Libido

Your libido drives your interest and enthusiasm for sex. Decrease libido is one of the most common complaints during perimenopause and menopause. Board-certified gynecologist Kristen Matsik, MD, at Women’s Wellness and Sexual Health in Charleston, South Carolina specializes in treating women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder in a confidential setting. To schedule an in-person or telehealth consultation at Women’s Wellness and Sexual Health, request an appointment online today.

What is the libido?

Libido is the medical term for your sex drive — how often you feel like having sex. There is no standard definition of what a normal libido should be. Problems usually occur when a woman's sex drive does not match her partner's or sex is too painful for a woman due to vaginal dryness or tightening.

For example, you might have sex a couple of times a month and find that satisfies you completely, or three times a week and feel like it’s not enough. Therefore, the key to knowing if your libido is healthy is your perception of what’s normal for you.  

Libido also changes over time — it’s common for young adults to have a powerful sex drive and for it to decrease in later life. Your libido will likely increase in the early days of an exciting new relationship and settle down as it becomes a long-term partnership.

Why would I have a low libido?

Your libido can decrease for physical and psychological reasons, including:

• Prescription medication including antidepressants or oral contraceptive pills
• Thyroid disorders
• Alcohol and drug misuse 
• Excessive stress
• Depression
• Relationship problems

Many women experience decreased libido as they enter perimenopause, usually in their forties. Perimenopause signals the transition from your child-bearing years to menopause, when your periods cease, and you can’t conceive.

It happens because your body stops making estrogen and progesterone — female sex hormones that play a significant role in reproduction. Your testosterone (male sex hormone) levels also fall during perimenopause. While women don’t have as much testosterone as men, it still affects libido if it decreases.

What can I do about low libido?

If you experience a significant change in libido that’s having adverse effects, treatments are available that can help. 

Women’s Wellness and Sexual Health offers many treatments for decreased libido including an injectable used 45 minutes prior to intercourse, testosterone gel, and a pill that can be taken daily.

Making changes to boost your overall wellness can also help. For example, tackling stress, eating a healthy diet, cutting down on alcohol, exercising regularly, and engaging with a skilled counselor if you have any mental health issues.

Call Women’s Wellness and Sexual Health today for effective, sympathetic help if you have any concerns about your libido. You can also book an appointment online at any time.