Decreased libido can also occur in women, not only in men. Many people confuse libido with potency. These are completely different things. Potency can be called the physical desire and ability to have sexual intercourse. Libido arises at the level of the psyche, and is sexual desire, excitement, passion. Therefore, libido is inherent in both sexes. Lack of sexual desire in women is quite common. There may be various reasons for this. It is worth noting that decreased libido is more common in women than in young people. After all, representatives of the fair sex are more sensitive and susceptible to the influence of external factors. What are the main reasons for decreased sexual desire?
Essence of the question
Sexual relationships are very important. This is the cementing component of family relationships. The founder of psychoanalysis, S. Freud, said that sexual desire underlies all human energy desires. Most girls experience sexual desire between the ages of 16 and 18. Many scientists have studied libido and come to the conclusion that sexual desire is based on an organic reason. Considering the characteristics of higher nervous activity, it is believed that this is the accumulation of secretions in the genitals. Swelling of the vagina occurs due to the abundant flow of blood into the genitals.
The walls of the vagina are abundantly lubricated with secretions. The impulses go to the subcortex of the brain, from where the cerebral cortex receives signals. Parts of the brain perceive this as sexual motivation, so sexual desire arises. The main organ of the central nervous system begins to look for an object with which this desire could be satisfied. As a result of sexual intercourse, a discharge occurs, during which the body throws out secretions. The woman experiences a feeling of deepest moral and physical satisfaction.
What to do if libido decreases?
Restoring and increasing libido in women is not difficult. First of all, you need to seek help from a doctor with this problem. Only a doctor will conduct a full diagnosis and determine the root cause of low sexual desire. As a rule, short-term hormonal therapy is required, which will help level out all a woman’s sex hormones. Over time, your libido will also increase. If a girl takes oral contraceptives, they should be replaced or completely stopped taking them. In the case of antibiotic treatment, libido is restored some time after the end of the course of treatment. No additional therapy is required here.
It is very easy to increase sexual desire at home. There are a number of aphrodisiac products that quickly stimulate sexual desire. For women, this list consists of the following foods:
- Bananas;
- Avocado;
- Seafood;
- Strawberry;
- Nuts;
- Ginger;
- Cardamom;
- Cinnamon;
- Fennel.
It is important to maintain an active lifestyle. With regular physical activity, normal blood circulation is maintained in the body. This stimulates the functioning of the pelvic organs, which allows you to experience full arousal. Yoga is very useful for women. All sets of yoga exercises and practices are aimed at stretching and strengthening the deep muscles. Also, yoga allows you to relax and relieve the central nervous system. Therefore, the woman gets rid of the harmful effects of stress and returns home in a good, upbeat mood. As you can see, restoring libido is not so difficult. It just takes a little effort and patience.
What does the level depend on?
The female body produces estrogens - hormones of sensuality. The production of these biologically active substances and temperament affect libido levels. A woman's sexual capabilities are limited by social factors. There is an opinion in society that sexual success is equal to social success. The intensity of a woman's sexual desire largely depends on the sexual temperament of her man.
Basically there is an imbalance towards greater sexual desire in men. There are few women who are very active in sex. The majority of women adapt to the needs of the man they love. Often a woman seeks in sex not sexual contact, but satisfaction of the need for human warmth, affection, communication, understanding, attention, emotional intimacy.
Some statistics
Sexual relations with a partner are a very personal topic. And I doubt that any of you and I
will freely discuss their intimate problems with other people. Yes, sometimes we can chat with friends, but there are limits here: hardly anyone will tell even the closest friend the details. Therefore, to understand the essence of the problem, let's turn to statistics.
So, as research shows, the decline in sexual desire is due to the fact that women take on a lot in this life. And it is true. A modern woman must pursue a career, arrange a family home, worry about children, take care of herself, and not forget about her husband. There is simply no time or energy left for sex.
Psychological reasons
Her sexual desires largely depend on her partner.
There are many reasons for problems with libido:
- childlessness;
- low self-esteem;
- stress;
- problems with a partner;
- harassment by men;
- depression.
A woman's 75% reduced sexual desire is associated with psychosocial problems if she lives with a man in a civil marriage. Until a woman is confident in her man, sexual function is a motivator. If the relationship has become serious, and sex with a regular partner is no longer motivating, female libido often decreases.
If a woman sees a reflection in the mirror that completely satisfies her, she will be satisfied with her sex life. In modern society, women have become more masculine. Feminization has come in our country. Various life difficulties, perfectionism, dissatisfaction, the desire to get from a partner what he cannot give, disappointment - all this is not uncommon today. This leads to the loss of sexual desire on both sides.
