8 Safe Ways to Increase Your Libido

Overview of sexual dysfunction in females: Epidemiology, risk factors, and evaluation. Overview of sexual dysfunction in females: Management.

• Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles, increasing sexual pleasure and desire.
• Stay hydrated; dehydration can lead to fatigue, reducing interest in intimacy.
• Reduce processed foods and sugars, which may disrupt hormonal balance and libido.
• Incorporate aphrodisiac foods like oysters, dark chocolate, and chili peppers into meals.
• Consider acupuncture; some women find it helpful in improving sexual function.
• Address underlying health issues like hypothyroidism or depression that impact libido.
• Use lubricants to enhance comfort and arousal during intimacy.

Sexual dysfunction caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Management. Adipe T. Role of partner support in psychosexual aspects of vulvar dermatoses. A low libido (low sex drive) means you feel less interest in sex. It’s common and can be short-term or last a while. Everyone’s sex drive is different, and it can change throughout your life. But if it bothers you or affects your well-being, talk to a healthcare provider. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Low libido (low sex drive) means you don’t feel as interested in sex as you used to. You might want it less often, or your desire might not feel as strong.

• Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can lower libido due to hormonal imbalances.
• Try sensual activities like massage or aromatic baths to stimulate desire.
• Limit caffeine intake to prevent adrenal fatigue, which can affect libido.
• Engage in regular social activities to boost mood and sexual desire.
• Seek therapy if emotional or psychological issues affect sexual interest.
• Explore new intimacy techniques or fantasies to rekindle desire.
• Use aromatherapy with essential oils like ylang-ylang or rose to stimulate libido.

The change can be temporary or last longer. Low libido (low sex drive) is common. It affects up to 1 in 5 men — and even more women — at some point in life. While hormones and anatomy can influence libido, low sex drive can affect anyone. Many people notice changes in their sex drive more than once over the years. The main symptom of low sex drive is wanting sex less often or less strongly than you used to. Not feeling interested in any kind of sex, even masturbating by yourself Feeling upset or worried about your lower interest in sex Many things can lower your libido — including your physical and mental health, aging, relationships and stress levels. Some health conditions that may affect your sex drive include: Mental health and life stress can also lower your desire for sex. Problems with your relationship, like a lack of trust or closeness Stress from work, family or daily life Depression, low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness or physical fatigue Anxiety, which raises stress hormones that can lower sex drive Past sexual trauma, like abuse or assault Antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, chemotherapy drugs and blood pressure medications can decrease your sex drive. Drinking too much alcohol or improperly using drugs can both impact your sex drive. Smoking can suppress your testosterone levels, which can lower your libido. Either too much or too little physical activity can cause a decrease in sex drive. There are also several conditions and situations that affect you based on your reproductive anatomy. In women, libido (sex drive) can drop for many reasons, including: As estrogen levels drop, so can your desire for sex.

Improving Arousal

So some people decide to try herbal supplements available without a prescription. Herbal supplements can have side effects or change how other medicines work. Always talk with a healthcare professional before using them. One herbal supplement blend is called Avlimil. This product has estrogen-like effects on the body.

Make Dietary Changes

While estrogen may boost your sex drive, it also may fuel the growth of certain breast cancers. Another product called Zestra is a plant-based massage oil. One small study found that Zestra increased arousal and pleasure when compared with a placebo oil. But some participants in the study said they had mild burning in the genital area. Low sex drive can be challenging for you and your partner.

How do I know if my libido is low?

It's natural to feel frustrated or sad if you aren't able to be as sexy and romantic as you want or used to be. At the same time, low sex drive can make your partner feel rejected. That can lead to conflicts and strife. And this type of relationship stress can lessen the desire for sex even more. It may help to remember that changes in sex drive are typical. Pain during sex, vaginal dryness or trouble reaching orgasm can make sex feel stressful. Hormone changes, discomfort and stress during this time can lower your libido. Temporary conditions, like yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs), can make vardenafil oral sex uncomfortable. Conditions like endometriosis, PMS and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) can all negatively impact libido. Some hormonal birth control (contraception) methods can lower your sex drive.

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Combined hormonal contraception, including the combined pill, vaginal ring or birth control patch For men, a drop in sex drive can happen for several reasons, including: Low testosterone: This sex hormone controls many aspects of libido. Levels can drop with age or due to a medical condition. Sexual problems: Trouble keeping or getting an erection (erectile dysfunction), or premature or delayed ejaculation, can lower desire or cause anxiety around sex. To find out what’s causing your sex drive, your provider will ask about your: If they think a health issue might be impacting your sex drive, they may do tests like: Blood tests for things like hormone levels The right treatment depends on what’s causing your low sex drive. Your provider may treat you directly, or refer you to a specialist, like: Types of treatment for low libido include: Learning more about how sex and desire work can help reduce anxiety. Talking openly with your partner about your needs and any concerns can also help improve your sex life. Managing stress can boost your mood and your sex drive. Helpful tools include journaling, exercise, meditation and self-care routines. If your medication affects your sex drive, your healthcare provider may change your dose or recommend switching to a different one. If menopause is lowering your sex drive, hormone therapy (HT) may help. It can include estrogen or a mix of estrogen and progesterone/progestin hormone therapy (EPT). For women with hypoactive sexual arousal disorder who haven’t gone through menopause yet, there are two FDA-approved non-hormonal medications. Filbanserin (Addyi®) is a pill you take every day. Bremelanotide (Vyleesi®) is an injection you give yourself 45 minutes before you expect to have sex.

