Is your libido waning? You aren't alone.
Sexologists estimate a huge number of people (from both the sexes) are battling a loss of interest in sex, irrespective of age. There are a number of reasons for this, they say. While unhealthy lifestyles and underlying medical causes are some of the reasons, stress or resentment in your relationship can also cause your sex drive to go for a toss. Here are common reasons why your libido seems to have taken a nosedive and what you can do about it...
Gone are the days when women reported a low sex drive only as they approached menopause. Today, sexologists say that even women in the 30s and 40s are reporting a complete disinterest in sex. Your hormones could have a big role in this. Fluctuating levels of estrogen and other hormones could play havoc with your sex drive. Don't hesitate to speak to your doctor if you feel a complete lack of interest at the thought of getting intimate with your partner — you may require medical help to sor t out your hormones.
When you're emotionally fragile, don't expect to be scintillating in bed. Women tend to be more emotional than men and when you're feeling down in the dumps (for whatever reason), your sex life is bound to be in the doldrums. While cheering yourself up is easier said than done — you can't snap out of it just like that — make an attempt to figure what is bothering you and deal with it.
Very often, men shy away from intimacy. This, in turn, leads to friction in the relationship and lesser time spent in the bedroom. Intimacy issues have dogged couples of decades and the best way to deal with them is to discuss boundaries with your partner or seek professional help to assist you with your issues.
In a study that asked women how the behaviour of their partner affected them, a large number of participants responded that they were often taken for granted, ignored or undervalued, and this affected their sex drive. Mental health experts reckon that talking about your issues with your better half will help iron out differences to some extent. The rest, they say, is up to you on how you want to deal with it.
Always keep that fancy lingerie and expensive bed linen for special occasions? Avoid that, say relationship experts. Don't wait for a birthday or anniversary to get intimate. Instead, make an ordinary day special by going out of the way to rekindle the spark in your relationship. Plan date nights, surprise your partner with a gift or spend more time together.
Sometimes certain medications can also cause your libido to crash. While some birth control pills could be the culprit, medicines for depression, high blood pressure or anxiety could also be the culprit. Speak to your doctor and see if he/ she can change the medication. n Regular things like your hectic work schedule, household chores, work commute, kids' studies, financial issues, etc can have quite a powerful impact on your sex drive. Stress causes the release of the hormone cortisol in excess, which suppresses the libido to a great extent. Hence, indulge in some de-stressing activities like a relaxing massage, meditation or simply listen to some soothing music to declutter your mind and get your sex drive back on track.