If a woman is overwhelmed with negative feelings of anger, jealousy, resentment, her subconscious is looking for a solution, believing that she is in danger. Therefore, her reproductive system is not sufficiently supplied with blood throughout the day. Sexual satisfaction from a partner becomes minimal. Tension in the arms and legs increases. If they are not actively used, after some time the limbs begin to ache.
When a relationship is in its early stages, sexual desire manifests itself very clearly. But married life often becomes routine. All energy and time are devoted to children and solving everyday problems. Women's sexual fantasies disappear. Sex ceases to please a woman, and sexual attraction to her husband often disappears.
Increase libido
Often, to eliminate a problem, it is enough to eliminate its causes – sometimes the most banal ones. An experienced doctor will first “prescribe” a healthy lifestyle, and this is:
- correct mode of work, rest, sleep, nutrition;
- rejection of bad habits;
- avoiding circumstances and people that cause persistent negativism and stress.
It is necessary to get rid of diseases and pathological conditions that caused a decrease in libido - the consequences of injuries, hormonal disorders, and so on. Clinical cases have been described more than once in which separation from a partner who was not satisfactory in many respects instantly cured sexual indifference.
The following may be prescribed as drug therapy:
- hormonal drugs to balance hormonal levels;
- sedatives and antidepressants (the latter in small doses to improve the emotional background);
- drugs that cure diseases that cause decreased libido (improving cerebral circulation, anthelmintics, and so on).
In some cases, non-drug methods are effective:
- massage;
- acupuncture;
- treatment with such non-traditional methods as dolphin therapy, art therapy, color therapy.
But in most untreated cases, the most effective is the good old proven method - an urgent vacation and a change of scenery (preferably a vacation at sea, which almost the entire beautiful half of humanity raves about).
Somatic health disorders
Decreased sexual desire is caused by various pathologies:
- dysfunction of the cardiovascular system;
- diseases;
- fatigue;
- bad habits;
- injuries;
- surgical interventions;
- pathologies in the field of gynecology or urology;
- anemia;
- diabetes.
While taking certain medications, a woman cannot achieve orgasm. Changing your medication may solve the problem. Proper nutrition and physical activity are necessary for a woman to maintain the desire for intimacy.
How to increase sexual desire?
What can you do to regain your desire to have sex with your partner? Here you will have to seriously work on yourself:
- Awaken your sensuality - beautiful music, your favorite perfume, aromatherapy, a relaxing bath will help here;
- Love your body - look in the mirror more often, study your body, emphasize your strengths, but disadvantages can always be eliminated;
- Increase the time for foreplay - talk to your partner, explain to him that you want more sexual caresses before intercourse, use sex toys - this has a very positive effect on the arousal of both partners and helps to diversify sex;
- Feel in good shape - for this you will have to do physical activity, even if it is half an hour of jogging - this is the first level. Well, at the second level, pay attention to the vaginal muscles - the well-known Kegel exercises are ideal here;
- Get tested for hormones - this will help prescribe treatment if necessary;
- Make changes to the menu - you know that there are aphrodisiac foods, so add them to the menu: pepper, ginger, cinnamon, anise, fennel, cardamom, seafood, chocolate, bananas, figs, avocado;
- Use treatment with medicinal herbs - you can stimulate sexual desire with decoctions and infusions with ginseng, aloe, celery;
- Have a heart-to-heart talk with your partner - this will help you understand what is missing in your sexual relationship and find a solution together. The conversation should be frank, because this is the only way you can find out about each other’s sexual desires. Remember, no one can read other people's thoughts, so you won't change anything except through conversation;
- Add romance to your relationship - candles, music, a delicious dinner, wine - arrange such evenings for yourself at least once a month.
By the way, a romantic dinner on the beach can be a good way to add romance to a relationship.
sea, for example, during vacation. Why should you take a bottle of champagne and a bag of fresh fruit for an evening walk?! American sexologists claim that libido in women and men can be influenced through points on the feet. Therefore, walking barefoot on the sea sand is just the thing!
A decrease in desire in women is not always a bad sign; sometimes this is Mother Nature’s way of limiting reproductive functions when it’s “not the right time.” A condition can be considered dangerous when a physiological decrease in desire turns into a pathological one. But only a sexologist can determine this.
We also advise you to read the following articles:
Each woman is individual; we all have different sexual constitutions, which is why we experience sexual attraction in different ways and at different levels. The main thing to do is to correlate your potential with your current state and not go to extremes.
Decreased libido in people over forty
A very pressing problem is decreased libido in women; the symptoms of the pathology manifest themselves in different ways..
Libido is a manifestation of the sexual instinct, sexual desire.
Hormonal problems
Girls and women of childbearing age often use a vaginal ring with microdosed contraceptives. They contain very small doses of estrogen. This substance enters directly into the ovary and the woman’s genitals through the lymph flow. But these substances significantly reduce libido, since the hormonal status remains at the same level every day.
