Although both men and women have fluctuating sex drives and naturally go through periods during which they want more or less sex than usual, some women can experience longer periods with a lower libido. This can cause stress, incite relationship issues, and affect their overall well-being. If you’re experiencing a significantly decreased interest in sex, talk to a medical provider at a women’s health center about the cause and possible treatments.

5 Common Causes of Low Sex Drive in Women

1. Medical Issues

Certain medical conditions can have a detrimental effect on your interest in sex, including diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and sleep apnea. Not only can these conditions make you not feel well and therefore be uninterested in sex, but they can also cause physical changes, including restricted blood flow or decreased energy levels.

2. Medications

In addition to medical issues themselves reducing libido, some common medications prescribed to treat them can lower sexual desire. Antidepressants, for example, often reduce libido and make it more difficult to orgasm, while hormonal contraceptives, antipsychotics that affect hormones, and some blood pressure medications can lower your interest in sex.

3. Hormone Changes

One of the reasons for sex drive fluctuations during a woman’s life is changing hormone levels. Hormonal changes brought on by menopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can naturally reduce sex drive as well. Menopause, for example, often causes vaginal dryness that leads to pain during intercourse, as well as challenges reaching orgasm. If you suspect that your lowered sex drive may be related to hormonal changes, discuss your concerns with a women’s health center provider to learn how to address the issue.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors can significantly affect your sexuality and desire for intimacy. A glass of wine might get you in the mood, for instance, but excessive drinking can put a damper on your desire for sex. Smoking also disrupts blood flow to sexual organs and can hurt your sex drive. By the same token, exercising, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help you maintain a positive body image and support a healthy sex life.

5. Psychological Factors

Finally, psychological issues can reduce a woman’s interest in sex. Anxiety, depression, and stress can make sex the last thing on someone’s mind, while previous trauma, sexual abuse, or negative sexual experiences can turn people off to intimacy entirely. Relationship issues, including a lack of trust or unresolved conflict, can also make sex a low priority. Talk with your healthcare provider about any emotional or psychological problems so that you can find solutions.

If your sex life isn’t what you want it to be, the experts at the women’s health centers led by Dr. William M. Jamieson will help. With locations in Cincinnati and Mason, OH, this board-certified gynecologist and obstetrician offers women’s health care services for all ages. Visit the website to learn more about libido enhancers, and call (513) 241-7744 to make an appointment.