Sexual Health/Libido

Libido is the term for a person’s sex drive or desire to have sex. Libido varies significantly between every person. Some people have a high libido and enjoy frequent sex while others have a low libido and are comfortable with having sex less frequently. Libido can change throughout a lifetime, becoming higher or lower that it was previously. It can also be affected by medical conditions, hormonal levels, certain medications, and quality of one’s life and relationship. If a decreased sex drive doesn’t bother you, then there’s no need to treat it. However, if you are bothered by low sexual desire and experience personal distress because of it, then hormone therapy can help.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF LOW LIBIDO?

The most notable symptoms of low sexual desire is a noticeable decline in your desire for sex, including spending less time thinking about sexual fantasies or situations. Lowered libido can also mean you don’t initial sexual activity alone or with a partner as often – or avoid sexual intimacy altogether. Low libido can also result in sexual dysfunction where you’re unable to perform during sex or find enjoyment in it.

Low libido can also cause accompanying symptoms like low self esteem, relationship problems, and reduced emotional well being. If you previously enjoyed a very vibrant sex life, then these can be very uncomfortable symptoms.

It can also accompany symptoms of menopause or testosterone deficiency, because these are often linked. In many cases, these include hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal symptoms in women. In men, it can include low energy, brain fog, and increased body fat.

What Causes Low Libido?

Low libido can be related to hormonal changes as we age, such as testosterone or estrogen deficiency. It might also be caused by mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or stress. Antidepressants that are classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or certain blood pressure medications can also affect sex drive. Long-term use of alcohol and illicit drugs (including tobacco) can also have a negative impact on a person’s sex drive. Finally, relationship issues or conditions such as erectile dysfunction can cause a decline in sexual function and affect libido.

Low Libido for Men

For men, low testosterone levels as a part of aging can cause a decrease in libido and affect the strength of erections. Replacing testosterone to optimal levels can improve these symptoms. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by life stressors and unrelated health problems like high blood pressure or heart disease, leading to difficulties having sex and thus avoiding it.

Low Libido for Women

For women, low libido is a common problem not often addressed or treated during routine medical care. Menopause is often associated with a drop in libido in women. Among menopausal symptoms, it’s common for women to experience vaginal dryness that leads to painful or uncomfortable sex. Hormone replacement can significantly improve sexual drive and in turn, improve quality of life.

Treatments for Low Libido

At Lakefront Wellness, we offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for sexual symptoms like low libido. Hormone replacement therapy, or systemic hormone therapy, is often used to treat menopausal symptoms or symptoms of low testosterone. However, it has many benefits, one of which is improving low libido. It can also improve menopausal symptoms in women and boost hormone levels in men, both of which can improve sexual functioning. Bioidentical hormones can be tailored to your personal medical history and needs, allowing us to provide the exact dosage of hormone replacement therapy needed (including a combination therapy of estrogen and testosterone). Our team will review the health risks during an appointment.

Hormone replacement therapy comes in a variety of forms, such as inserted pellets. Other options such as vaginal creams or estrogen patch are also available. We will help you select the best option based on your lifestyle and preferences.

You may be able to increase your sex drive with a few easy lifestyle changes, too. Develop an exercise and physical activity routine with aerobics and strength training; this will improve your mood and decrease stress. You should also limit alcohol consumption, stop smoking, and incorporate a variety of food groups into your diet. Communicating with your partner to make sure both of your needs are addressed is also a great way to build a healthy sexual relationship and facilitate a greater desire for intimacy.

Schedule a Consultation

At Lakefront Wellness, we focus on all aspects of health. A healthy libido can be important for your personal self esteem and the health of the relationships that matter most to you. If you’re concerned about your sexual health, schedule a consultation with our team in Lakeland, TN.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule a consultation with Lakefront Wellness online or call us at 901-295-0036,

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