Let's talk low libido

But some people find that it can increase libido as a happy side effect. It may be prescribed off-label for low sex drive, regardless of whether you’re living with depression. While medications may address some of the physical aspects of getting you “in the mood,” emotional support can help, too.

• Regular sexual activity can help maintain and increase desire over time.
• Maintain a positive body image through self-acceptance and grooming.
• Explore sensual media like romantic movies or literature to stimulate arousal.
• Use biofeedback techniques to become more aware of physical responses.
• Stay physically active to improve circulation, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Watch for signs of hormonal imbalance and seek treatment if needed.
• Cultivate emotional intimacy with your partner to strengthen sexual desire.

Especially if your low libido is connected to any social, emotional, interpersonal or mental health concerns. “For sex with tablet most people, sex and sexual arousal is two-pronged — you need your body to respond in certain ways and you also need to be mentally interested,” Dr.

• Maintain consistent physical activity; exercise releases endorphins and boosts desire.
• Consider hormone therapy if hormonal imbalance is diagnosed by a doctor.
• Avoid overexercising, which can lead to fatigue and decreased libido.
• Incorporate spiritual or relaxation practices like meditation for mental health.
• Increase intake of B vitamins to support energy and hormone synthesis.
• Practice patience and self-compassion during your journey to increase libido.
• Seek support groups or counseling if emotional issues hinder sexual desire.

Zanotti explains. “If your mind is focused on other concerns, it’s easy for sexual desire to wane.” Talking with a mental health professional can help you better address any psychological barriers that are holding your libido down. If you notice a dip in your interest in sex, it can feel isolating. But Dr.

• Practice gratitude and positive thinking to enhance overall emotional well-being.
• Incorporate adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha to reduce stress and support hormones.
• Limit exposure to artificial chemicals that may interfere with hormonal balance.
• Experiment with scented oils or candles to enhance the romantic environment.
• Maintain regular health checkups to address underlying medical issues.
• Build emotional intimacy by sharing feelings and experiences with your partner.
• Use visualization techniques to mentally prepare and increase arousal.

Zanotti emphasizes that you don’t have to suffer in silence. “Primary care physicians and women’s health specialists talk with people all the time about issues of sexual dysfunction and sexual interest,” Dr. Zanotti reassures.

“Don’t be shy about sharing changes in your libido, especially if they’re causing you distress.

• Engage in weight training to increase testosterone levels, boosting libido.
• Reduce screen time before bed to improve sleep quality and hormonal response.
• Use guided imagery or fantasies to mentally prepare for intimacy.
• Incorporate new activities or positions to keep sex exciting.
• Avoid medications known to reduce libido unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Maintain healthy relationships, as emotional intimacy directly influences desire.
• Focus on self-care and self-love to improve body confidence and libido.

And your sexual health matters as much as the rest of it.” Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Arousal without orgasm can be uncomfortable, but it’s no reason to pressure sexual interactions Some foods are thought to rev up your sex drive, despite lack of scientific evidence If anxiety is keeping you from having the sex life you want, communication, education and therapy can help Anorgasmia is a fairly common concern with a wide range of physical and psychological causes Your sexual history directly influences your physical, mental and emotional health in a multitude of ways ‘Safer sex’ means STI prevention, avoiding unintended pregnancies and psychologically safe practices for everyone It’s perfectly normal for gas pockets to ‘evacuate’ during the motions of sex Stay away from hand lotion and honey, but coconut oil can do the trick These tiny saltwater larvae can get trapped under your swimsuit and trigger an itchy reaction called seabather’s eruption Searching nature for edible items requires training and knowledge to avoid poisonous plants Yes, but you can protect yourself with hats, scarves or even hair sunblock Aging WellAllergiesCancer Care & PreventionChronic PainCold, Flu & Respiratory IllnessesDiabetes & EndocrinologyDigestiveEar, Nose & ThroatEye CareInfectious DiseaseLungOral HealthParentingPregnancy & ChildbirthRecipesRheumatology & ImmunologySenior HealthSex & RelationshipsSleepUrinary & Kidney HealthWeight Loss Rendered: Tue May 26 2026 05:11:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Gentle warmth, abundant light, a rhythm that slows down a bit.. Summer creates a favorable environment for letting go.

A few exceptions

Your age may be a consideration, too, as low sex drive is commonly associated with changes that happen in perimenopause and postmenopause. And for some people, issues in how your body responds to sex and sexual arousal can keep you from getting in the mood — like muscle tension, blood flow and lubrication. Additionally, emotional struggles can relegate sex to the back burner, especially if you’re living with concerns like: And in other cases, you can experience reduced sexual desire for no obvious reason — a condition sometimes called hypoactive sexual desire disorder. “Low libido can stem from any number of concerns, and there may be more than one issue at play,” Dr. Zanotti explains.

Key Steps to Naturally Increase Your Libido

“The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and that low sex drive isn’t a reflection on you or your relationship.” Depending on the reasons for your decreased sexual interest, there are medications and other options available that may help you get your groove back. “Low sexual desire is often multifactorial, and medications may not fix it all,” Dr. Zanotti acknowledges. “It’s important to investigate the causes. Medication, along with seeing a sexual therapist, can be very helpful for various sexual dysfunction issues.” Dr.

