Overcoming Sexual Arousal Disorders in Women

Few or no sexual thoughts buy super p force jelly or fantasies.

Not wanting to make the first move in a sexual encounter with a partner. Less or no pleasure during sexual activity.

Less or no interest in any sexual or erotic cues from a partner.

Episode Transcript

Think of your sex life like driving to your favorite tunes: Some people drive around with their music full blast, singing along at any hour of day or night to whatever comes on. Other people keep the volume a little lower. Some people really only enjoy a few select songs or artists. Or maybe they need some time to try out a few playlists until they find just the right one to get them in the dancing mood. Different people have different preferences — whether we’re talking music or life between the sheets.

Lifestyle And Health

And whether your sex life is thumping party jams or tasteful light jazz, there’s nothing wrong with it … if that’s what you choose. But what if it’s not working for you anymore? What if what you’re looking for is a sex life that’s a little bit rock-and-roll, but you can’t seem to dial up the volume these days? A low libido can leave you feeling lonely, frustrated and unfulfilled in your relationships. Fortunately, there are ways to get your music bumping again. Few or no physical sensations during sexual activity in most sexual encounters. You don't have to fit this definition to reach out for help.

• Prevention of sexual dysfunction includes healthy lifestyle habits.
• Regular exercise, balanced diet, and sleep are foundational.
• Stress management improves hormonal balance.
• Addressing relationship issues benefits desire.
• Mind-body practices support sexual health.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and stimulants.
• Healthy communication enhances emotional intimacy.
• Use of sexual aids can complement pills.
• Experiment with different techniques for fun.
• Be patient; results may take time.
• Educate yourself about female sexual anatomy.
• Always prioritize safety and evidence-based approaches.

Your healthcare professional can look for reasons that your sex drive isn't as high as you'd like.

During your appointment, your healthcare professional asks you questions about your medical and sexual history. This checks for signs of physical changes that sometimes play a role in low sexual desire.

Unicorn juice?

By targeting the nerves in your clitoris, these products allow for hyper-sensitivity and make even the slightest touch feel incredibly powerful. For a sensual, erotic experience, opt for a soothing massage gel that can double as a lubricant. Many of our lubes and gels offer warming and tingling sensations for more pleasurable play. Our supplements can be used with a partner or alone, and they’re even more enjoyable when paired with a toy. Medications and therapy can help get your groove back Image content: This image is available to view online.

Consider Your Preferred Form

People in bed sleeping at night, caught up in their sheets. We all have different ideas of what an active and fulfilling sex life looks like. 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. These changes can include certain skin diseases of the vulva, thinning of the vaginal tissues, vaginal dryness or pain-triggering spots. They also can look for thyroid problems, diabetes, high cholesterol and liver disorders.

2. Chasteberry

That is, an insert that you place in your vagina daily. It’s a hormone treatment that’s been shown to be effective in managing vaginal dryness. That may help increase genital sensitivity in postmenopausal females especially. But some people find that it can increase libido as a happy side effect. It may be prescribed off-label for low sex drive, regardless of whether you’re living with depression.

Supporting Hormonal Balance

While medications may address some of the physical aspects of getting you “in the mood,” emotional support can help, too. Especially if your low libido is connected to any social, emotional, interpersonal or mental health concerns. “For most people, sex and sexual arousal is two-pronged — you need your body to respond in certain ways and you also need to be mentally interested,” Dr. Zanotti explains. “If your mind is focused on other concerns, it’s easy for sexual desire to wane.” Talking with a mental health professional can help you better address any psychological barriers that are holding your libido down. A counselor or sex therapist can help check for emotional and relationship factors that can cause low sex drive.

Further Enhancement of Women’s Libido

“It’s not at all uncommon for your sexual interest to change and get in the way of enjoying a healthy and fulfilling sex life,” says Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD. “But you don’t have to live with low libido. There are options to increase sex drive that can be very effective.” But it can be particularly common in women, in part because of hormonal makeup, as well as societal expectations regarding sex and sex drive. Dr. Zanotti explains why females commonly experience low sex drive, and what options are available to increase your libido.

Emotional And Psychological Factors

There are a number of reasons your sex drive may shift into neutral. Physical changes can do a number on your vigora spray sexual interest. New medications and other changes to your health can impact your interest in getting frisky. Your age may be a consideration, too, as low sex drive is commonly associated with changes that happen in perimenopause and postmenopause. And for some people, issues in how your body responds to sex and sexual arousal can keep you from getting in the mood — like muscle tension, blood flow and lubrication. Most women benefit from a treatment approach aimed at the many causes behind this condition.

• Female sexual arousal disorder is treatable.
• Supplements may help re-balance hormones.
• Lifestyle factors include alcohol and drug use.
• Adequate zinc levels support hormone function.
• Acupuncture has been explored as a treatment option.
• Certain medications may interfere with desire.
• Chronic illnesses can impact sexual health.
• Mental health counseling can boost libido.
• Regular checkups identify health-related causes.
• Female enhancement pills are available online.
• Not all products are FDA-approved.
• Use caution with unverified online vendors.

