What is loss of female libido?

Loss of libido (low libido or low sex drive) is a reduced desire to have sex. Your sex drive can vary during your life. Loss of libido is when your sex drive is less than what is normal for you. Low libido is the most common sexual health problem for females.

This article refers mainly to females. You could also read about loss of male libido.

What symptoms are related to low libido?

It’s not unusual for people to lose interest in sex at some stage during their life. Symptoms of low sex drive or loss of libido might be:

• having no interest in any type of sex including masturbation
• rarely or never having sexual fantasies or thinking of sex
• being unhappy with your low desire for sexual activity

What causes loss of female libido?

Your level of interest in sex can be affected by a mixture of things happening in your life. Loss of interest in sex doesn’t have to mean something is physically wrong with you. Many women become less interested in sex as they get older.

Changes in levels of hormones in your body can lead to changes in your sex drive. These include:

• hormonal changes due to perimenopause or menopause
• some forms of contraception
• pregnancy, giving birth or breastfeeding

Some psychological causes of low libido include:

• stress
• anxiety or depression
• bereavement
• poor body image
• fatigue or exhaustion
• history of unwanted sexual contact
• trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Often, problems with low libido are related to your relationship. For many people, emotional closeness is vital to sexual intimacy. Some relationship issues that can be a factor in low sex drive are:

• lack of emotional connection with your partner
• unresolved fights
• being able to communicate about your sexual needs
• trust issues
• not having enough privacy
• illness of your partner
• a change in your partner’s sexual function

Some physical causes of low libido include:

• vaginal dryness
• painful sex
• difficulty reaching female orgasm
• some medicines — including medicines used to treat depression and antipsychotic medications
• underlying health problems like endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), depression, cancer, arthritis, or heart problems
• alcohol smoking or illegal drugs

How is the cause of loss of libido diagnosed?

There is no ‘normal’ amount of sex drive, everyone is different. Some people may have no or low sex drive which is normal for them.

Some health conditions can cause a low libido. Relationship problems or personal issues are other common causes.

If you are concerned that a medicine you are taking is causing problems with your sex drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a medicine review.

When should I see my doctor?

If your loss of interest in sex has continued for more than 6 months try asking your doctor for advice. They might be able to help find a cause for your symptoms.

How is loss of libido treated?

Treatment of low libido depends on the underlying cause. If there is a medical cause your doctor can suggest ways to manage it.

Your doctor or a counsellor may also suggest some changes to your lifestyle or relationship.

What strategies can I try at home?

Discussing your feelings is important but not always easy. Not talking about your feelings can sometimes make sexual concerns get worse.

If your libido is a bit low, it might help to talk to your partner about what things make you feel loved.

There’s more to sex in a relationship than having intercourse. If your interest in having sex has decreased, you may want to try some more sensual methods of becoming aroused. These include:

• exploring and caressing each other’s bodies
• taking a bath or shower together
• massage
• kissing each other slowly
• undressing each other
• experimenting with different sexual techniques

Are there any medicines for low sex drive?

Talk to your doctor about medicines that might help. If you are perimenopausal or menopausal your doctor may suggest trying menopausal hormone therapy.

Other treatment options

Things to try that can help improve your libido include:

• sex education and counselling
• lifestyle changes — such as making sure you exercise, eat well and reduce alcohol or drug use

Can loss of libido be prevented?

Having a healthy lifestyle, with good nutrition and enough sleep may help prevent loss of libido during menopause.

Resources and Support

Read more about female sexual problems.

Visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health to learn more about female health issues.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.