A recent study in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that 31% of men and 43% of women suffer from sexual inadequacy at some point in their lives. It is shown that up to 40% of women suffer from symptoms of sexual dysfunction, with low desire being the most common symptom.
Understand The Real Cause Of Low Libido
Although there are several substances which help with a sudden increase in sex desire, it is always best to first understand the cause of your symptoms, in order to use the best approach for you. Eliminating potential blocking factors that affect your sex life is the first step in restoring a normal body function and response to stimuli.
Some of the most common blocking factors that affect libido are: chronic stress, depression and some medications commonly used to treat depression. Birth control pills, too much alcohol, drugs like marijuana, lack of sleep, breastfeeding, menopause, hormonal imbalances including low thyroid as well as a dysfunctional relationship with your partner can all negatively affect your libido. When a couple is fighting or feeling distant from each other, they're less likely to want to be intimate. Communication problems, anger, conflicts, resentment, all these negative emotions can carry over into the bedroom.
What Can You Do To Bring Your Libido Back?
Some of the methods and libido lifters we use at Holtorf Medical Group are discussed below, and they include both prescriptions and natural remedies that can increase libido and sexual satisfaction:
Oxytocin is a hormone that peaks at orgasm and can stimulate libido and climax sense of closeness and bonding. It is active in both sexes and helps stimulate pleasurable sexual interactions between males and females and is also involved in social interactions between family and friends. It can be prescribed by a physician and can be made into a nasal spray to be used before intercourse. It can also be effectively used on a daily basis for anxiety and depression and to counteract the loss of libido associated with antidepressant use.
Testosterone is important for sexual desire in both sexes. Supplementation to more youthful levels can dramatically increase libido, sense of well-being, energy and quality-of-life. In a study done by researchers at Utrecht University, giving .5 mg of the sublingual testosterone to healthy premenstrual young women offered surprising results. About 4.5 hours after a single dose of testosterone treatment, a significant increase in genital arousal occurred, along with women reporting they felt "sexual lust." Vaginal pulse amplitude - or arousal - increases steadily over the 4.5 hour period.
Amino acids such as L-arginine can boost nitric oxide, a compound that works to relax blood vessels and allow more blood to flow through arteries and this of course includes the sexual organs. Supplementation can improve sexual satisfaction in women and erectile function in men. Gingko may also be of some, although mild, benefit, as well.
There are also other aspects involved in the "libido equation," besides direct supplementation. These regard mending your relationship with your partner. Sex psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini of Houston explains that any problems and resentments between you and your spouse must be ironed out in order to have a healthy sexual relationship.
Some tips to "break out of your sexual rut," include getting intimate in different rooms in the house, booking a hotel and get away from the kids for the evening and scheduling day nights so that you have to make time for intimacy. It's also important to know your own body so you can explain to your partner what works for you.
There's nothing that will kill the mood quicker than the fear that a child will walk in on your private moments, so buy a lock and use it. And take the TV out of your bedroom so you'll find other ways to spend that time before you fall asleep for the night. Try the above tips this Valentine's Day to lift your libido!
