In some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed to improve symptoms of depression. Be honest with your doctor about the decrease in your libido, since some prescription drugs can also reduce sex drive. Changing the medication often results in fewer affects on your libido. [2] X Research source
If you find the issues involve your partner, keep them in the loop. Find a therapist or counselor who has experience working with low libido and actively work on these emotional causes with your partner. [4] X Research source
A lack of communication is a sure libido-killer. Think about it this way: How is your partner to know what you like or dislike if you can’t address it to them? By opening the lines of communication and being honest with yourself, you can tell your partner your desires and dislikes. Perhaps you enjoy a particular touch from your partner and when it doesn’t happen, you have a hard time finding your libido. Being able to pinpoint this and communicate you need to feel sexual will help keep your libido roaring. [6] X Research source Keeping communication alive isn’t just about communicating on sex. It’s also important to be able to communicate about other life problems such as work and finances. If your partner is doing everything they should in the bedroom, perhaps your lack of libido is coming from elsewhere, such as resentment over a financial issue. [7] X Research source
Get massages, exercise, or develop a healthier work/life balance. Only you will know what is the most effective way for you to deal with stress. Communicate with your partner to increase the level of intimacy and help manage your stress levels. Even scheduling intimacy makes it a priority. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Don’t worry about it feeling unsexy. After the business of getting the kids to school, working all day, making dinner and getting the kids to bed, you likely find that a lacking energy level will plummet your libido. By having a fun activity to look forward to, you’ll have all-day anticipation and a time slot to set aside your daily worries and focus on yourself. [12] X Research source
If you’re suffering from a chronic disease, take the focus off intercourse and explore alternate ways in achieving sexual pleasure. Removing the pressure can help your libido come back naturally.
Consult a healthcare professional before increasing your testosterone levels via supplements. Bioidentical testosterone supplements should be tailored specifically to your needs.
If you have been on the same birth control pill and you have only recently experienced a decreased libido, your body may be changing. It is still likely there is another, unrelated reason it has changed, but don’t be quick to write off your birth control. By careful noting of the exact changes, your doctor can help you identify if your birth control is the culprit. [16] X Research source
Loss of sexual drive and lack of lubrication are very common in postmenopausal women. Libido is often directly related to enjoyment of sex. If you’re having trouble lubricating, pick up a bottle of personal lubricant from the drugstore and try it out.
Replace red meat with protein from plants as saturated fats can affect libido. Try nuts, seeds, legumes and soy instead of red meat. Eat fruits and veggies instead of junk foods. Junk foods reduce blood while fruits and veggies provide lasting energy needed for increased sex drive. Sprinkle red pepper flakes instead of salt as peppers contain a chemical the encourages blood flow while salt increase blood pressure and lowers the libido. Eat whole grain cereals for zinc as it preserves testosterone. Though women do have lower levels of testosterone, it is still present and provides a strong libido. Eat small amounts of chocolate with 70% cocoa content or higher. Chocolate can provide the same arousal as an orgasm.
Taking a supplement may result in improved libido because of the placebo effect. A certain percentage of people will always see an improvement in their condition because of a belief that they will improve. For this reason, it may be a better idea to use a supplement while you look for other possible causes of sexual decline. Do not take ginkgo biloba if you are taking blood thinners. Consult your doctor before taking either supplement if you have a health condition or are taking other medication. Supplements can interact with prescription drugs.
Nitric oxide increases blood flow to the genitals and can increase the intensity of the orgasm. [19] X Research source
Vitamin E can improve vaginal lubrication when applied daily in and around the vagina. Open a vitamin E capsule to obtain the oil, or use a dropper bottle to directly deposit liquid vitamin E to your hands. [20] X Research source Try Zestra, a topical oil. This over the counter vaginal oil contains vitamins C and E, primrose oils and Angelica root. Studies claim to produce better libido increases than a placebo. [21] X Research source
Identify the muscle that aids you in stopping the flow of urination and lifting your lower abdominal muscles. Squeeze the muscles upward without squeezing your buttocks. Hold for 3 to 10 seconds then relax. Repeat in sets of 10 throughout the day. [22] X Research source
If you identify as LGBTQ, you may be able to find inclusive porn.
Read reviews and blogs to find something specific to your needs and price point.
If erotica is too big of a jump into the realm of pornography for you, try a simple romance novel. Reading about the thrill of someone falling in love with another person may be all you need for a kick-start in your sex libido. [26] X Research source Reading erotica can be a private, personal act or you can try involving your partner. Take turns reading to each other to help bring you closer together and increase your openness to another.