Sex drive or desire, also known as libido, can point toward the general well-being of an adult female. Sex drive is an instinctual urge that is naturally present in everybody to procreate, passing their genetic material to the next generation. More importantly, sex drive is a significant aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship and a romantic bond with your sexual partner.
Hence, a low sex drive can sometimes be thought of as a lack of interest. In much medical literature, it has been found that the majority of Asian women display a lower sex drive. The reason for that could be due to conservatism in Asian society, resulting in many women suppressing their sex drive.
In the case of Singaporean women, studies have shown that over 50% of middle-aged women are sexually active. However, many also faced increasing amounts of sexual dysfunction, such as reduced sex drive. Research conducted by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in 2021 revealed that rarely achieving orgasm and a reduced sex drive are some of the most commonly reported forms of female sexual dysfunction.
In this article, we will take a closer look into the concerns of reduced sex drive and what you can do about it.
The science of our sex drive
One’s sex drive can differ from another’s. Women display varying levels of sex drive at varying ages, with some pointing towards a natural physical change in one’s body. Some signs of a reduced sex drive include:
– Inability to orgasm
– Difficulty experiencing arousal
– Lack of sexual fantasies or thoughts
– Sudden disinterest in sexual activities
Biologically, a reduced sex drive is often due to hormonal changes, such as the gonadal hormone. In addition, testosterone, oestrogen, and androgen are hormones that play significant roles in sexual function. Having a well-regulated hormone is vital as it fuels a female’s psychosexual stimulation, increasing her blood flow and sensitivity, which are vital in pleasure sensory.
Depending on the age, the levels of these hormones may fluctuate, leading to varying degrees of sex drive in women. Below are some general characteristics of sex drive at different ages.
– 20 to 30 years old: High biological drive to procreate but with regular sex drive. Women tend to be more selective about whom and when to procreate within these age groups.
– 31 to 44 years old: Fertility begins to decline with age. However, sex drive tends to increase and peak.
– 45 years old and above: As levels of oestrogen decrease, so does their sex drive. Gradual decrease in sex drive as they get close to menopausal age. Sex drive in these age groups is mostly psychologically driven rather than biologically driven.
Biopsychosocial factors of reduced sex drive: What causes it among females?
While sex drive patterns can be explained by biological change and age group, many can testify that these do not hold true. It can be explained that sex drive is more than just a biological occurrence; it is a combination of biopsychological factors.
Sex drive will fluctuate throughout one’s lifetime. Some biopsychological factors that affect one’s sex drive include:
Biological factors:
– Medications: Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives and antidepressants, can reduce sex drive.
– Underlying health conditions: Reduced sex drive can sometimes be a secondary sign of chronic health conditions, such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension.
– Sexual dysfunction: Conditions such as dyspareunia and vaginismus can lead to reduced sex drive and impede the ability to experience orgasm.
– Pregnancy: Reduced sex drive among pregnant females is an increasing issue. While hormonal changes during the pregnancy are warranted, they can also be caused by heightened stress levels and fatigue.
Psychological factors:
– Sexual oppression: Guilt and shame associated with sex due to negative connotations can lead to a reduced sex drive, even if there are no biological changes. Oppression can come from former sexual abuse, sexual disempowerment, and sexual trauma.
– Trust and infidelity: Females with a reduced sex drive may have experienced a broken trust in their relationships. Even if they might want to overcome these prior events, mental resistance can occur unconsciously.
– Low self-esteem: Having insecurities towards their physical appearance can result in reduced sex drive, especially for new mothers who might not like their postpartum bodies.
– Mental health: Psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression, can lead to reduced sex drive.
Social factors:
– Education and career: Females are generally career and education-driven when they are younger. This, in turn, can result in a lower sex drive as they deem it a lower priority compared to other aspects of their life.
– Sexual conservatism: A reduced sex drive can be observed among individuals practising conservatism. These are mostly conscious choices that can be due to their society or religious reasons. More often than not, these females are not bothered by a reduced sex drive.
Can a reduced sex drive be treated?
Just like how men go through TRT for low testosterone levels, treatment for females depends on the underlying cause of their reduced sex drive. Reduced sex drive in females is usually a complicated situation. Your doctor may take a multifaceted approach to managing your circumstances.
1. Medical intervention
It is vital that females conduct regular health screenings with their gynaecologist. For example, a regular screening may discover that you develop a thyroid disorder, resulting in a dysregulation of your hormones and causing a reduced sex drive.
Sexual dysfunction conditions can also be addressed at a sexual health clinic, like Elyon Clinic. For example, the inability to orgasm, painful sex, and penetration are some of the things that we can help guide you through the issues.
2. Therapy intervention
As mentioned earlier, psychological factors are one reason for developing a reduced sex drive. Psychological therapy, such as mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy have been found to address reduced sex drive efficiently.
This intervention is particularly beneficial for new mothers suffering from postpartum depression. If infidelity was the cause of a reduced sex drive, it is vital for both parties to go through marital or couple counselling.
3. Modification of lifestyle and diet
There are certain diet and lifestyle modifications that you can make to boost your sex drive. They include:
– Prioritising sleep: A lack of sleep or poor rest will definitely lead to a lower sex drive, even if other areas of your life are smooth.
– Stress management: Managing your stress using methods, such as spending more time in nature, journaling, yoga and medication, as well as exercising, can help to boost your sex drive.
– Aphrodisiac diets: You may want to consume foods that are known to boost your sex drive. Also known as aphrodisiacs, there are foods rich in iron, zinc, magnesium, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Is Viagra beneficial for reduced sex drive?
There has been an increasing number of women taking Viagra to increase their sex drive. While Viagra is approved by medical boards across the globe to treat erectile dysfunction in men, it is not approved for female use due to possible complications and risks, such as:
– Palpitations
– Indigestion
– Visual disturbances
– Flushing
– Nasal congestion
– Headaches
Conclusion
Do see your healthcare provider when a reduced sex drive becomes chronic and is causing you distress. Some possible causes that are more concerning include Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). The difference is that HSDD can lead to an overall reduced quality of life and significant distress. Individuals with HSDD may experience distress at the thought of having sex, including masturbation.
All in all, if you’re experiencing a reduced sex drive, don’t hesitate to reach out. Prioritising your health is important, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Elyon Clinic specialises in women’s health and is here to support you on your journey to better well-being.
