persistently or recurrently deficient or absent sexual fantasies and desires, causing marked distress or relationship difficulties, and is not caused by a medical condition.
Many factors can cause low libido.
Physical issues such as pain during sex or inability to orgasm can hamper sexual desire. In addition, numerous nonsexual diseases can affect sexual desire including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and neurological diseases.
Changes in hormone levels may alter sexual desire. Estrogen levels drop during the transition to menopause. At the same time, women may also experience a decrease in testosterone, which boosts sex drive in men and women alike. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also put a damper on sex drive.
Libido is also affected by poor sleep, wrote Discovery Health.
There are many psychological causes of low sex drive, including anxiety and depression, stress, poor body image, low self-esteem, or a history of physical or sexual abuse.
While anxiety and depression can interfere with sexual desire, so can some of the medications used to treat these conditions. Birth control pills and blood pressure medications may also affect libido.
Relationship problems can be another factor in low libido. Mayo Clinic listed lack of connection with your partner, unresolved conflicts, and poor communication of sexual needs and preferences, as examples.
While no single resolution exists, certain treatments can offer significant help and aid overall well-being.
For one, have your doctor evaluate your medications to see if any dose changes need to be made.
Antidepressants like bupropion, may be prescribed to treat low libido in women who haven't been through menopause, or if other antidepressants have affected their sex drive.
Hormone therapy is another option. Estrogen delivered throughout the entire body can have a positive effect on brain function and mood factors that affect sexual response. But systemic estrogen therapy may increase the risk of heart disease and breast cancer.
In women with low libido just before, during, or after menopause, or in women who've had their ovaries surgically removed, some experts suggest testosterone treatment. However there are side effects, and long-term safety studies of testosterone treatment for women are lacking.
Healthy lifestyle changes can make a big difference in libido. Mayo Clinic advised regular exercise, stress reduction, and better communication with your partner. About.com said that counseling or couples therapy can help.
USA Today suggested that couples plan "date nights." Mayo Clinic recommended spicing up your sex life by trying different sexual positions, different times of day or locations for sex.
Sources:
Cornforth, Tracee. "Female Sexual Dysfunction." Women's Health Issues - Women's Health Questions and Answers - Women's Sexual Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/sexualdysfunction/a/femalesexdysfun.htm
"Discovery Health "5 Tips for Improving Libido." Discovery Health "Discovery Fit & Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.
http://health.howstuffworks.com/sexual-health/sexual-dysfunction/low-libido.htm
Kelly, Maura. "Treating Low Sex Drive in Women." Women's Health Center: Information on Women's Wellness, Nutrition, Fitness, Intimate Questions, and Weight Loss. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.
http://women.webmd.com/features/is-there-a-pill-for-womens-libido?ecd=wnl_lbt_041013&ctr=wnl-lbt-041013_hdln_3&mb
"Low sex drive in women - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-sex-drive-in-women/DS01043
Pinto, Claudia. "Not into sex? Many women have low libido, few get help - USATODAY.com." USA TODAY: Latest World and US News - USATODAY.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/medical/womenshealth/2010-09-17-sex-drive_N.htm
Reviewed August 8, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Keywords: low libido, sexual desire, menopause, anxiety and depression, medications, antidepressants, estrogen, testosterone, stress, sex