Loss of libido in women
LACK OF SEX DRIVE CAN CAUSE LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS Often the condition is treatable so sufferers should consult with a a doctor.
Loss of libido or sex drive can happen in both men and women. Some women may describe persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain that cause them relationship problems.
This can occur at any stage of life. It can be lifelong or be acquired later in life. It can occur only in certain sexual situations or in all sexual situations.
Sexual response involves physiology, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and relationships.
Disruption of any component can affect sexual desire, arousal or satisfaction, and treatment often involves more than one approach.
You might have a treatable, underlying condition, or you might benefit from lifestyle changes, therapy or a combination of treatments.
Your primary doctor will either diagnose and treat the problem or refer you to a specialist.
If sexual problems affect your relationship or worry you, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation. Depression or anxiety. Heart and blood vessel disease. Neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. Liver or kidney failure. Certain medications, such as antidepressants or high blood pressure medications. Emotional or psychological stress, especially with regard to your relationship with your partner.
A history of sexual abuse.
Low sexual desire. This most common of dysfunctions involves a lack of sexual interest.
Sexual arousal disorder. Your desire for sex might be intact, but you have difficulty with arousal or are unable to become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity.
Orgasmic disorder. You have persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal.
Sexual pain disorder. You have pain associated with sexual stimulation or vaginal contact. Sexual problems often develop when you have an imbalance of your hormones, such as after having a baby or during menopause.
Major illness, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Factors, often interrelated, that contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction include:
Physical. Any number of medical conditions, including cancer, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and bladder problems, can lead to sexual dysfunction.
Certain medications, including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy drugs, can decrease your sexual desire and your body’s ability to experience orgasm.
Hormonal. Lower oestrogen levels after menopause may lead to changes in your genital tissues and sexual responsiveness.
A decrease in oestrogen leads to decreased blood flow to the pelvic region, which can result in needing more time to build arousal and reach orgasm, as well as less genital sensation.
The vaginal lining also becomes thinner and less elastic, particularly if you’re not sexually active.
These factors can lead to painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
Sexual desire also decreases when hormonal levels decrease.
Your body’s hormone levels also shift after giving birth and during breast-feeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness and can affect your desire to have sex.
Psychological and social. Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can long-term stress and a history of sexual abuse.
The worries of pregnancy and demands of being a new mother may have similar effects.
Long-standing conflicts with your partner about sex or other aspects of your relationship can diminish your sexual responsiveness, as well.
Cultural and religious issues and problems with body image.