Women experience a decrease in their libido at all stages of life. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including mental health issues and relationship problems.
It can also be a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Other causes include diabetes, obesity and hormonal imbalances such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
1. Get plenty of sleep
Getting plenty of sleep is the most basic step toward increasing libido. Women who get adequate rest tend to feel more energetic and able to cope with daily life activities, including family, work and social engagements.
A lack of sleep can lead to a variety of problems, such as poor memory and reduced concentration. It can also affect sexual function by decreasing the levels of arousal hormones.
In addition, stress and exhaustion can lower libido, as can certain types of medications, such as those prescribed for mood disorders. Seeing a healthcare professional for a complete health checkup and addressing any underlying medical issues can help alleviate low libido.
For example, if a woman’s libido dips during menopause, a healthcare provider may recommend estrogen replacement therapy such as BHRT treatments like Addyi and Vyleesi to restore hormonal balance. In addition, relationship counselling may help reduce stress and feelings of disconnection that can decrease libido. Ditching negative habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol can also improve libido. It is important to find a therapist or counselor with experience in dealing with sexual problems.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet can improve sexual desire and arousal. Foods like chocolate, oysters and garlic are known to be natural aphrodisiacs. In addition, a healthy diet can help reduce stress and increase energy.
Weight gain is often a cause of low sex drive in women. Talk to your doctor about losing weight and improving arousal with exercise and dietary changes.
Some medications are also known to decrease libido. A gynecologist can recommend a diet that is high in vitamins and minerals to help boost sexual desire. Hormone therapy for menopause and treatment for uterine fibroids or breast cancer can lower libido in women.
Some herbal supplements are also promoted to improve libido, but they are not regulated by the FDA and can have side effects. If you are interested in trying an herbal supplement, ask your gynecologist for a recommendation and a list of your current medications to avoid interactions. Exercise and changing up your sex routine can also improve arousal and increase orgasm. Studies show that lingering on kisses and hugging before intimacy enhances sexual pleasure, relaxation and lubrication.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise isn’t just good for your waistline and mood; it also improves libido. Research shows that regular exercise can help boost sexual arousal in both women and men. The reason why has to do with mitochondria, microscopic organelles found in every cell of your body that produce energy. When you exercise regularly, you create more mitochondria, which gives your body more energy to function in general.
Acute (short-term) exercise and chronic (longer-term) exercise both appear to boost libido. This is probably because both types of exercise increase the flow of blood to your heart, muscles, and other body parts. In addition, exercise can reduce stress and depression, which may indirectly increase libido.
To get the most libido-boosting benefits of exercise, consider incorporating both cardio and strength training into your weekly routine. For instance, you can work out on the treadmill or elliptical while simultaneously using weights or your own body weight to do exercises like squats. You can even do Kegel exercises, which are believed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles in both women and men.
4. Take a sex supplement
Women can experience low libido for a variety of reasons, from menopause to stress. But fortunately, there are a number of natural libido-boosting supplements and healthy lifestyle changes that can help.
For example, a popular herbal remedy called kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) may boost sexual desire in women. It is believed to increase sensitivity and arousal by enhancing blood flow to the genitals. Another option is a lubricating botanical massage oil called Zestra. This product was found to increase sex drive in one small study.
Many common vitamins and minerals can boost libido. Eat a diet rich in these nutrients to make sure you are getting enough.
In addition, avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and excess alcohol can also have a positive impact on libido. It is also important for couples to take a look at their relationship to see if there are areas of improvement that could enhance feelings of arousal and intimacy. Talking with a sex therapist who is skilled in working with sexual concerns may be helpful. A sex therapist can teach couples techniques and communication skills that can increase feelings of pleasure, arousal and desire.
5. Take a sex toy
Incorporating sex toys into your solo or couple’s play can be a fun way to spice things up and increase sexual pleasure. It can also help you get to know your body and what feels good for you, which will make communicating your needs to your partner easier.
A vibrator can be an excellent tool to have on hand if you’ve been experiencing low libido for awhile. It can stimulate your sensitive areas with powerful vibrations and quickly bring you to orgasm. Plus, it can help boost arousal and vaginal lubrication.
If your partner isn’t keen on you using a vibrator, try explaining to them how it can enhance intimacy and lead to more orgasms. It can be a great way to increase trust and closeness in your relationship.
If you’re ready to add a vibrator to your play, we have lots of options for you to choose from. Whether you’re straight, gay, bisexual, or pansexual, we have a toy that’s right for you.
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