Try Dr. Sebi’s Female Libido Booster

Zanotti explains some options to increase female libido. This prescription pill has been available since 2015. Flibanserin (brand name Addyi®) is taken nightly and can ramp up sex drive, Dr. Zanotti explains. It may cause drowsiness and shouldn’t be taken within two hours of drinking alcohol. And for many women, this can coincide with a resurgence of desire.

Not by magic, but thanks to very concrete factors: improved circulation, increased dopamine secretion, more stable energy, reduced cortisol (stress hormone), etc. What if certain foods could naturally support your sex life, without artificial means?

Maintaining a Healthy Relationship

Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, eating aphrodisiacs and a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, trying a new birth control method, and working on any relationship problems can naturally increase libido in women. Increase female libido after 40 by getting enough sleep, reducing stress, eating aphrodisiacs and a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, and working on any relationship problems. If you’re on birth control, trying a new method can increase libido and if you’re going through menopause, hormone replacement therapy may help boost libido. You can increase female libido after menopause by getting enough sleep, reducing stress, eating aphrodisiacs and a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, working on any relationship problems, and trying hormone replacement therapy. Increase libido in pregnancy by getting enough sleep, reducing stress, eating pregnancy-safe aphrodisiacs and a healthy diet overall, and working on any relationship problems.

3. Reduce Your Alcohol and Drug Consumption

Lack of libido in females can be caused by sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol, relationship problems, medications like antidepressants, health conditions like high blood pressure and underactive thyroid, and hormone fluctuations during your monthly cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. We bring sleep research out of the lab and into your life. Every post begins with peer-reviewed studies — not third-party sources — to make sure we only share advice that can be defended to a room full of sleep scientists. We regularly update our articles to explain the latest research and shifts in scientific consensus in a simple and actionable way. One of Apple's Best Apps of 2026 RISE makes it easy to improve your sleep and daily energy to reach your potential Medications and therapy can help get your groove back Image content: This image is available to view online.

3. Communicate wisely

People in bed sleeping at night, caught up in their sheets. We all have different ideas of what an active and fulfilling sex life looks like. Think of your sex life like driving to your favorite tunes: Some people drive around with their music full blast, singing along at any hour of day or night to whatever comes on. Other people keep the volume a little lower. Some people really only enjoy a few select songs or artists. Pauline Gouth, a dietitian and nutrition expert, has selected for Boome, 5 natural summer foods, that are both delicious, stimulating, and recognized for their impact on hormonal balance, circulation, and vitality. Cacao, especially raw or minimally processed, contains active compounds that promote vasodilation, dopamine secretion, and muscle relaxation, three key elements of sexual pleasure.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Or maybe they need some time to try out a few playlists until they find just the right one to get them in the dancing mood. Different people have different preferences — whether we’re talking music or life between the sheets. And whether your sex life is thumping party jams or tasteful light jazz, there’s nothing wrong with it … if that’s what you choose. But what if it’s not working for you anymore? What if what you’re looking for is a sex life that’s a little bit rock-and-roll, but you can’t seem to dial up the volume these days?

What causes low libido?

A low libido can leave you feeling lonely, frustrated and unfulfilled in your relationships. Fortunately, there are ways to get your music bumping again. “It’s not at all uncommon for your sexual interest to change and get in the way of enjoying a healthy and fulfilling sex life,” says Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD. “But you don’t have to live with low libido. There are options to increase sex drive that can be very effective.” But it can be particularly common in women, in part because of hormonal makeup, as well as societal expectations regarding sex and sex drive.

2. Emotional health

Dr. Zanotti explains why females commonly experience low sex drive, and what options are available to increase your libido. There are a number men enhancement pills of reasons your sex drive may shift into neutral. Physical changes can do a number on your sexual interest. New medications and other changes to your health can impact your interest in getting frisky. It is also rich in magnesium, which helps release tension, and phenylethylamine, a neuromediator linked to feelings of euphoria. 🔬 A study conducted by Dr.

How Sesame can help

Vaginal dryness can sometimes cause pain during intercourse, which can affect your sexual desire. If vaginal dryness is contributing to your low interest, you may find relief with vaginal estrogen or a vaginal DHEA suppository. That is, an insert that you place in your vagina daily. It’s a hormone treatment that’s been shown to be effective in managing vaginal dryness. That may help increase genital sensitivity in postmenopausal females especially. Andrea Salonia at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan evaluated 163 women on their chocolate consumption and sexual satisfaction. The results showed that women who consumed chocolate daily had higher sexual desire and satisfaction than those who did not consume it regularly [1].

The Takeaway

Don’t expect fireworks to happen immediately, though. The medication takes about two months to start working. But you may find it’s worth the wait. Vyleesi® is an on-demand prescription medication — as in, take it when the mood is right. (Or at least 45 minutes before you anticipate the mood being right.) Vyleesi is an injectable medication you use in your thigh or abdomen.