Lack of Libido in a Woman
Lack of Libido in a Woman
There are many causes for lack of libido in a woman. Libido is a person’s sex drive, one’s natural desire for sexual contact. In a woman, libido is a particularly complex process and there can be varying reasons why a woman may experience a lack of libido.
A woman’s lack of libido is often physical. Physical causes for lack of libido in a woman can be: medications, including antidepressants, beta blockers, and over-the-counter medications; gynecological issues such as infection or vaginitis; alcoholism; illness (e.g. breast cancer); age; diabetes, hyperpolactinaemia; and drug abuse.
Other causes of a woman’s lack of libido can be psychological. These causes are purely psychological and have few physical manifestations, so they aren’t often considered to be the culprits at first, but they can strongly affect libido. Psychological causes of a woman’s lack of libido are: intra or interpersonal conflict, historical problems (e.g. history of abuse), quality of sexual interaction, support of friends and family, emotional well-being, overwork, stress, depression, and difficult living conditions.
A medical professional is the first person to go to in evaluating the lack of libido in a woman. A physician can help sift through physical and physiological causes to understand what the problem is. Because a woman’s lack of libido can be multifaceted and complex, it is important to seek a physician’s guidance before trying any remedy that could have lasting effects. Speaking with your doctor about your sexual health is of the utmost importance. If you are uncomfortable seeing the family doctor to pinpoint a woman’s lack of libido, consult a gynecologist who is specially trained to deal with women’s sexual health and well-being.
Delvin, D. (2007). Lack of sex drive (lack of libido). Netdoctor.co.uk. Retrieved June 3, 2007 from http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/lackingsexdrive.htm.
Discovery Health. (2007). Sexual health: Libido. Retrieved June 2, 2007 from http://health.discovery.com/centers-sex-sexpedia-libido.shtml.
Holmes, M. & Mills, D. (2003). Low sex drive in women–causes and solutions. Women to women. Retrieved June 3, 2007 from http://www.womentowomen.com/sexualityandfertility/sexaftermenopause.asp.
Phillips, N. (2000). Female sexual dysfunction: Evaluation and treatment. American Family Physician. Retrieved June 2, 2007 from http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000701/127.html.
