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A lot goes into the sex drive of women -- age, stress, hormones, fatigue, to-do lists, time of the cycle, and various needs can all make or break the mood.
While it is true that the urge tends to wane through the years, there is a condition known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) where a woman can go for months to years, with no interest in, or desire for, sexual activity.
Other women are interested and turned on but have orgasmic disorders where they are unable to climax despite best efforts either alone or with their partner.
Many women have experienced times in their lives where they've used the phrases, “I could take it or leave it,” or “I could care less if I ever have sex again.”
However these phrases are often spoken out of exhaustion or due to needs not being met. They may be said because of hormonal changes, overwhelm, relationship issues, or lack of attraction to a partner.
Sex is an important part of a relationship. Seeking appropriate help is important to your health and the health of your relationship.
Unfortunately it is well known that certain medications may interfere with sex drive and orgasm ability. Some of these medications are antidepressants, birth control pills, blood pressure and cholesterol drugs, and pain medications.
If you are on one or more of these medications, consider talking to your health care provider about alternatives. Or recognize that you are on a libido-lowering pill and focus on other ways to bring back the drive and spice up your sex life, if it is not going to occur naturally.
Many women experience pain with intercourse either from lack of lubrication, hormone changes, anatomy, endometriosis or surgeries. Thankfully there are options out there such as seeing a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist to help with muscular anatomy, or being tested and getting help in balancing your hormones.
Speaking of hormones, these can often wreak havoc on sex drive if they are out of balance. Low libido is a common complaint as a woman enters perimenopause. But any hormone disruption at any age can kill desire and stop an orgasm.
Low levels of estrogen cause vaginal dryness, reduce lubrication, and can slow genital response. Testosterone and DHEA help with desire, orgasm and arousal.
Sex and intimacy can also be difficult for some women because of the morals with which they were raised, their religious upbringing, or because of a history of sexual trauma and abuse.
Seeing a qualified counselor may help a woman work through some of these barriers and wounds, to create a healthy relationship with themselves first, and then with their partner.
While discussing sex can seem awkward and taboo, it is important to find someone you trust, such as your health care provider or counselor, in order to get pointed in the right direction and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling sex life.
Sources:
Ohl, Linda. Essentials of Female Sexual Dysfunction From A Sex Therapy Perspective. Web. 15 December, 2013. Retrieved from
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/555706_13
Woodis, C., McLendon, A., Muzyk, A. Testosterone Supplementation for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in women. Web. 15 December, 2013. Retrieved from
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/757129_4
Reviewed December 16, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Add a Comment1 Comments
I think the hard part for some is just taking that next steep and seeking help.
January 5, 2014 - 8:11pmPergola Companies Sydney
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