According to the Mayo Clinic, a woman who suffers from low sex drive, or hypoactive sexual desire disorder, experiences a recurrent or persistent lack of interest in sexual relations that results in personal distress or other problems. As many as 40 percent of women report experiencing low libido at some point, although not all of these women experience ongoing problems. Whether your problems are persistent or occasional, there are a few things you can do to improve your libido and make your sex life more fulfilling.
Step 1
Include libido-enhancing foods in your diet. Celery contains androsterone, a hormone that can increase female libido, and avocado contains high levels of vitamin B-6, folic acid, and potassium, all of which have libido-enhancing effects in both men and women. Chocolate and raw oysters are used to improve libido for a good reason; oysters are plentiful in zinc and dopamine, and chocolate contains theobromine and phenylethylamine, substances that increase positive emotions and help boost female libido. Garlic and figs may also have libido-enhancing properties in women.
Step 2
Try a product designed to increase vaginal lubrication if dryness or soreness is interfering with your desire to have sex. Some women, especially after menopause, may not make enough natural lubrication to reduce friction during intercourse. Vaginal lubricants are available over the counter at most pharmacies.
Step 3
Exercise regularly to increase your sex drive, improve your stamina and elevate your mood. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week will also improve your overall health and help you deal with stress.
Step 4
Talk over relationship problems with your partner. Ongoing issues are more likely to cause a decrease in libido than temporary problems. Visit a family therapist to help with your relationship problems if you are unable to work through them with your partner.
Step 5
Avoid drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs. While these may increase your sexual desire when used in small amounts, continued or excessive use can significantly decrease libido in women.
Step 6
Consult a therapist if you suspect psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, past sexual abuse or poor body image are contributing to your low libido. Any of these may decrease sexual desire in women, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 7
Ask your doctor about side effects of medications you are taking. Many medications, including antidepressants, tranquilizers, beta blockers, chemotherapy drugs and birth control pills, can decrease libido. Antihistamines, which are commonly included in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, can also kill sexual desire. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medication or adjust your current dose to ease libido-related side effects.
Step 8
Have your hormone levels tested to determine if a hormonal imbalance is causing your low libido. According to the Mayo Clinic, systemic estrogen can increase sexual response and topical estrogen may increase vaginal blood flow and improve sex drive. Supplementation with testosterone is also beneficial in some cases, although testosterone replacement in women is not approved by the FDA and remains controversial.
Step 9
Treat any medical conditions you suffer from. Kidney disease, coronary artery disease, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and neurological disease can all interfere with a healthy sex drive. The Mayo Clinic states that infertility may also affect libido, even after fertility treatments are stopped.
Tips and Warnings
- Changes in hormone levels associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can reduce libido in women. In most cases, libido will return when hormone levels naturally balance out.
Things You'll Need
- Vaginal lubricant
