How Women Can Boost Their Sexual Desire
Moments of stress, hormonal changes, simple fatigue.. Women's libido is influenced by a multitude of factors.
Pharmaceuticals for Premenopausal Women
Hormone therapy for sexual function in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women ( Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Decreased Libido in Men ( Reviewed/Revised 9/2024. Low Sex Drive ( Last reviewed 6/2022. Loss of Libido ( Last updated 1/2023. Sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis ( Hum Reprod Update. This article aims to shed some light on this and explain all the reasons behind these fluctuations.
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Your provider may treat you directly, or refer you to a specialist, like: Types of treatment for low libido include: Learning more about how sex and desire work can help reduce anxiety. Talking openly with your partner about your needs and any concerns can also help improve your sex life. Managing stress can boost your mood and your sex drive. Helpful tools include journaling, exercise, meditation and self-care routines. If your medication affects your sex drive, your healthcare provider may change your dose or recommend switching to a different one.
Next steps:
If menopause is lowering your sex drive, hormone therapy (HT) may help. It can include estrogen or a mix of estrogen and progesterone/progestin hormone therapy (EPT). For women with hypoactive sexual arousal disorder who haven’t gone through menopause yet, there are two FDA-approved non-hormonal medications. Filbanserin (Addyi®) is a pill you take every day. Bremelanotide (Vyleesi®) is an injection you give yourself 45 minutes before you expect to have sex.
1. Diet and Nutrition
Talk with your provider about the common side effects and what’s best for your situation. For men with low testosterone, treatment may include testosterone replacement. This comes in different forms, like pills, patches, creams or shots. Talking with a therapist can help you work through thoughts, emotions or conditions — like anxiety or depression — that may affect your desire. A therapist can help you and your partner improve communication, solve problems and rebuild intimacy. Or rather, think of it as a vital energy, which can manifest itself in different ways in each of us. We often perceive it as the driving force behind our intimate lives, as it influences our desire to share moments of pleasure with our partner.
| Habit | Effect on Libido | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Exercise | Enhances circulation and mood | Maintain consistent activity |
| Excess Alcohol Consumption | Reduces sexual responsiveness | Limit intake |
| Sleep Quality | Poor sleep decreases desire | Aim for 7-9 hours sleep |
| Smoking | Constricts blood vessels, lowers desire | Quit smoking |
In women, sex hormones play an important role in the proper functioning of the female libido, through: the level of estrogen (produced by the ovaries) which promotes vaginal lubrication; androgens (male hormones produced in small quantities) which encourage sexual arousal.
- Physical activity increases blood flow to genitals.
- Women’s sexual desire may increase with intimacy.
- Vitamin E is believed to support hormonal health.
- Cervical health can influence sexual pleasure.
- Emotional intimacy enhances sexual desire.
- Good communication about boundaries improves sex.
- Chronic fatigue reduces interest in intimacy.
- Mindful breathing can heighten arousal.
- Women should explore personal preferences.
- Maintaining individual identity supports healthy libido.
Men, on the other hand, see their libido more influenced by testosterone. Female libido is complex and generally multifactorial. Contrary to popular belief, female desire is not fixed! For example, be aware that stress, fatigue or hormonal changes can impact your desire to engage in sexual activity. Women's libido is constantly evolving, influenced by the stages of life they go through.
The Role of Emotional Health and Relationships
Everyone’s sex drive is different, and it can change throughout your life. But if it bothers you or affects your well-being, talk to a healthcare provider. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.
Prioritize Physical Activity
Low libido (low sex drive) means you don’t feel as interested in sex as you used to. You might want it less often, or your desire might not feel as strong. The change can be temporary or last longer. Low libido (low sex drive) is common. It affects up to 1 in 5 men — and even more women — at some point in life.
3. Medication Adjustments
While hormones and anatomy can influence libido, low sex drive can affect anyone. Many people notice changes in their sex drive more than once over the years. The main symptom of low sex drive is wanting sex less often or less strongly than you used to. Not feeling interested in any kind of sex, even masturbating by yourself Feeling upset or worried about your lower interest in sex Many things can lower your libido — including your physical and mental health, aging, relationships and stress levels. Some health conditions that may affect your sex drive include: Mental health and life stress can also lower your desire for sex. You've figured it out: female libido is closely linked to the fluctuations in sex hormones that occur throughout the menstrual cycle. If you're at the beginning of your cycle (during your period), you may experience a drop in libido.
- Hormonal replacement therapy can be considered for low libido.
- Female arousal disorder impacts sexual desire.
- Social support enhances mental health and libido.
- Women’s libido can fluctuate throughout life.
- Sexual fantasies can increase desire and arousal.
- Hormonal fluctuations during illness impact libido.
- A positive attitude towards sexuality is beneficial.
- Artificial hormones or pills should be used cautiously.
- Listening to your body can guide your sexual health.
- Laughter and joy are linked to heightened desire.