Postmenopausal women and many young women after childbirth suffer from vaginal dryness while taking oral contraceptives. The processes of hormonal age-related changes and symptoms of aging affect all organs and systems, including the urogenital tract. The vaginal mucosa becomes vulnerable and thin, like tissue paper.
With the departure of estrogens, the entire microflora changes, since these hormones ensure the production of the vaginal microenvironment. The bacteria that live there are no longer the ones that should be there. During menopause, any friction can lead to painful discomfort. Sexual discomfort and signs of decreased libido in women occur. Sometimes bloody discharge appears, which can frighten women. The result of this is that the woman experiences a lot of unpleasant symptoms instead of receiving pleasure. Pain, discomfort, unpleasant vaginal discharge, and foul odor occur.
Not all women understand that this is due to hormonal changes. Those changes that develop in the vaginal mucosa begin long before menstruation stops. Every 4 women may experience such changes at the age of 45. This problem only gets worse with age and leads to women starting to avoid sexual contact. There is a lack of sexual desire. Gynecologists can identify, prevent or compensate for these changes.
Manifestations of decreased female sexual activity:
- obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress disorders;
- during intimacy, erotic fantasies do not appear;
- during sexual intercourse, an involuntary spasm of the vaginal muscles occurs;
- interest in masturbation, sexual relations is partially or completely absent;
- the spouse became indifferent in bed;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- sex has become a duty;
- a woman does not tell a man about her problems and expectations in bed.
Preventive measures
The most effective way to treat decreased libido is prevention , which includes the following areas:
- Timely diagnosis of health conditions and treatment of identified problems.
- Rejection of bad habits.
- Proper nutrition.
- Lifestyle changes.
- Reducing stress.
- Taking medications.
- Use of traditional medicine.
Diagnosis and prevention of diseases
Men's health is affected by the general condition and performance of internal organs and systems. When the functioning of the heart muscle, vascular system, endocrine glands, organs of the urinary system and digestion is impaired, libido gradually decreases, which is manifested by erectile dysfunction, lack of sexual desire and impaired ejaculation.
To prevent health problems you need to:
- annual medical examination by a urologist-andrologist . Men over 45-50 years of age should be especially attentive to health;
- Timely treatment of pathologies of the urinary and reproductive system ;
- Visit a therapist if you have health problems and do not self-medicate;
- Closely monitor blood pressure and monitor blood lipid and glucose levels.
Timely identification of pathologies of various etiologies and localization helps to carry out correct treatment at the initial stage of the disease and prevent the occurrence of complications that affect male libido.
Rejection of bad habits
Nicotine and tar contained in cigarettes, ethanol found in alcoholic beverages, as well as psychotropic and narcotic substances have a negative effect on the vascular system, disrupting blood flow and the functioning of the brain, the cells of which gradually atrophy.
As a result, problems arise with erection and sperm quality, the process of testosterone synthesis is disrupted, and libido decreases.
In addition, the presence of bad habits increases the risk of developing other diseases that disrupt a man’s sex life . These include hypertension, heart attack, stroke and other pathologies of various etiologies.
Proper nutrition
Proper nutrition helps not only to cope with excess body weight, but also to compensate for the deficiency of vitamins and minerals that are responsible for the synthesis of testosterone and libido in general.
Libido is responsible for:
- Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, which is an antioxidant and has protective properties, improves immunity, and helps improve the condition of blood vessels. It is found in large quantities in fresh vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs .
- Vitamin PP or nicotinic acid is involved in metabolic processes, in particular in the process of carbohydrate metabolism, and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas. Contained in seafood, all types of nuts, legumes and beef liver .
- Vitamin E or tocopherol is an antioxidant that has a direct effect on the endocrine glands and stimulates the production of testosterone. Nuts, fish, spinach and oat and barley cereals are rich in vitamin E.
Nuts are not only an excellent aphrodisiac, but will also help replenish minerals and vitamins, ensure the health of your blood vessels, and help the heart ease its work.
- Vitamin D improves the absorption of calcium, which helps release testosterone from its construction function in the body. In addition, when there is an excess of estrogen, it converts it into less active forms. Synthesized under the influence of sunlight. Also enters the body with sea fish, egg yolk, liver and dairy products (butter, sour cream) .
- Selenium is a trace element that is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the vascular system, normalizes prostate function, improves the quality and increases the quantity of sperm. Liver, natural cheeses, legumes, lamb, pork are rich in selenium .
- Omega-3 fatty acids have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gonads, stimulating the production of male sex hormones, improving metabolic processes and stimulating the flow of blood with nutrients and oxygen to organ tissues. Fatty acids are found in seafood and vegetable oils .
