When it comes to understanding the factors that control sexual desire, hormones play a key role. For men, as testosterone levels increase, so does their sexual desire. However, the effect of hormones on women's libido is less clear. If low libido is having a negative impact on your life, it's important to speak to a healthcare provider.
Certain medications, such as contraceptives, antidepressants and cancer treatments, can influence a decrease in libido. Your healthcare provider can help determine if your change in sexual desire is due to your medication and discuss potential alternatives. Research has found that the pill does not have a consistent effect on women's libidos. Most women experienced no change in their libido as a result of taking the pill, with some experiencing a slight increase and others experiencing a slight decrease.
A survey conducted by the Kinsey Institute found that women were less likely to get in the mood when they were stressed or anxious, compared to men. If couples have unequal libidos, it's important to discuss what they would like their sex life to be like. If your doctor suspects that your high libido is due to psychological factors, he may recommend that you talk to a therapist or counselor. If low libido is significantly affecting your life, happiness, or current relationship, you may want to consider visiting a healthcare provider.
Some people may need help controlling their libido, especially if compulsive sexual behavior disorder is a cause for concern. For those whose libido is adversely affected, stopping the current contraceptive method and switching to an alternative method may be recommended. If the decrease in your libido is a psychological cause, such as because chemotherapy has changed your appearance, counseling may help.
