Don’t know how to increase libido in women? This doesn’t come as much of a surprise since it’s not such a widely discussed topic.
Loss of libido can persist in women as much as in men due to various medical and/or mental health issues. So, finding out the cause of your low libido is the first step to treating it. You can have the fulfilling sex life you want once you know what you’re dealing with.
While we aren’t medical professionals, we do have a fair amount of experience with this issue and have done our research. In this article, you’ll learn about the common causes of weak libido in women and some suggestions on how to increase it.
Why Is My Sex Drive Low?
It’s hard to pinpoint the cause of low libido without diving into a range of aspects of a woman’s life. For starters, some women naturally have a low libido. This is nothing to be ashamed of, but it’s also something that can potentially be improved if you so wish.
A sudden occurrence of low sex drive can be caused by a variety of reasons, though.
Common hormonal changes that affect libido in women are:
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes. Couple that with fatigue, potential body image issues, and a crying baby, and you’ve got a recipe for low libido.
- Menopause. Low sex drive in women entering menopause is natural. Low estrogen can cause a lack of interest in sex, but also vaginal dryness. This issue can make sex uncomfortable or even painful.
- Birth control. Hormonal birth control can have a lot of benefits, but it can also severely lower your sex drive.
Physical issues that can lower female libido are:
- Surgery. It’s normal to want time to recover after having surgery. Sex is often the last thing on your mind in this scenario.
- Lifestyle. Too much alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs like marijuana can put a damper on your sex life.
- Medication. Some meds interfere with the female libido. If you’re taking new medication and suddenly lack interest in sex, talk to your doctor to check if they’re causing the issue.
- Issues related to sex. Some women experience pain during intercourse or have difficulties reaching orgasm, which can make them not want to have sex anymore.
- Medical issues. A wide array of underlying medical problems could be affecting your desire to have sex. Track any other symptoms you might be having, go to checkups regularly and talk to your doctor.
Relationship problems can also lower female sex drive, for example:
- Unresolved issues with your partner
- Trust issues
- Poor communication, both in general and in the bedroom
- Not feeling connected to your partner.
The most common mental health issues that lead to a low sex drive are:
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- Poor mental hygiene
- (Past) sexual abuse
- Negative sexual experiences
- Low self-esteem or body image issues
- Stress.
Herbs for Female Libido
Sometimes everything in your life seems fine, but your libido is still low. Some herbs may have the answer on how to increase female libido instantly. While the evidence that these plants help with libido is somewhat anecdotal, they can still be beneficial to your overall health, so it doesn’t hurt to try.
- Maca – It has become more popular in relatively recent years because of its deliciousness, but what few people know is that it can serve as a female aphrodisiac, too.
- Korean red ginseng – This plant is known in some cultures for improving overall health and boosting the immune system. A healthy body often equals a healthy and strong sex drive.
- Tribulus – It’s been shown that this plant is a natural female libido booster. It can increase sensitivity and natural lubrication in both women who have and haven’t gone through menopause.
- Red clover – This legume can increase some people’s libido since it’s high in phytoestrogen, a substance similar to estrogen. It can relieve menopausal symptoms for the same reason.
- Fenugreek – You can use this herb in cooking or as a supplement. Research mainly covers male arousal, but some studies have shown this herb can increase women’s sex drive, too.
Foods That Increase Libido in Women
Some foods are considered to be natural aphrodisiacs, though part of the evidence is also anecdotal. However, most foods on this list are healthy, meaning they can contribute to a better immune system and a stronger body. Better physical health can in itself be enough to increase the desire for sex for some women.
- Saffron – One study has shown promising results in increasing arousal in women who consumed this spice for a month. The study included women who were taking antidepressants, though.
- Oysters – This delicacy is considered one of the most famous aphrodisiacs in the world. A lot of people, regardless of gender, claim their desire for sex increases after eating them.
- Wine – If you’re wondering how to increase female libido instantly, start with a glass of wine. It can make you stop overthinking and feel more in touch with your body, which is sometimes enough to get in the mood.
- Apples – Though a lot of research still needs to be done, according to certain studies, women who eat an apple a day can have better sex lives.
Other Home Remedies for Female Arousal
If you already know the cause of your loss of libido, the best thing to do is tackle the issue head-on.
How to Increase Libido in Women With Physical Health Issues
When the underlying issue contributing to low libido is connected to physical health problems, the most effective cures are patience and wait. Don’t be tempted to put pressure on boosting your sex drive while you’re treating your medical condition because it could only lead to more frustration. Your libido will likely return to normal after you’ve focused on your health and gotten things under control.
Fixing Relationship Issues
If the root of your low sex drive lies in existing (emotional or sexual) problems with your partner, it’s time for a serious talk. Open communication is crucial for a stronger connection, so don’t be afraid to voice your feelings and concerns.
Fights
Resolve fights calmly and maturely, and try to be objective. Remember that your partner isn’t the enemy, and try to tackle the issue constructively.
Getting the Spark Back
In some cases, you may feel like you’ve (temporarily) lost the spark you had. Patience and hard work can be a real low sex drive remedy in this case. Make sure to expose yourself and your partner to new exciting situations, plan out romantic activities together, and set aside some time when you can simply be yourselves.
Tell Your Partner Openly What You Enjoy
Sometimes, even when the emotional connection is still there, sex can feel unsatisfactory. Taking on a guiding role can significantly increase libido in women whose partners lack experience, for example. If this is your issue, show your partner what you like and how they can do it best. You can also check out some of the best sex toys for couples on the market to spice things up and unleash your passion.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Foreplay
Try having longer foreplay. Most women can’t orgasm through intercourse only and prefer non-vaginal sex for more pleasure. Teasing, kissing, cuddling, exploring each other’s bodies, and oral sex can all be ways to boost women’s libido naturally. Remember that penetration shouldn’t be the end goal, and try to enjoy the moment, wherever it may take you.
Sexual or Emotional Incompatibility
The most important thing for any relationship is to have two partners who listen to each other and work on their problems together. Suppose you’ve tried talking and resolving what’s bothering you and your partner’s not caring or listening, or simply isn’t into the same things you’re into. In that case, you may be emotionally and/or sexually incompatible.
In this case, no female sex drive enhancers will be able to help. It’s best to reevaluate how important sex is to you and for your relationship. If it’s an essential part of a healthy relationship for you, then it may be time to look for a more sexually compatible partner.
Discovering Your Sexuality
Because of various social and cultural factors, a lot of women aren’t in touch with their sexuality. Mental health issues can also contribute to that circumstance.
To figure out how to increase libido in women, sometimes it’s necessary to reconnect with or even rediscover your sexuality. It can be a long process, but you can try a couple of things for starters:
- Therapy – This is a great option for pinpointing and resolving various mental health issues that may have caused you to disassociate from your sexuality.
- Experimenting – Keeping an open mind during sex can lead you to discover a whole new world of pleasure. Maybe your sex drive is lost because you no longer enjoy the things you’ve been doing so far and need a change.
- Putting yourself out there – Dating can be a female libido enhancer, too. Regardless of whether you need an emotional connection or just to have sex, meeting different people will show you what you actually like in a partner.
- Changing your habits – Sometimes, just quitting smoking, drinking less, eating cleaner, and exercising more can turn out to be a real aphrodisiac for women. Take some time to start living more healthily, and your libido is sure to jump right back up.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many possibilities on how to increase libido in women. You don’t have to let your sex life suffer and affect your mental health and relationships. Aside from talking to your doctor and trying out these solutions, you can also read up on sex statistics to gain a better understanding of your libido. Hopefully, you’ll be back to your old passionate self in no time.