The most effective and popular aphrodisiacs of natural origin for stimulating sexual desire are :
- Honey - contains glucose, phytoncides, alkaloids and many other useful components that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of organs;
- Ginger – improves blood circulation, strengthens the immune system, enhances libido;
- Seafood (shrimp, fish, oysters) are rich in amino acids and vitamins that stimulate the synthesis of male sex hormones, which helps increase libido;
- Bananas are a source of B vitamins and potassium, which help improve libido due to their effect on the circulatory system;
- Avocado is rich in vitamin B, potassium and folic acid, which are involved in the process of protein metabolism;
- Dark chocolate promotes the production of the “happiness” hormone - endorphin, which helps improve mood and general condition;
- Nuts are a source of fatty acids, which are necessary for the production of testosterone.
Lifestyle
If a man’s libido gradually decreases, it is necessary to change his lifestyle. First of all, you need to monitor your body weight , because excess fatty tissue in the sides, abdomen and chest indicates an increase in the amount of estrogen and a decrease in testosterone, which has a direct impact on male libido. To combat this problem, you need to eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Normalizing the work and rest regime will help in the fight against excess body weight . Normally, a man should sleep at least 8 hours a day. Healthy rest helps prevent the development of many diseases, helps restore metabolic processes, and stimulates libido.
In addition, you should give up a sedentary lifestyle . Lack of movement leads to congestion in the pelvis, resulting in erectile dysfunction. An excellent way to combat congestion is physical activity: walking, running, Kegel exercises, exercise in the morning and before bed and other activities that help disperse blood throughout the body .
https://youtu.be/YWi2tF7Y44M
Urologist Ekaterina Makarova on the benefits and rules of performing Kegel exercises for men
Avoiding stress
Nervous stress at work, lack of mutual understanding in the family, the predominance of negative emotions, and excessive physical activity create stress, which has a negative impact on sexual desire and the general condition of a person.
To restore libido, you need to change your lifestyle and protect yourself as much as possible from stressful situations, and restore good relationships in the family . If for some reason it is not possible to avoid nervous tension, you can use medications that will help significantly reduce the influence of negative factors . For this purpose, you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe natural remedies with a sedative effect.
The most effective are preparations with bromine, which help calm the nervous system and restore sleep. Contrary to beliefs, bromine does not have a negative effect on libido, but, on the contrary, helps improve the quality of male semen.
Use of medications
Sometimes a man cannot always eat right and get proper rest to prevent a decrease in libido; in this case, vitamins and dietary supplements , which will help compensate for the lack of nutrients.
Will help restore libido tablets containing:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which have a direct effect on the synthesis of sex hormones and help improve metabolism, stimulate blood circulation and improve the quality of ejaculate.
- Alpha lipoic acid, which is involved in the metabolism of fats and enzymes, improves the functioning of the vascular system.
- Vitamin E is a men's vitamin that stimulates testosterone production.
Price in Russian pharmacies from 31 rubles.
ethnoscience
An important role in the prevention of decreased libido is played by traditional medicine, which has many remedies that not only have a beneficial effect on sexual desire, but also help improve overall health.
The most effective way to improve libido is a combination of honey and nuts . To prepare the recipe, mix everything in equal proportions (chop the nuts). Take 25 g twice after meals with herbal tea.
No less effective for increasing libido is a combination of honey and wine , which should be mixed in a ratio of 1:2, add 0.5 parts of aloe juice and a few parsley seeds. Leave for 2 weeks. Take 1 tsp. 3 times a day.
In the fight against deterioration of libido, herbal teas with thyme, lovage, and nettle help, which should replace store-bought tea leaves. To obtain a healing potion, it is enough to pour 1-2 tbsp. l. plants 300 ml of boiling water and drink after meals 3-4 times a day. These herbs can be used separately or combined. To improve the taste and medicinal properties, you can add honey.
Regular sex life
There is a conditional physiological rhythm of sexual activity. It amounts to 2-3 sexual contacts per week. However, the frequency of sexual contacts is largely determined by the sexual constitution. It is different for women: weak, medium, strong. The sexual constitution determines the needs for sexual contact and sexual satisfaction.
Regular sexual relations are good for psychological health. From a medical point of view, this is very individual. Anonymous surveys conducted by sociologists showed that about 25% of female respondents have sexual intercourse from 1 time a week to 2-3 times a month. The conventional norm is that a woman achieves orgasm in 50% of cases. A woman's libido changes throughout life. During some periods there is an increase in sexual desire, at other times there is a gradual or sharp decline.
https://youtu.be/CRBENpDy0nA
Why does a woman lose interest in sex?
