LOW LIBIDO OR DIMINISHED SEXUAL DESIRE

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LIBIDO LOST

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When we experience sexual desire or libido we yearn for sexual activity and stimulation, we feel “horny” or “in the mood.” When sexual desire diminishes, however, our longings for sex occur rarely or never. It is common to lose interest in sex from time to time whether we’re a man or a woman. Also, naturally, level of sexual desire fluctuates over the course of our relationships and over our life span.

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HOW DIMINISHED SEXUAL DESIRE AFFECT RELATIONSHIPS?

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Even though it is not uncommon for people to experience periods of diminished sexual desire, when persistent, low libido can be very difficult for both partners. It tends to create frustration and tension in a relationship. It may generate feelings of sadness, doubt, rejection and guilt, which in turn can lead to conflicts and strife. And this type of relationship distress can cause a further decline in your desire for sex.

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WHAT CAUSES LOW LIBIDO?

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In order to address and remedy diminished desire, underlying causes need to be identified. Our desire for sex is influenced by a complex interaction of many factors. These include our physical (e.g., illness, hormonal changes, medication, aging) and psychological (i.e., mental health, self-esteem, stress, body image, past sexual experiences) well-being, our beliefs and attitudes about sex (e.g., ideas about sex we learned growing up), our lifestyle habits (e.g., exercise, drugs and alcohol), and state of our relationship (e.g., conflict, trust issues, poor communication, lack of emotional connection). Any difficulties in these areas, can negatively affect our desire for sex.

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TREATMENT OF LOW LIBIDO

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Treatment approach for low libido depends on its underlying cause or causes. My approach includes one or more of the following interventions: sexual education, couples counseling, cognitive and behavioral techniques and exercises. At times a referral for medication evaluation or hormone therapy may be necessary as an adjunct intervention. In any case, though, prioritizing your self-care, your relationship and your sex will be crucial to recovering your libido.

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If you would like to learn how sex therapy can be a good treatment option for you, please click below and book a free phone consultation with me.