Lowered Libido in Women

What To Do When Sex Becomes a Chore

Many women experience periods of not enjoying sexual activity at one time or another. This can last for a few weeks, a few months, or all their adult years.

There are a number of reasons for sexual issues in women. Here we outline some of the causes and symptoms:

• General disinterest in sexual activity (especially if it is a new development).
• Lack of arousal - either an existing or new condition.
• Lack of sensation in the genital areas and erogenous zones.
• No ‘swelling’ or lubrication indicative of arousal or the ability to maintain it.

NB: If these symptoms persist, please consult your physician or gynaecologist as soon as possible.

Physical and mental conditions are common causes of temporary or long-term sexual dysfunction. Extreme stress and chronic illness are the main culprits. Unfortunately, if you do not acknowledge and address the issues with your partner, you could initiate additional stress, thus perpetuating the vicious circle.

The first step in solving the problem is to share it. A problem shared is a problem halved. Talk to your partner and health professional, and work together to find the solutions.

We all know that a woman's hormone levels shift at critical points in their life, noticeably post-natal, whilst breastfeeding, and during and post-menopause. As women age, the vaginal wall thins, sometimes often causing new discomfort during penetration.

If your problems are undeniably temporary – caused by post-operative recovery, illness or stress – communicating and having fun with your partner before (advised) foreplay could have a marked benefit.

Allowing yourself time to relax and trying a good-quality lubricant as you age is known to ease the symptoms. Lubes supplement bodily lubrication, thus augmenting smoother, more comfortable penetration. However, if it is still unbearably uncomfortable, you might try some additional clitoral stimulation famous for bringing on orgasms with ease.

In time, sufficient vaginal lubrication and the added clitoral arousal is said to alleviate intercourse issues in leaps and bounds. The key is not to push yourself too quickly. If your symptoms do not abate relatively soon, please consult your GP or qualified therapist promptly.