A decrease in sexual desire in women always has some reason, sometimes even several at once. Here are the main ones:
- You are in a long-term relationship
Very often, women lose sexual desire due to a sense of responsibility towards their man.
How are long-term relationships and sex related? Long-term relationships involve living together, household chores and a bunch of daily worries - all this “stresses” a woman. Moreover, it is “stressful” so that all her thoughts are only occupied with the fact that she needs to do the cleaning, that she needs to go to the store, that she needs to prepare dinner for the whole family, etc. and this “stress” does not help her sexual mood at all . Finally, partners, being in a long-term relationship, simply get used to each other. It is very difficult for a woman to distract herself from all these thoughts, but this is exactly what needs to be done in order to again enjoy the caresses of her partner.
- No foreplay before sex
Foreplay before having sex is important. Firstly, it puts the partners in the right mood, so to speak, kindles them. Secondly, caresses and kisses also bring pleasure, sometimes even more than sex itself. For a woman, gentle kisses and touches are especially important. The complete absence of foreplay sharply reduces sexual desire and causes reluctance to have sex.
- Perceiving sex as a duty
Indeed, many women perceive sex as a duty. Intimate relationships for them are a job they do for their husband. And they make it the way he wants, but they forget about their desires! At this moment, when a woman forgets about her desires to please her partner and begins to perceive sex as the same duty as cooking dinner, her sexual desire begins to decline.
- Neglect of female sexuality
The view of sexual desire on the part of a woman and a man is very different. What matters to a woman is how she is seduced, charmed, and made to feel desired. Simply put, feelings and sensations are more important here, rather than a beautiful body next to you in bed - this is more of a masculine approach. A woman’s desire also depends on other circumstances: mood, time of day, even the weather. It can easily disappear from the wrong actions of a partner. True, it is easier to return it than to cope with a similar problem in men.
- Health problems
Lack of sexual desire can in some cases be explained by health problems. Most often these are hormonal imbalances. This reason for the lack of desire to have sex is relevant for women during menopause. But the cause can be not only changes in the balance of female hormones, it can even be thyroid hormones. In such cases, to solve the problem, you need to see an endocrinologist.
In order for a woman to always feel a strong sexual desire for her partner, her desire must be fueled. Some sex therapists agree: for a woman to want sex, it must be something worthwhile and special for her. Very often, a decrease in sexual desire is not due to the fact that a woman does not want sex, but because she does not want the kind of sex that she currently has.
- Lack of opportunity to express one's sexuality
Any woman is, first of all, a wife, mother and keeper of the hearth. Somehow all these roles are not associated with erotic fantasies. Often, in order to awaken sexuality and desire, a woman needs a change of environment: to do this, she needs to get away from the comfort of home and go towards her wildest fantasies.
- Low self-esteem
Nothing can excite a man more than a horny woman. At the same time, a woman becomes aroused when she feels that she is arousing her man. But willingness to have sex on the part of a partner will not give anything if a woman is at odds with herself. All her thoughts that he can’t like her, that a man gives her compliments only because there is no one else around, lower a woman’s self-esteem. And such self-esteem, in turn, reduces sexual desire.
These are the main reasons for the decline in sexual desire. They can influence a woman's desire to have sex with her partner, either individually or in various combinations. Most often, several factors are to blame for a decrease in libido.
How to increase sex drive?
There are no drugs in the world that enhance female libido. There are irritating lubricants that increase the sensitivity of erogenous zones during sex. They can be used to get some unusual sensations. Sexual desire in women is a social function. It is associated with many factors. All of them are of a socio-psychological nature, but this has nothing to do with the physiology or hormonal status of a woman.
To increase your libido, you need to evoke this feeling in your man. You should take care of your appearance and be interesting to him in all respects. You need to try to live up to his expectations. It is necessary to build a relationship with your partner correctly. If sexual sensations have become monotonous, a shake-up is needed. You can go somewhere and look at your partner from a different angle. This is necessary to excite yourself. It is necessary to change the intensity of love games, use unusual forms of affection, and explore new erogenous zones.
If you lose interest in sex, it is important to learn to manage your emotions and form the desired behavior pattern. It is required to react correctly to the situation that develops in life. Young women are recommended to use oral contraceptives that contain a higher dose of estrogen. This will help you respond more quickly to a man’s sexual calls. Excellent libido will appear if you increase your sleep time at night.
Women over 45 often do not know that all problems with sex can be solved at any stage. Doctors recommend sex hormone medications at this age. Hormone replacement therapy can be systemic in the form of tablets or transdermal using patches and gels. The drugs can be used vaginally in the form of suppositories, gels, creams, which act only in the vaginal mucosa. The use of intimate cosmetics can solve the problem of vaginal dryness in postmenopause.