Or, conversely, a much higher sexual appetite. Around day 14 of the cycle, the time of ovulation, we often notice a peak in libido.
| Supplement | Common Brand Names | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maca Root | Nature’s Way, Gaia Herbs | May improve energy and desire |
| Tribulus Terrestris | NOW, Solgar | Possible boost in sexual desire |
| L-arginine | Now L-Arginine, Natrol | Enhances blood flow |
| DHEA | DHEA by Source Naturals | Hormone precursor, consult doctor |
The body is then at its most fertile, and our sexual desire follows suit, becoming more intense. Our hormone production reaches high levels, which tickles our sexual arousal, and fuels a need for intimate connection. This rise in desire is therefore a natural response of the body that promotes reproduction.
| Medication Type | Common Drugs | Effect on Libido |
|---|---|---|
| Antidepressants | SSRIs (e.g., Prozac) | Usually decrease |
| Birth Control Pills | Various formulations | Can lower desire |
| Hormone Therapy | Estrogen or testosterone patches | May increase libido |
| Blood Pressure Medications | Beta-blockers | Potential decrease |
Even if, of course, it is not always conscious or linked to a pregnancy plan.
Prioritize self-care
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process. Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards. Female Sexual Dysfunction ( Med Clin North Am. Loss of Female Libido ( Last reviewed 5/2024. After ovulation, the luteal phase begins, with a drop in estrogen and an increase in progesterone!
Treatment for Low Libido in Females
Problems with your relationship, like a lack of trust or closeness Stress from work, family or daily life Depression, low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness or physical fatigue Anxiety, which raises stress hormones that can lower sex drive Past sexual trauma, like abuse or assault Antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, chemotherapy drugs and blood pressure medications can decrease your sex drive. Drinking too much alcohol or improperly using drugs can both impact your sex drive. Smoking can suppress your testosterone levels, which can lower your libido. Either too much or too little physical activity can cause a decrease in sex drive. There are also several conditions and situations that affect you based on your reproductive anatomy.
5. Medical Treatments for Underlying Conditions
In women, libido (sex drive) can drop for many reasons, including: As estrogen levels drop, so can your desire for sex. Pain during sex, vaginal dryness or trouble reaching orgasm can make sex feel stressful. Hormone changes, discomfort and stress during this time can lower your libido. Temporary conditions, like yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs), can make sex uncomfortable. Conditions like endometriosis, PMS and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) can all negatively impact libido.
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Some hormonal birth control (contraception) methods can lower your sex drive. Combined hormonal contraception, including the combined pill, vaginal ring or birth control patch For men, a drop in sex drive can happen for several reasons, including: Low testosterone: This sex hormone controls many aspects of libido. Levels can drop with age or due to a medical condition. Sexual problems: Trouble keeping or getting an erection (erectile dysfunction), or premature or delayed ejaculation, can lower desire or cause anxiety around sex. To find out what’s causing your sex drive, your provider will ask about your: If they think a health issue might be impacting your sex drive, they may do tests like: Blood tests for things like hormone levels The right treatment depends on what’s causing your low sex drive. Some women may experience a decrease in sexual desire. This lack of libido leads to the famous premenstrual symptoms such as: So, we may feel less like being sexually active.
Personalized treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder
Cleveland Clinic’s primary care providers offer lifelong medical care. From sinus infections and high blood pressure to preventive screening, we’re here for you. This word is so often uttered, but it can turn out to be a real mystery for many women. Because, have you ever wondered why your desire fluctuates constantly? Why it sometimes seems to escape you, without being able to control it? And that's okay: sexual pleasure isn't on command and will return later.
When Libido Changes, Whole-Person Care Matters
Sex therapists specialize in helping people with sexual concerns, including low desire. They can offer support, education and practical advice. If your low sex drive is bothering you, talk to a healthcare provider or mental health expert. They can help you figure out what’s going on and how to treat it. Here are some things you can try on your own: Trusted sources can help you understand what affects sex drive.
Symptoms of Low Libido
Open, honest conversations can make a big difference. You can exercise, eat well and cut back on alcohol. If you have issues like diabetes or heart disease, work with your doctor to keep them well-managed. See your healthcare provider if low sex drive is hurting your well-being or your relationship. Check for health issues or side effects from medications It can feel awkward or uncomfortable to talk to a medical professional about your sex life — but you’re not alone.
3. Exercise
Many people go through changes in their sex drive. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Sex is a natural — and often important — part of your health and well-being. Maybe you’re feeling concerned, overwhelmed or just aren’t sure what’s going on. Whatever you’re feeling, if you’re distressed about your libido, talking ed medications with a healthcare provider or mental health professional can be a helpful first step toward feeling better. Pregnancy, unsurprisingly, is a period of significant hormonal upheaval. And as such, it impacts female libido in various ways.
- Libido can be suppressed by hormonal imbalances.
- Social factors and cultural attitudes influence desire.
- Libido peaks during certain life stages.
- Open relationships may have different impact on desire.
- Physical touch and affection can stimulate libido.
- Medical conditions like thyroid issues affect desire.
- Nutritional deficiencies can diminish libido.
- Women with higher self-esteem tend to report higher desire.
- Overcoming past trauma can positively influence libido.
- Mindfulness can help women reconnect with sexuality.
Often, the first trimester is not the most opportune time for life as a couple, in particular because: Your body is doing its best to adapt to its new condition.
- Low libido may be a symptom of underlying health issues.
- Regular intimacy fosters emotional bonds.
- Support groups can help address sexual concerns.
- Proper foreplay increases female arousal.
- Herbal teas like red clover may influence libido.
- Personal grooming can boost confidence and desire.
- Some women find that humor decreases sexual tensions.
- Age-related libido decline is natural but manageable.
- Anxiety or fear around sex diminishes desire.
- Education about sexuality can empower women.
And you may temporarily feel a certain lack of desire. Add to that the anxiety associated with all these physical changes, and the arrival of the baby..