Preparing for your appointment

Include any conditions for which you're being treated. Also note the names of all medicines, vitamins or supplements you take. Think about questions to ask your healthcare professional and write them down. Bring along notepaper and a pen or a device you can type on. That way, you can jot down information as your healthcare professional answers your questions.

Can primary care help with sexual health concerns?

Some basic questions to ask your healthcare professional include: Will my level of desire ever get back to what it once was? What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my situation? What books or other reading material can you recommend? Your healthcare professional asks questions about your symptoms and checks your hormone levels. Questions your healthcare professional may ask include: And do you have trouble becoming aroused? Talk with your provider about the common side effects and what’s best for your situation.

Hormone Therapy for Low Libido

They're part of every relationship and every stage of life. Try not to focus all of your attention on sex. Instead, spend some time nurturing yourself and your relationship. Kiss your partner goodbye before you head out the door. Make a date night at your favorite restaurant.

Medications for HSDD

Feeling good about yourself and your partner can be the best foreplay. Primary healthcare professionals and gynecologists often ask about sex and intimacy as part of a routine medical visit. Take this chance to talk about your sexual concerns. If your healthcare professional doesn't mention the subject, you can bring it up. You might feel embarrassed to talk about sex with your healthcare professional.

What effect does our circulation have on our libido?

But this topic is perfectly fine to talk about. In fact, your sexual satisfaction is a vital part of your overall health and well-being. To prepare for this talk with your healthcare professional: Take note of any sexual problems you've been having. Include when and how often you usually have these issues. Make a list of your key medical information. For men with low testosterone, treatment may include testosterone replacement. This comes in different forms, like pills, patches, creams or shots. Talking with a therapist can help you work through thoughts, emotions or conditions — like anxiety or depression — that may affect your desire. A therapist can help you and your partner improve communication, solve problems and rebuild intimacy. Sex therapists specialize in helping people with sexual concerns, including low desire. They can offer support, education and practical advice. If your low sex drive is bothering you, talk to a healthcare provider or mental health expert.

• Engage in weight training to increase testosterone levels, boosting libido.
• Reduce screen time before bed to improve sleep quality and hormonal response.
• Use guided imagery or fantasies to mentally prepare for intimacy.
• Incorporate new activities or positions to keep sex exciting.
• Avoid medications known to reduce libido unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Maintain healthy relationships, as emotional intimacy directly influences desire.
• Focus on self-care and self-love to improve body confidence and libido.

They can help you figure out what’s going on and how to treat it. Here are some things you can try on your own: Trusted sources can help you understand what affects sex drive.

• Incorporate foods rich in healthy fats like avocados and nuts for hormonal production.
• Practice positive affirmations to boost confidence and sexual self-esteem.
• Use music or ambient sounds to create a romantic atmosphere.
• Limit exposure to hormonal disruptors like BPA and parabens.
• Schedule intimate moments to prioritize and foster desire intentionally.
• Seek professional help for medical conditions affecting libido.
• Keep a journal to track factors influencing your sexual desire and habits.

Open, honest conversations can make a big difference. You can exercise, eat well and cut back on alcohol. If you have issues like diabetes or heart disease, work with your doctor to keep them well-managed. See your healthcare provider if low sex drive is hurting your well-being or your relationship. Check for health issues or side effects from medications It can feel awkward or uncomfortable to talk to a medical professional about your sex life — but you’re not alone.

Factor	Impact	Recommendations
Stress	Lowers libido	Practice relaxation techniques
Sleep Quality	Poor sleep reduces desire	Maintain consistent sleep schedule
Physical Activity	Enhances blood flow, boosts mood	Regular aerobic exercise
Alcohol Consumption	Excess may impair libido	Limit intake
Smoking	Reduces blood flow, decreases desire	Quit smoking

Many people go through changes in their sex drive. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Sex is a natural — and often important — part of your health and well-being. Maybe you’re feeling concerned, overwhelmed or just aren’t sure what’s going on. Whatever you’re feeling, if you’re distressed about your libido, talking with a healthcare provider or mental health professional can be a helpful first step toward feeling better. Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.

Understanding Libido in Women and Men

Do you have vaginal dryness, trouble having an orgasm or any pain during sex? How much distress do you feel vardenafil premature ejaculation about your sexual concerns? How long have you felt a lack of desire or other symptoms? Have you ever been treated for cancer? Have you had any surgeries of the genitals or reproductive system? Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.