Experts say that it is necessary to train the pelvic floor muscles. Such useful training is necessary for all women. They were recommended by American gynecologist Arnold Kegel, as these exercises significantly improve sex life. Since a woman's libido depends on a man's sexual desire, it is necessary to help him.
Often a man’s pride is greatly hurt by a woman’s behavior. Obese men have low testosterone and their desire to have sex disappears. This aggravates the problem of declining sexual desire in women. A lack of vitamin D negatively affects male libido. It is necessary to measure the level of vitamin D. In case of deficiency, the doctor may prescribe the necessary medication. It is important to maintain your partner's optimal weight. A man's waist size should not exceed 93 cm.
The desire to have sex is often completely absent in women or it decreases. If you have problems with libido, you should urgently go to an endocrinologist or gynecologist, who will prescribe treatment. When experienced spouses cease to be interested in the intimate side of the relationship, you can go for a consultation with a psychologist or sexologist.
Every healthy person should have a sexual desire that satisfies both partners. You can try to find a solution to many problems with libido of a psychological nature if you independently analyze your individual potential. If a woman’s sex life is difficult and symptoms of libido disturbance appear, it is important to consult a specialist to determine the reasons for the lack of sexual desire. Competent complex therapy is required.
Beware of Toxins and Chemicals
Harmful chemical compounds negatively affect the hormonal system.
They can be found in personal care products, household chemicals, plastics and processed foods.
For example, phthalates and parabens are found in shaving lotions and creams. Bisphenol-A in plastic bottles. All of them have antiandrogenic properties, i.e. inhibit the production of male sex hormones. (4)
Therefore, lead a more natural lifestyle, use only organic body care products, do not drink water from plastic bottles, and keep fewer chemicals in the house.
At what age does libido decrease in men?
It is impossible to clearly define the age limit after which a decline in libido begins in men. The degree of sexual desire directly depends on the level of testosterone, and it begins to slowly decline from the age of 35 . However, this does not necessarily mean a loss of sexual interest in women. The norm is a decrease (but not a complete loss) of libido closer to 50 years of age.
If a man does not want sex after 30 years, this is not normal. The reasons may be the following:
- Chronic stress. By this age, many have already built a stable career and are trying with all their might to “stay afloat.” According to statistics, a mortgage causes serious damage to libido, forcing you to hold on to any job. The birth of children is also accompanied not only by joy, but also by stress - how to provide for a child and wife on maternity leave. A sedentary lifestyle from adolescence also plays a role.
- Infections. The appearance of congestive chronic prostatitis at the age of 30-40 is already considered the norm.
- Diseases affecting the genital centers of the brain and spinal cord.
- Too active sex life in adolescence. Due to the high availability of porn content, young people no longer need sex education. They are completely free to express their libido from an early age, but for some, by adulthood, a kind of satiety sets in - they no longer want to have sex.
Libido directly depends on testosterone levels, which naturally decrease after 30 years
After 40 years, most men already live in a stable marriage and have children. A decrease in libido at this age is usually associated with a banal habit of having a sexual partner. Not all men are ready to “revitalize” their sexual instincts with periodic infidelity, so the sexual energy in their lives is transformed and directed towards other interests.
After 50 years, many men have a decrease in libido due to a natural drop in testosterone levels, chronic diseases, and prostate pathologies. Additional symptoms of androgen deficiency:
- Bad mood.
- Decreased mental abilities.
- Drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night.
- Decreased sensitivity of the head of the penis, decreased brightness of sensations during orgasm.
Decreased libido may be the only sign of approaching male menopause.
Medical intervention
A decrease in libido cannot fully prepare a woman for the upcoming intercourse, and she will not feel a sense of supreme pleasure. If the lack of desire is systematic, a woman does not respond to foreplay and caresses of the erogenous zone, then she should consult a specialist. Otherwise, a woman may lose her attraction to the stronger sex and it will be much more difficult to restore her former libido.
The sooner a woman understands that a visit to a doctor is necessary, the less time it will take to restore libido. The professional will conduct a consultation, after which he will refer the patient for diagnostic procedures. In most cases, after diagnosis, specialists detect serious diseases at an early stage of development. If the diagnosis does not reveal serious diseases, then the solution to the problem of decreased libido falls on the fragile shoulders of a sex therapist.
A sex therapist will definitely conduct a consultation. Send the patient for a hormonal blood test. Based on the results obtained, for consultation, he can refer you to his colleagues: a therapist, a psychotherapist.
Diagnostics
If sexual desire has disappeared for no apparent reason, you should first consult a urologist to rule out infectious inflammatory and tumor processes of the reproductive system . The condition of the prostate is clearly visible on TRUS with contrast, which is complemented by digital examination. Infections are detected by PCR analysis of prostate secretions and scrapings from the urethra. You should also take a blood test for a detailed hormonal profile. To exclude a violation directly in the penis, cavernosography, cavernosometry, and a test for rigidity (are there nocturnal erections) are prescribed.
