How do you increase libido in women

Women inject it under the skin at least 45 minutes before they anticipate getting frisky. So she suggests this workaround: Take it right before bed and cancel your morning meetings.

This hormone suppository can ease vaginal dryness and discomfort in postmenopausal women. Some women with low libido find it increases genital sensitivity in a good way. It can cause side effects, including acne, hair loss, facial hair growth and mood changes.

Sometimes, low sex drive is related to psychological issues, such as poor body image, past negative sexual experiences, trust issues or relationship problems. In those cases, it can help to work through your thoughts and feelings with a mental health professional.

And some women just need a crash course in sex education, Dr. Learning the ins and outs of your sexual anatomy — including the importance of clitoral and G-spot stimulation — can also improve desire, she adds. And remember that you can have a healthy sex drive without being a seductress. You just have to be open to it, she adds. Luckily, treatments are available to rev up a sluggish sex drive. Learn more about vaccine availability. This may occur after being with someone for a long time, or if a person perceives that things are not going well in their intimate relationships.

This might involve:. In many cases, people can enhance their sexual experiences by spending more time on touching, kissing, using sex toys, and performing oral sex. Some people call these actions outercourse. For women, foreplay may be especially important. According to some research , only around 18 percent of women orgasm from intercourse alone, while A small-scale study in women suggested that getting more sleep the night before increased their sexual desire the next day.

Women who reported longer average sleep times reported better genital arousal than those with shorter sleep times. Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease can affect physical sexual functioning. Also, polycystic ovarian syndrome can affect hormone levels, which may also disrupt libido. Eating a diet rich in vegetables, low in sugar, and high in lean proteins can help prevent disorders that affect libido. There is little research into how effective herbal remedies are at improving sexual function in males and females, though some people may find them beneficial.

A review study states that there is limited but emerging data that the following herbal remedies may improve sexual function:. For this reason, their quality, purity, and safety remains unclear. Getting regular exercise can help libido in many ways. A study of men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, which lowers testosterone levels, found that regular exercise helped men cope with issues such as body image concerns, low libido, and relationship changes.

A review of women with diabetes cites research showing that exercise may help lower diabetes-related symptoms in women. The study emphasizes that doing exercises of the pelvic floor may be useful in women without diabetes.

Some scientists link overweight and obesity to low sex drive, along with other factors related to reduced fertility. This is associated with hormonal factors, such as low testosterone concentrations. Some people who are overweight may also experience psychological effects, such as lower body confidence. Sexual desire is complex, with both psychological and physical components. Even when a person has a physical condition that affects libido, such as diabetes, improving the emotional and psychological response to sex can improve libido and sexual functioning.

Therapy is an effective strategy for increasing low libido. Individual counseling can help address negative views about sex, self-esteem, and secondary causes of low libido, such as depression and anxiety. Relationship counseling can help some people work through factors affecting their sexual desire. Alongside talking therapies, mindfulness therapy may also help.

One study found that just four sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy in a group setting improved sexual desire, sexual arousal, and sexual satisfaction for women. Good heart health is important for good sexual functioning.

People who smoke cigarettes may find that their energy levels and sex drive increase after they quit. Primary care doctors and gynecologists often ask about sex and intimacy as part of a routine medical visit. Take this opportunity to be candid about your sexual concerns. If your doctor doesn't broach the subject, bring it up.

You may feel embarrassed to talk about sex with your doctor, but this topic is perfectly appropriate. In fact, your sexual satisfaction is a vital part of your overall health and well-being. Your doctor will ask questions about the symptoms you're experiencing and assess your hormonal status. Questions your doctor may ask include:.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis By definition, you may be diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder if you frequently lack sexual thoughts or desire, and the absence of these feelings causes personal distress.

More Information Pelvic exam. More Information Sex therapy. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Frequently asked questions.

Women's health FAQ Your sexual health. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed Nov. Shifren JL. Sexual dysfunction in women: Epidemiology, risk factors, and evaluation.

Longo DL, et al. Sexual dysfunction. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Hoffman BL, et al. Psychosocial issues and female sexuality. In: Williams Gynecology.