Libido is a person's overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity. It can be affected by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, hormone levels, medications, lifestyle, and relationship issues. Many couples experience an initial period of high libido that gradually decreases over time. Tracking your libido can give you insight into your unique cycle pattern.
Natural Cycles, the first and only FDA-approved contraceptive app in the US, allows you to monitor cervical mucus, PMS symptoms, emotions, and sexual desire. While some women may not notice any change in their libido while taking the pill, low libido is a common side effect of hormonal contraceptives. Certain medications such as antidepressants, SSRIs, contraceptives, and beta-blockers can also reduce libido. In addition, stress, anxiety, or mental health issues can decrease sexual desire.
Women who take hormonal contraceptives are unlikely to experience the same hormonal fluctuations in their libido as the synthetic hormones in contraceptives work to prevent ovulation. Some people may experience increased libido if they are in a more satisfying sexual relationship than previous ones. Making some lifestyle changes such as exercising more regularly and eating healthier can often help increase libido. Libido is an individual's overall sex drive or desire for sexual activity. There is no numerical measure of libido but it is generally referred to as low or high.
According to Searah Deysach, a long-time sex educator and owner of Early to Bed, there is no metric to measure libido. During this time, estrogen levels drop and cause loss of libido and vaginal dryness which can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable. Men usually have higher sexual desire in the morning when testosterone levels are higher which is why men often wake up with an erection - a physical sign of increased libido. In general, periods of low libido should not be a cause for concern but if you notice a change in your sexual desire or find that lack of libido is affecting your wellbeing then you should talk to your doctor. There are many factors that can affect libido; these can be physical, psychological or caused by external factors or lifestyle.
Estradiol - a form of estrogen - is also present in the male body and is related to libido, erectile function and sperm production. Sometimes you may wonder why your sex drive seems higher than normal or has suddenly increased. Read on to find out why your libido may be higher than usual and if you need to talk to a doctor about it.