Diseases of the nervous system (for example, those associated with pathologies of the spine, impaired nerve conduction of muscles) are identified by a neurologist. Electromyography (EMG) of the pelvic muscles and CT/MRI of the brain are most often used as diagnostic methods.
You can consult a psychiatrist or sex therapist about the causes and treatment of depression. Depression in most cases is the cause of lack of sexual desire. There is a special questionnaire called the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. It must be filled out and taken to a psychologist or sex therapist. This will help the doctor quickly navigate the patient’s condition.
To enlarge, click on the image
Due to decreased libido, neurosis and asthenic syndrome (apathy towards everything, physical weakness, irritability) can develop. For such a case, there is a test “Asthenic Syndrome Scale MFI-20”, which should also be downloaded, filled out and taken to a psychologist. The questions seem very simple, but you need to answer them thoughtfully.
The subjective scale for assessing asthenia is located at the link: https://www.doctorakimov.ru/illness/astenija/mfi_2o/
If there are problems with hormones, then you should contact an endocrinologist for further diagnosis. Men with suspected age-related decline in testosterone levels can fill out a questionnaire called the “Age-Related Androgen Deficiency Rating Scale” before visiting a doctor. For obese patients, the doctor will prescribe a test for insulin and C-peptides, lipids and blood sugar.
Age-related androgen deficiency assessment scale
How to fight?
Decreased libido is subject to mandatory treatment. You need to approach treatment wisely, that is, do not self-medicate or develop complexes. Most men prefer not to turn to specialists, fearing general publicity and ridicule from friends, colleagues, and family members. Such complexes only aggravate a person’s condition and lead to an advanced form of the disease, when it becomes more difficult to take measures to eliminate the cause and symptoms.
Early control of the disease will give more positive results. Treatment for decreased libido includes:
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- emphasis on certain foods;
- means of traditional and folk medicine.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Pursuing the principle of a healthy lifestyle, it is assumed that a man must get enough sleep (adhere to the rule of 8 hours of sleep at night), go in for sports (any active physical activity can give strength and improve tone), and be sure to give up bad habits (alcohol and drugs in the first place) , often went out into nature.
Focus on certain foods
Some foods can replenish the body with the vitamins and minerals necessary for a full sexual life. Regular consumption of classic foods (lean meat, vegetables, fruits and seafood), rich in vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as some microelements (zinc and phosphorus) can significantly increase libido in men. The diet should be enriched with: eggs (especially the yolk), honey, milk, liver, citrus fruits, apples, rose hips, nuts (especially walnuts and peanuts), oysters, legumes, cereals, lean meats.
https://youtu.be/Dli9zRJiXqo
Traditional and folk medicine
The basis of drug therapy is hormonal drugs aimed at normalizing testosterone levels. It is this hormone that is the main regulator of male sexual desire. But the main treatment should be aimed at eliminating the cause that caused the decrease in testosterone. These reasons are often associated with disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system. Only a specialist should determine the causes and select treatment.
In parallel with traditional medicine, teas, decoctions and tinctures are used from: ginger, juniper, rosemary, blueberries, sage, bay leaf, celery, parsley, linden, rosea, aloe. The listed herbs and plants are contained in such herbal preparations as:
"Tribulus" - helps to increase the release of testosterone; “Damina” - helps to increase sensitivity in the genital organ; “Muira-Puama” - aimed at increasing libido; "Ginkgo biloba" - stimulates blood circulation; “Yohimbe” is aimed at increasing blood flow to the genital organ. Comprehensive treatment and adherence to specialist recommendations can maximize libido in men, especially in the early stages of decreased sexual activity.
Watch your diet and vitamins
Eating a nutritious, healthy diet is critical not only for your overall health, but also for your hormonal system. To provide your body with everything it needs, eat more whole foods and less processed, canned and fast food.
Whenever possible, choose organic products, which contain more vitamins and fewer harmful chemicals.
Eliminate harmful trans fats, which are found in margarine, confectionery, mayonnaise, sauce and fast food. Replace them with healthy fats found in the following foods: wild fish, nuts, butter, olive oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, avocados and coconuts.
It is important to eat enough calories for your weight, height and age. Both excess and deficiency of calories can affect hormone production. But what’s even more important is not the calories themselves, but what foods you get them from. There are 210 calories in half a liter of Coca-Cola. The same amount in half a kilogram of apples. But you won't get anything from cola except empty calories and sugar. From an apple, in addition to calories, you will get many vitamins and other useful substances. Therefore, in addition to the calorie content itself, it is important to consider the quality of these calories.
