You know that American adults have less sex today versus 20 years ago? A new study by the National Opinion Research Center finds that more adults are going a year or more without sex.
The study also found that sexually active adults also had sex less repeatedly. 12.6% of ladies aged between 25-34 didn’t have sex for one year or more in 2016-2018.
There are many reasons why women may be having less sex. Keep reading to find out about some of the causes of low libido.
- Sexual Conditions
Some of the most common causes of low libido in women are related to sexual health issues. If you have problems during sexual activity that may be causing you to avoid it.
If you feel pain during sex or if you have trouble having an orgasm, this can decrease your libido. The excellent news is that talking to your doctor about your problem can help solve it. Your doctor can help you find the solution that works best for you.
- Problems With Your Thyroid
Thyroid problems can increase your risk of developing a low sex drive. Thyroid conditions affect vaginal health and lubrication. Thyroid conditions create an imbalance in your hormones that can affect your mood and also lower your testosterone levels.
Low testosterone symptoms including things like hair loss, concentration problems, and low libido. Other hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can even be a explanation for your low libido.
- Other Physical Health Problems
Other physical health problems can be a explanation for low sex drive in your life. Chronic conditions like arthritis can cause lots of pain and stiffness. This can make sexual activity harder and lead to a lower sex drive.
Cancer and heart disease can cause lots of fatigue which can even make the desire to have sex decrease drastically. Talk to your doctor if your health condition is affecting your sex life.
- Certain Medications Can Affect Libido
If you take prescribed drugs for your medical condition or mental health sickness, your libido may be affected. Certain serotonin blockers prescribed for depression are known to reduce libido. This problem has a greater impact on women who are prescribed antidepressants.
While it is important to continue taking your prescribed medicines for your other health problems, there are ways to help get your sex drive back on course. A healthcare provider can provide you with the options that best suit your specific case.
- Mental Health Problems Can Cause Low Sex Drive
Mental health problems alone can reduce sex drive over time. Symptoms of anxiety and depression can make you withdraw from your social life and relationships. This will put your sex life on the back burner.
Low self-esteem and body image issues can even make sex harder. If you are under lots of pressure from a busy work schedule, dealing with financial problems, or going through family problems, your sex drive could even be affected.
- Drugs and Alcohol
While some people may enjoy alcohol before engaging in sexual activity, extreme drinking can cause problems with your libido. If you have a drug addiction problem, you’ll see every aspect of your life being affected, including your sex life.
Smoking is not only bad for your physical health, but it can even make it harder for you to become aroused.
- Surgical Procedures Can Cause Low Libido
Any type of surgery will affect your libido while you’re recovering. Surgery on the breasts or genitals can even reduce your libido.
Any changes to your physical body can cause body image issues that will make sexual activity harder. Gender affirmation surgery will affect sexual function and can affect your libido for a long time.
- Nutritional Problems Can Affect Your Sex Drive
Having a bad diet and not taking care of your health can be a explanation for low sex drive. If you do not eat a balanced diet every day and get the nutrients you need, you will not have the energy or mood to get through the day or have a healthy sex life.
Getting enough zinc is critical for the production of testosterone in your body. You also need a healthy dose of omega 3 fatty acids to improve your mood and produce hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
- traumatized
Other causes of a low sex drive in women can include traumatic sexual experiences. If you’re a survivor of physical or sexual abuse, sex can be tough terrain to navigate.
Trauma from sexual abuse can make sexual arousal and desire non-existent for some women. That can make a healthy sex life difficult later in life. Reaching out to a mental health professional can help you process this trauma.
- Relationship struggles
If you are having relationship problems, this could be a major explanation for your low sex drive. For some women, sexual desire is simply achieved with an emotional component. If you have trouble connecting emotionally with your partner, you will have a hard time feeling sexual desire.
If you have more disagreements with your partner that you have not resolved, you may notice a decrease in your sexual desire. Difficulty trusting your partner or expressing your sexual needs can even lead to decreased libido.
Causes of Low Libido Explained
There are many possible causes of low libido. Some of the most common, such as low testosterone levels or chronic health problems, are described in the guide above.
Did you find this article helpful? Be sure to look at some of the other health and wellness blogs on our site to learn more.
