How does female libido work and what does it depend on?
Libido is the degree of sexual desire. In another way, it is often called “libido”. It is motivated by factors such as brain function, hormone levels and so-called “learned behavior” (based on a person’s sexual habits and sexual experiences).
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A person”s sexual desire tends to fluctuate throughout life, beginning with puberty. Such changes may be caused, for example, by mental health, stress or certain medications. Let”s take a closer look at this term and everything that stands behind it as it applies to women.
How does a woman”s libido work?
When a woman”s libido increases, she desires sexual intimacy and is more likely to seek it in bed with a partner or through masturbation. This is wonderful and completely normal. However, keep in mind that an excessively high sex drive that interferes with quality of life may be a sign of hormonal imbalance or a neurological disorder. As your sex drive decreases, your interest in sex also decreases. Sometimes this leads to complete absence. This may indicate tension in intimate relationships between partners. The neural pathways involved in sexual desire are similar in men and women and include the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral components. Libido directly correlates with physical reactions. For example, in men, strong sexual desire causes blood flow to the penis and an erection. A similar reaction occurs in women. In women, natural lubrication is released, the labia become excited and swell.
Increased libido
There is a noticeable difference between high and excessively high libido. Indeed, in addition to increasing overall sexual satisfaction, increased libido also brings health and personal benefits, including:
- Reduces stress;
- Improves mental health;
- Promotes building healthy relationships;
- Increases self-confidence;
- Improves sleep.
If your sex drive is so strong that it gets out of control and interferes with your daily life, you have a real problem.
Symptoms
Excessively high libido is observed in the following cases:
- Your sex life begins to affect your life in general, relationships, health and work;
- Sexual desire takes over your thoughts and behavior;
- You use sex to cope with mental problems such as depression or anxiety;
- Your relationship is in jeopardy because your sex drive is too high;
- You feel empty or unsatisfied after sex.
If you experience persistent sexual urges that feel unpleasant and uncontrollable, you may have hypersexual disorder.
Reasons
An excessively high libido is nothing to be ashamed of, and there may be medical reasons for it, such as:
- High levels of mood-regulating neurochemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, or both;
- Taking certain medications;
- A disease that affects areas of the brain that can affect sexual behavior, such as epilepsy or dementia.
Treatment
Once the cause of excessively high libido is identified, appropriate treatment can be selected. For example, if the cause of increased libido is a medication, you can change its dosage or replace the drug with a similar one.
Read also: Vitamins for female libido or a useful Alphabet from A to Z sexual attraction is very important in a relationship. When sexual desire decreases, women realize that they are saying “no” to their partners. As a result.
Likewise, once the underlying brain disease is identified and treated, it will no longer affect the level of sexual desire. Other methods such as psychotherapy and increased physical activity may also help.
Decreased libido
Low libido is more common than excessive libido and has more potential causes, most of which can be identified and treated to restore sexual interest.
Symptoms
There are no clinical criteria for diagnosing decreased libido. In addition, there is a high degree of variability in how it is experienced (as for one person it may seem different from or inferior to “normal” sexual desire). However, the following symptoms are usually mentioned:
- Loss of attraction to a partner;
- Lack of interest in masturbation;
- Little or no sexual fantasies;
- Stress or worry about lack of interest in sex.
Persistently low libido may be a sign of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which involves the presence of desire and sexual fantasies for a long time.
Reasons
Hormonal shifts are a common cause of low libido. People of both sexes can experience decreased libido in response to decreased levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, but low testosterone is the prime suspect in this mess among men.
Female libido — exercises to relax the pelvic floor muscles
Women may also experience decreased sex drive due to low testosterone levels, but in most cases the problem is likely to be that it lowers estrogen levels. Thus, according to a 2008 study, 26% of women in the preoperative period and 52% of women in menopause experienced a decrease in sexual desire with a sharp drop in estrogen levels. Low libido is not the same as concentrated sexuality, but both can lead to stress, confusion and friction between partners. Other potential causes of low libido include
- Pain during intercourse;
- Diabetes;
- High blood pressure;
- Arthritis;
- Prescription drugs, especially some antidepressants;
- Excessive alcohol consumption;
- Smoking;
- Drug use;
- Previous surgery;
- Fatigue;
- Pregnancy;
- Low self-esteem;
- Problems in relationships.
Treatment
The key to effectively treating low libido is identifying the cause. Often, a combination of approaches may be required to increase sexual desire.
Lifestyle change
Sometimes low libido can be associated, for example, with a sedentary lifestyle. In this case, lifestyle changes can help. For example.
- Do physical exercises;
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet;
- Stop smoking, using drugs or drinking too much alcohol;
- Communicate your needs directly to your sexual partner.
Behavioral therapy
A therapist who specializes in sexual issues can help you (and your partner, if you decide to attend sessions together) identify the emotional source of your lack of sexual desire. They can also offer practical tips and techniques for increasing desire and pleasure in the bedroom.
Medicines
Such problems may require medical intervention. There are medications that can help with sexual desire, but we don”t recommend taking them. Instead, consult your doctor and seek the advice of a knowledgeable specialist. If you suspect you”re taking a medication that may be affecting your sexual desire, don”t stop taking it without first consulting your doctor. He or she may be able to adjust the dosage or prescribe a different medication. Sexual desire is a sensitive topic. Whether you”re experiencing an increased “drive” or a generally absent sexual desire, you probably shouldn”t even think about it, let alone tell your partner or even a healthcare provider. But remember: your loved one and a therapist who specializes in sexual issues simply want to help you be good. So, keep your distance from your loved one. Don”t be afraid to consult a doctor if you”re feeling uncomfortable about the lack or excess of sex in your life.
