A life in constant rush, fatigue, stress and sleep deprivation. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet are the most common causes of decreasing desire for sex in women – explains Anna Horbaczewska, MD, PhD, gynecologist from the Superior CM clinic in Krakow. He also points out that low libido may be a signal of more serious health problems.
- If the patient has not changed his lifestyle recently, and notices a decrease in satisfaction or sexual drive, he should consider a possible psychological cause. It may lie in the emotional sphere of the relationship – explains Dr. Horbaczewska
- The doctor explains that a change in the libido area may be a signal that the hormones are not working properly. Often, the lack of desire for sex is also associated with taking hormonal contraception
- Dr. Horbaczewska admits that she receives patients who are afraid that their intimate structure will surprise their partner or he will not like them and this matter negatively affects their libido. – There is no such thing as a generally accepted norm for the build of the vulva and crotch. How many women, so many different types of shapes and colors of the labia – she adds
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Karolina Świdrak, MedTvoiLokony: What is the most common reason for a decrease in libido in patients you come into contact with?
Dr. Anna Horbaczewska, MD: The most common cause – although it may sound banal and trivial – is really very important. It is about the patients’ lifestyle: functioning in a constant rush, fatigue, stress and sleep deprivation. Such conditions will always have a negative effect on your libido. Also, lack of physical activity or an incorrect diet.
However, if the patient has not changed his lifestyle in particular recently, and notices a decrease in satisfaction or sexual drive, he should consider a possible psychological cause. It may lie in the emotional realm of the relationship. It is worth talking to your significant other then or even going to a specialist.
You may also need to check your hormone levels. Prolactin is particularly important in this case, because its level is often reflected in libido. If the periods are regular and the patient does not feel or observe any disturbing changes, the test results should be rather accurate.
- The best sex begins with the words: “Yes, I want it, don’t stop!”
It is not uncommon for women using hormonal contraception, especially two-component contraception (e.g. tablets or patches), to experience a decrease in libido. Contraception reduces the level of testosterone, a hormone responsible, among others, for sex drive. If this is the case, please consult your gynecologist. In such situations, it is worth considering a possible change of the contraception used with him.
What diseases can lower my sex drive?
Among the diseases that reduce sexual satisfaction, endometriosis should definitely be mentioned. It can cause pain during sexual intercourse. It is actually one of the first symptoms reported by the patients, which immediately raises the suspicion of this pathology.
In general, endometriosis is associated with pain in the lower abdomen, especially intense in the perimenstrual period. There may also be so-called dyspareunia, which is pain and discomfort during intercourse. Such observation should be consulted with your gynecologist as soon as possible, who will conduct appropriate examinations
- The patient was howling in pain. Previously, she visited 36 gynecologists. Neither saw anything
As for the decrease in sexual satisfaction, it can also occur after childbirth. Both by the natural route and after cesarean section. Pain is often most severe in the first weeks after childbirth. This is due to the regeneration of the perineum or lower abdomen (as a consequence of caesarean section).
It is worth visiting a urogynecological physiotherapist then. During it, you can find out what exercises should be performed. Appropriate activation of the pelvic floor muscles allows for a faster return to a good condition, similar to that from before pregnancy. The specialist will also advise you on how to properly mobilize the scar after a cesarean section or a possible perineal incision.
- Why do some women feel pain during intercourse?
It should also not be forgotten that libido may also decrease during breastfeeding. They are influenced by the increased level of prolactin. Of course, fatigue and poor sleep associated with caring for a small child are also not conducive here.
Pain or discomfort may also be associated with hormonal changes in the perimenopausal period, i.e. vaginal dryness and mucosal atrophy. Then topical moisturizing or hormonal agents are effective in the treatment. The latter improve the condition, hydration and blood supply of the mucosa in the long term. They reduce pain and discomfort from intercourse.
If a patient has recurring infections of the genital tract or urinary tract, her sex life may also deteriorate. These ailments can significantly reduce the quality of intercourse, and often raise concerns about making intercourse. In the case of frequent infections, not only treatment is required, but also the implementation of appropriate follow-up measures. It is about preventive measures to prevent the recurrence of such ailments.
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Another serious disorder, not as rare as it might seem, is vaginismus. The disease makes it impossible for the patient to have sexual intercourse because of the pain and discomfort experienced. Women struggling with this problem are often unable to bear the touch around the vulva, perineum or even thighs. The background of the disease is complex – not only somatic, but also often psychological.
Therefore, the treatment of this disorder requires a multidisciplinary approach, but first of all a gynecological examination. The specialist verifies the anatomy: checks that the hymen is not overgrown and looks for anomalies in the structure of the vagina. After excluding such defects, it is necessary to work with a gynecological physiotherapist. He deals with the somatic part. Visits to a psychologist or therapist to work on the mental and emotional spheres may also be helpful.
What other conditions can take away the joy of sex?
Sometimes patients are concerned that their anatomy is normal and “normal”. Do they look good, as they call it, “down there.” They simply worry that the aesthetics of their intimate area may surprise their partner. The most important thing here is to emphasize that there is no such thing as a generally accepted norm for the build of the vulva and perineum. How many women, so many different types of shapes and colors of the labia.
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If the patient experiences any concerns or discomfort, it is worth discussing this with her gynecologist. On the other hand, the aesthetic issue itself, i.e. the desire to improve the appearance, should not be a reason to undertake operational activities in the vulva and perineum. The doctor is not able to guarantee that the effect after the surgery will be in line with the patient’s expectations. The time of the healing process is also very individual.
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