Libido, or sexual desire, is a complex subject that can be influenced by many factors, from stress and mental health to physical problems. Women, especially those who are premenopausal, end up losing their appetite, but there are medications and dietary supplements that can help.
There are many factors that can lead to a low libido PHOTO Shutterstock
What is libido?
Libido refers to one's sexual appetite or desire for intimate contact, and according to the experts at VerywellHealth, it's not something that can be measured with a test, it's all about how each person feels.
While some people may have a higher or lower libido in general, there is no set norm. Libido can also fluctuate due to various factors such as stress, both environmental and emotional.
Spontaneous desire versus responsive desire
Contrary to popular culture that suggests sexual desire is instantaneous, experts explain two types of desire: spontaneous and responsive. Spontaneous desire often occurs in the early stages of a relationship, fueled by biochemical events called the “limerence phase.”
Essentially, this phase means that you end up developing an obsession with the new person. Sexual psychologist Laurie Mintz explained that the duration is six months to two years, notes Yahoo! Life.
Over time, many people move to receptive desire, which involves being open to the idea of sex for various reasons, such as being close to a partner.
Asexuality – A distinct sexual orientation
It is important not to confuse low libido with asexuality, a sexual orientation in which a person experiences no sexual attraction at all. Asexuals do not feel the desire to have sex and are not sexually attracted to other people.
Options for low libido in women
If women are experiencing low libido, there are FDA-approved medical options like Addyi and Vyleesi. Addyi increases sex drive and must be taken daily, while Vyleesi, given by injection, takes 45 minutes to work.
flibanserin, the brand name it is for Addy, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration only for premenopausal women. Clinical studies show that after eight to 12 weeks, the desire to have sex increases, according to Dr. Lauren Streicher, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The drug must be taken daily and works by targeting neurotransmitters that play a role in sexual desire; it's not an instant fix.
Vyleesi, the brand name of bremelanotide, is also FDA-approved to help women with low libido. However, unlike Addyi, Vyleesi is an on-demand drug that works by injection into the thigh or abdomen within 45 minutes. According to Verywell Health, Vyleesi is a melanocortin receptor that works by activating it “certain natural substances in the brain that affect mood and thinking.”
Testosterone it is not FDA approved for the purpose of increasing sexual appetite. Still, Streicher says it can be safe and effective as long as you go to a doctor who can get the dosage right, “so you don't have side effects like hair growth and acne.”
“You don't want to borrow your male partner's testosterone because women need about a tenth of their testosterone levels”she notes.
Libido Boosting Supplements and Foods
There are supplements and foods that claim to boost libido.
You may have heard that oysters are an aphrodisiac. The reason? Oysters are rich in zinc, a trace mineral crucial for testosterone production. Shellfish such as clams and crabs are also high in minerals, as are beans, cashews, tofu cheese, and various greens.
You can also turn to libido supplements or L-arginine supplements. However, experts are skeptical about their real effectiveness, and consultation with your doctor before use is essential.
Sexual disorders in women
Anorgasmia, orgasmic disorder, and female sexual interest/arousal disorder are issues that can affect women's sexual experience. Sex therapists can help by encouraging masturbation practices and identifying appropriate solutions.
“It's normal for one's desire to decrease with both age and the length of a relationship”says Laurie Mintz.
In conclusion, sexual desire is a complex and individual aspect of our lives, and managing it involves understanding and accepting natural changes. Professional consultation and open communication with your partner can play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and satisfying sex life.
