Did you know that American adults are having less sex today than 20 years ago? A new study by the National Opinion Research Center found that more adults are going a year or longer without sex.
The study also found that sexually active adults are also having sex less frequently. 12.6% of women between the ages of 25-34 had no sex for a year or longer in 2016-2018.
There are many reasons why women might be having less sex. Keep reading to learn about some of the causes of low libido.
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1. Sexual Conditions
Some of the most common causes of low libido in women are linked to sexual health problems. If you encounter issues during sexual activity that might cause you to avoid it.
If you have pain when having sex or if you struggle to have an orgasm this can lower your libido. The good news is that speaking to your doctor about your issues can help solve them. Your doctor can help you find the solution that works best for you.
2. Problems With Your Thyroid
Thyroid issues can increase your risk of developing a low sex drive. Thyroid conditions affect vaginal health and lubrication. Thyroid conditions create an imbalance in your hormones that can affect mood and also decrease your testosterone levels.
Low testosterone symptoms include things like hair loss, concentration issues, and low libido. Other hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can also be a cause of your low libido.
3. Other Physical Health Issues
Other physical health issues can be the causes of low sex drive in your life. Chronic conditions like arthritis can create a lot of pain and stiffness. This can make engaging in sexual activity harder and lead to a lower sex drive.
Cancer and heart disease can lead to a lot of fatigue which can also make the desire to have sex decrease drastically. Speak to your doctor if your health conditions are affecting your sex life.
4. Certain Medications Can Affect Libido
If you take prescription drugs for your medical conditions or mental health illnesses your libido might be affected. Certain serotonin inhibitors prescribed for depression are known to lower libido. This issue has a greater impact on women who are prescribed antidepressants.
While it’s important to keep taking the medication prescribed for your other health issues, there are ways to help increase your sex drive again. A healthcare provider can give you options that best suit your specific case.
5. Mental Health Issues Can Cause Low Sex Drive
Mental health issues on their own can decrease sex drive over time. Symptoms of anxiety and depression can lead you to retreat from your social life and your relationships. This will put your sex life on the back burner.
Low self-esteem and body image issues can also make having sex harder. If you deal with a lot of stress from a hectic work schedule, are dealing with financial issues, or are having family problems, your sex drive can also be affected.
6. Drugs and Alcohol
While some people may enjoy some alcohol before sexual activity, excess drinking can lead to issues with your libido. If you have addiction problems with drugs you’ll see every aspect of your life be affected, including your sex life.
Smoking cigarettes isn’t just bad for your physical health, it can also make getting aroused more difficult.
7. Surgical Procedures Can Cause Low Libido
Any type of surgery will affect your libido while you’re in recovery. Surgery to the breasts or genitals can also lower your libido.
Any changes to your physical body can lead to body image issues that’ll make engaging in sexual activity difficult. Gender affirmation surgery will affect sexual function and can affect your libido for an extended amount of time.
8. Nutritional Problems Can Affect Your Sex Drive
Having a poor diet and not taking care of your health can be a cause of a low sex drive. If you aren’t eating a well-balanced diet every day and getting the necessary nutrients, you won’t have the energy or mood to get through the day or have a healthy sex life.
Getting enough Zinc is necessary for the production of testosterone in your body. You also need a healthy dose of omega 3 fatty acids to improve mood and produce hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
9. Trauma
Other causes of low sex drive in women can include traumatic sexual experiences. If you’re a survivor of physical or sexual abuse, sex can be a difficult terrain to navigate.
The trauma from sex abuse can make sexual arousal and desire nonexistent in some women. It can make having a healthy sex life difficult later in life. Reaching out to a mental health professional can help you process this trauma.
10. Relationship Struggles
If you’re having relationship issues this can be a major cause of your low sex drive. For some women, sexual desire is only attained with an emotional component. If you’re struggling to connect emotionally with a partner, you’re going to have difficulty feeling sexual desire.
If you’re having more disagreements with your partner that you haven’t resolved you might feel a decrease in your sexual desire. Trouble trusting your partner or expressing your sexual needs can also cause a lower libido.
The Causes of Low Libido Explained
There are many possible causes of low libido. Some of the most common, like low testosterone levels or chronic health issues, are explained in the guide above.
Did you find this article helpful? Make sure to check out some of the other health and wellness blogs on our site to learn more.
