Information On Your Libido

Are You Satisfied?

The desire for sex varies enormously from one individual to the next, and even within the same individual, depending on the circumstances. The normal frequency of sexual intercourse, or even just the desire for intercourse, can range from every day to once a year, or not at all, depending on your individual preferences.

There is much more to sexual desire than just hormones and chemistry alone. Body image, self esteem, health, relationship status, and access to resources such as information about intimacy, time, space and privacy all play a far bigger role in sexual satisfaction than just an individual's hormones.

It is important that we, as individuals, take the time and energy necessary to cultivate sexual self-awareness in order to continue to grow and develop as sexually healthy human beings.

APPROXIMATELY 14% OF WOMEN REPORT PROBLEMS RELATED TO AROUSAL. (Leland, J. (200, May 29) "the Science of Women and Sex")

Can my Health be affecting my Libido?

Absolutely! Being healthy doesn't just help to build strong bones or to keep your heart strong, it can also keep your appetite for intimacy healthy.

Some of the conditions that can cause changes in female sexual desire include:

• Menopause - the decline in sex hormones can affect a woman's libido
• Dyspareunia - painful sexual intercourse
• Vagnismus - the involuntary clamping of the vaginal muscles, which makes penetration difficult, if not impossible
• Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding - changes in hormones may increase or decrease sexual desire
• Infections - such as a yeast or urinary tract infection
• Problems with orgasm - being unable to reach orgasm or to reach it in a reasonable amount of time
• Depression - marked by lethargy, lack of motivation, feeling sad, and withdrawing from activities, including sex

Can my lifestyle be affecting my libido?

Many factors that can impact a person's lifestyle can also play a role in reducing a person's desire for sex. These factors may include:

• Performance anxiety - if someone has experienced painful sex, they may avoid sex for fear of the problem being repeated
• Fatigue - feeling too tired for sex is a common complaint
• Lack of time - the demands of work and home life sometimes do not leave sufficient time for intimacy
• Familiarity - it is not uncommon for a couple's appetite for sex to decline over time
• Relationship problems - if the couple is experiencing difficulties in other areas of their relationship, their sex life may suffer
• Stress - stress hormones can dampen sexual desire and response
• Certain drugs - including oral contraceptive pills, antidepressants, marijuana, excessive alcohol consumption, or medications to control high blood pressure can decrease your libido
• Traumatic experience - sexual harassment, sexual abuse or rape can have an impact on your libido

What are my treatment options?

Treatment options for reduced libido may depend on the cause, but include:

• Treatment for an underlying disorder
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Stress management
• Counseling
• Eating a balanced diet and getting the proper amount of exercise
• Intimacy enhancing products, such as a vaginal lubricant to relieve dryness

If you feel like your health or lifestyle is affecting your libido, speak with Dr. Jamieson about the treatment options that are right for you.