Understanding Low Libido 

They say February is for lovers but that may not be the feeling for men and women who face the challenges that get in the way of a satisfying sex life. And age isn’t always a factor as even young and physically healthy men and women can have low libido.

What does it mean to have a low libido?

Lack of or low sexual desire is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions and at the same time one of the trickiest to find answers for.

You low libido may be a new problem due to physical or emotional causes like:

• stress
• lack of adequate sleep
• depression
• anxiety
• marital or relationship problems
• life crisis
• financial difficulties
• problems at work
• religious repression
• feelings of guilt or shame
• poor body image

 Yet for some low sexual desire may be something they’ve had their entire lives and may be due to the way their brains are hardwired. In many cases, low libido happens for no apparent reason. It comes out of the blue even if you and your spouse/partner have a good relationship.

Low Libido in Women

For women, low desire is one of the most common sexual issues, and usually both more complex and more fragile than it is in males. It is generally more variable, related to women’s hormonal state, how they feel about themselves and their partners, and other events in their lives and can even be affected by a partner’s lovemaking style and technique.

But experts agree that, in general, sexual desire is lower among females than among males, so a further drop in female desire for any reason may be more problematic in relationships and there is no one, simple solution for treating women who experience low sexual desire.

Low Libido in Men

For men, aging is a big factor. Men with higher amounts of testosterone circulating in their blood have a higher sex drive, but testosterone levels drop as men age. Researchers say that as many as 10 percent of men in their forties have sexual dysfunction, but up to 80 percent of men older than 70 experience it. And sexual desire for men is more biologically driven and spontaneous unless they are experiencing erectile dysfunction, performance anxiety or taking medications that can diminish their desire.

Libido Enhancers

There are more similarities in libido arousal in men and women than there are differences. Testosterone stimulates sex drive in men and women. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that has a similar influence on both sexes. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels in both sexes. Hormones such as DHEA and testosterone, found in men and women, can increase sex drive and sensation.

So, if you have a low libido, don’t despair. The great news is that there are several natural libido enhancers that work effectively in women and men.

Oxytocin, the feel-good, “love hormone” is one. It is a natural hormone and neurotransmitter produced in the brain’s hypothalamus and plays an important role in the creation of intimacy and the stimulation of human bonding. Everyone needs oxytocin and everyone’s body was designed to release oxytocin. But it is common to have experienced stress and trauma to the point that the body’s natural ability to create oxytocin is depleted.

And there are natural supplements on the market containing herbs that can be male and female specific to help like LibidoStim-M™ provides safe support for natural testosterone production, enhanced erectile function, and increase in desire. And LibidoStim-F™ which promotes healthy metabolism of testosterone and estrogen, and normal blood flow and adrenal function in women.

You can live with low libido, but why should you? Sex can bring pleasure to both you and your partner and make you feel closer, so it’s worth trying to heighten your sex drive if it’s low.  Communicate with your partner about finding a solution and talk to your doctor about the use of natural hormones or oxytocin from the Healthy Choice Compounding Pharmacy that could help you rekindle your sex drive.