It is also important to monitor the intake of nutrients from food. Some micronutrients are critical for hormone production.
For men, the most important are the fat-soluble vitamins A, E and D, as well as the minerals zinc and selenium. ()
Sources of vitamin A: fish oil, liver, egg yolk, butter, cream.
Sources of vitamin E: Almost any vegetable oils and nuts
Sources of vitamin D : Sunlight, wild fish (especially liver)
Sources of zinc: Oysters, veal liver, wheat bran, red meat, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, chicken hearts.
Sources of selenium: Brazil nuts, fish, brewer's yeast, garlic, meat, cottage cheese.
Reviews
Dear readers, you can leave your feedback about the reasons for decreased libido that are not in the article in the comments, your opinion will be useful to other users of the site!
Christina:
“After giving birth, I didn’t want to look at my husband at all. At my next appointment with the gynecologist, I told about my problem. The doctor prescribed taking Artlife vitamins (woman's formula). I have never taken dietary supplements, but after the course I remembered my husband, and at the same time my skin color improved and my hair stopped falling out. The doctor said that the body was exhausted after childbirth.”
Marina:
“I noticed that lately I have often begun to refuse my husband sex, and I am only 35 years old. I had to go to the gynecologist, because I didn’t want my husband to go “to the left.” I was prescribed Laveron. True, it is quite expensive, but after taking the full course, I felt like a woman again, and my sense of sexual desire returned to me. And my husband is happy.”
https://youtu.be/QqfAfREx_7A
Lose weight
Research shows that obese boys have half the testosterone levels of their lean peers. ()
The same applies to adult men.
As we have already said, with obesity, the effect of a special enzyme, aromotase, increases. It converts testosterone into estrogens. A man becomes more feminine - soft, nervous, indecisive. In advanced situations, female-type breasts (gynecomastia) may appear. This is all a consequence of excess estrogen in a man’s body.
Interestingly, a decrease in the production of sex hormones leads to even greater obesity. ()
It turns out to be such a vicious circle, from which there is only one way to get out - to lose weight.
Read this article about how to lose weight properly.
Principles of therapy
Sex therapy aimed at increasing libido can include various methods. The method is chosen only by the doctor after diagnosis. After all, the main reason for the decrease in libido in men plays the main role in the choice. Also, the individual characteristics of the young person’s body, concomitant and chronic diseases are taken into account. After all, if the inflammatory process is to blame, treatment is aimed at eliminating it. And after this, libido and full sexual activity are restored on their own.
If a blood test reveals that a man has a reduced level of testosterone in the blood, hormonal therapy is carried out. It is also worth examining the levels of pituitary and thyroid hormones. After all, a deficiency of male hormones in the male body may indicate the presence of a pituitary tumor. The doctor can choose one of two options for hormone therapy. So, in the first case, there may be replacement therapy with testosterone drugs. The second option is to take hormonal drugs that stimulate the body's own production of testosterone.
There are a number of drugs that increase sexual activity. When you have an active sex life, libido increases on its own. Such therapeutic treatment involves taking the following drugs: Cialis, Impaza, male Viagra, Vuka-Vuka. The main active ingredient of Viagra is sildenafil. Due to this, blood flow to the penis increases and sexual desire increases. The effect lasts for 5-6 hours. The disadvantage of this product is the large number of adverse reactions:
- Increased blood pressure;
- Allergy;
- Headache;
- Nausea;
- Deterioration of vision;
- Facial redness;
- Dizziness.
Cialis has the same positive properties as Viagra. Only the duration of the positive effect lasts for 36 hours, and there are practically no adverse reactions. Impaza is considered a homeopathic remedy. The drug very quickly increases libido, and has no contraindications or side effects.
If medications do not bring a positive result, urologists and andrologists advise parallel treatment with a psychologist. Several sessions with a doctor will help you understand the true causes of the problem. Moreover, the psychologist is an outsider. The patient will be able to tell all his fears, doubts, concerns. And the doctor will impartially assess the complexity of the situation and advise effective options for getting out of it.
Get rid of stress
Stress disrupts the functioning of the entire hormonal system. For example, the stress hormone cortisol is an antagonist to testosterone. That is, the more of one, the less of the other. The higher the stress level, the lower the libido.
What should be done?
- Sleep at least 7-8 hours;
- Observe the work and rest schedule;
- Spend more time on your favorite activities and hobbies;
- Use relaxation and relaxation techniques (meditation, yoga, massage, etc.);
- Build relationships with friends and loved ones;
- Read more;
- Listen to calm music;
- Keep a diary;
- Laugh and smile more;
- I forgive you how you approach problems and life in general;
- Don’t take on too much, know how to say “No.”
For more information on how to get rid of stress, read this material.