Recommendations may include sex education, counseling, and sometimes medicine and hormone therapy.

Talking with a sex therapist or counselor skilled in addressing sexual concerns can help with low sex drive.

What challenges have you faced in bringing a pill for women in menopause to market?

Flibanserin (brand name Addyi®) is taken nightly and can ramp up sex drive, Dr. Zanotti explains. It may cause drowsiness and shouldn’t be taken within two hours of drinking alcohol. Don’t expect fireworks to happen immediately, though. The medication takes about two months to start working.

Why is my libido so low?

But you may find it’s worth the wait. Vyleesi® is an on-demand prescription medication — as in, take it when the mood is right. (Or at least 45 minutes before you anticipate the mood being right.) Vyleesi is an injectable medication you use in your thigh or abdomen. Vaginal dryness can sometimes cause pain during intercourse, which can affect your sexual desire. If vaginal dryness is contributing to your low interest, you may find relief with vaginal estrogen or a vaginal DHEA suppository. Therapy often includes education about sexual response and techniques. Your therapist or counselor likely will offer recommendations for reading material or couples' exercises.

• Some natural pills contain maca, ginseng, or yohimbine.
• Supplement stacks may be more effective together.
• Quality assurance is vital for supplement safety.
• Certain pills claim to increase orgasm intensity.
• Herbal formulations are often plant-based.
• Natural remedies tend to have a slower onset.
• Supplements may require combination with other treatments.
• Be aware of possible allergic reactions.
• Monitor changes in libido over time.
• Consider personalized advice from health professionals.
• Keep a journal of effects and side effects.
• Focus on overall wellness for best results.

Couples counseling that addresses relationship issues also may help boost feelings of intimacy and desire. Your healthcare professional reviews any medicines you take. The review is done to see if any of the medicines tend to cause sexual side effects.

Causes of Decreased Female Libido

Additionally, emotional struggles can relegate sex to the back burner, especially if you’re living with concerns like: And in other cases, you can experience reduced sexual desire for no obvious reason — a condition sometimes called hypoactive sexual desire disorder. “Low libido can stem from any number of concerns, and there may be more than one issue at play,” Dr. Zanotti explains. “The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and that low sex drive isn’t a reflection on you or your relationship.” Depending on the reasons for your decreased sexual interest, there are medications and other options available that may help you get your groove back. “Low sexual desire is often multifactorial, and medications may not fix it all,” Dr.

Vyleesi (bremelanotide)

Zanotti acknowledges. “It’s important to investigate the causes. Medication, along with seeing a sexual therapist, can be very helpful for various sexual dysfunction issues.” Dr. Zanotti explains some options to increase female libido. This prescription pill has been available since 2015. For example, SSRI antidepressants such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac) may lower sex drive. If your antidepressant might be the cause of your low sex drive, your healthcare professional may recommend that you: Wait to see if your sex drive improves.

Choosing The Right Libido Enhancer

If you notice a dip in your interest in sex, it can feel isolating. But Dr. Zanotti emphasizes that you don’t have to suffer in silence. “Primary care physicians and women’s health specialists talk with people all the time about issues of sexual dysfunction and sexual interest,” Dr. Zanotti reassures.

Questions your doctor may ask

“Don’t be shy about sharing changes in your libido, especially if they’re causing you distress. And your sexual health matters as much as the rest of it.” Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Arousal without orgasm can be uncomfortable, but it’s no reason to pressure sexual interactions Some foods are thought to rev up your sex drive, despite lack of scientific evidence If anxiety is keeping you from having the sex life you want, communication, education and therapy can help Anorgasmia is a fairly common concern with a wide range of physical and psychological causes Your sexual history directly influences your physical, mental and emotional health in a multitude of ways ‘Safer sex’ means STI prevention, avoiding unintended pregnancies and psychologically safe practices for everyone It’s perfectly normal for gas pockets to ‘evacuate’ during the motions of sex Stay away from hand lotion and honey, but coconut oil can do the trick These tiny saltwater larvae can get trapped under your swimsuit and trigger an itchy reaction called seabather’s eruption Searching nature for edible items requires training and knowledge to avoid poisonous plants Yes, but you can protect yourself with hats, scarves or even hair sunblock Aging WellAllergiesCancer Care & PreventionChronic PainCold, Flu & Respiratory IllnessesDiabetes & EndocrinologyDigestiveEar, Nose & ThroatEye CareInfectious DiseaseLungOral HealthParentingPregnancy & ChildbirthRecipesRheumatology & ImmunologySenior HealthSex & RelationshipsSleepUrinary & Kidney HealthWeight Loss Rendered: Tue May 26 2026 05:11:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) If low sex desire concerns you, talk with your gynecologist or another member of your healthcare team. For some women, low sex drive is part of an ongoing condition called sexual interest-arousal disorder. It involves having at least three of the following symptoms, which cause sadness or anxiety: No desire to have any type of sexual activity or to masturbate.