WOMEN’S HEALTH

Female Low Sex Drive

Female Low Sex Drive Definition:

Low sex drive is characterized by an overall loss of sexual desire, and affects over 40% off all women in the United States.

Low sex drive is a result of both physical and mental factors. Below are a few potential reasons that a patient could develop low sex drive:

  • Relationship issues
  • Emotional factors such as depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses
  • Stress at work
  • Medical illnesses including endometriosis, fibroids, or thyroid disorders
  • Low estrogen levels
  • Low testosterone levels

When should you call a doctor?

There is no “normal” schedule or recommended frequency for sexual intercourse; however, if you are experiencing low sex drive, combined with stress and relationship problems, we recommend contacting a specialist.

In order to counteract a low sex drive, relationship counseling or sex therapy may be recommended in conjunction with medication to help with the physical aspects associated with low sex drive. Here are a few potential solutions your doctor may recommend:

  • Estrogen skin cream to help with vaginal dryness and low estrogen levels
  • Antidepressants to increase libido after menopause
  • Testosterone and erectile dysfunction drugs to increase libido and increase blood flow to the genitals

Once again, there is no set schedule or predetermined rule for being diagnosed with a low sex drive. Every case is specific to the individual’s situation. If a patient notices a change over the years, seeing a specialist can help in increasing sexual desire.