If you’re concerned about a sudden decrease in desire, know that low sex drive or low libido can happen to anyone and at any stage of life. It’s normal for your sex drive to change over the course of your lifetime.
There are supplements, foods, and lifestyle changes that can help you have a higher libido and experience more sexual satisfaction if you have a low libido.
What is a sex drive exactly, and what is normal?
The term “sex drive” or “libido” refers to a person’s level of desire for a sexual encounter. Although there is no accepted medical definition of what constitutes a high or low sex drive, those who have high sex drives are more likely to frequently desire and partake in sexual activity.
On the other hand, a person with low sex drive may not think about sex much and is less likely to engage in sexual activity.
Everyone has a different idea of what constitutes a normal level of sexual interest. Therefore, determining whether there is a problem depends on what you consider to be normal for yourself and whether or not your sexual function lives up to your expectations.
Sexual interest frequently shifts over time, especially in the course of a relationship. One such instance is the initial “honeymoon phase,” which frequently involves intense desire on the parts of both partners. However, it’s common for each partner to go through phases of increased or decreased sex desire over the course of a long-term relationship.
Natural methods to boost libido
There are numerous methods that could increase low libido. However, a change in lifestyle alone can have a significant impact and ought to be given priority.
However, some foods, like oysters, pistachios, and chocolate, are low risk to try. Other solutions, like food or supplements, lack concrete evidence of success. If you do decide to use a herbal supplement or product, it is crucial to do your homework on the manufacturer, choose a safe starting dose, and confirm that it won’t interact with any drugs you are taking or other medical conditions you may have.
1. Eliminate any physical causes
It’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience pain or a loss of sex drive during sexual activity. They can assess your sexual health, determine whether a physical problem is present, and help you choose a course of treatment.
Low testosterone may be associated with erectile dysfunction or a loss of sex drive in men and people who were born with that gender.
It may be related, in women, to changes in hormone levels that occur during menopause or after childbirth. Low sex drive or sexual dysfunction are also linked to some medical conditions and treatments, such as antidepressants and medications for heart disease.
2. Reduce your level of stress.
Stress can be a debilitating diversion that saps your energy and interferes with your ability to enjoy sex.
Reducing stress has numerous health advantages, including lowering blood pressure and libido loss.
Make lifestyle adjustments to lessen stress in daily life, or try stress-relieving activities like massages, regular exercise, or breathing techniques.
3. Keep in touch with your partner (s)
If your relationship has a low sex drive, effective communication is crucial. Sharing experiences with your partner and demonstrating empathy for their viewpoint can help you gain a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and close the gap between your mismatched sex drives.
If you struggle to open up about your intimate relationship, consider couples therapy or sex therapy. Sex therapists can help individuals or couples work through sexual difficulties.
4. Prioritize date night
If you notice a decrease in sex drive and are in a relationship, it may help to plan a date together. In long-term relationships, it’s easy to forget the importance of making time to keep the romance alive. But, spending quality time together on date nights can increase intimacy and help reignite your initial attraction.
5. Limit your cannabis and alcohol use
Before having sex, some people like to relax with a glass of wine or a joint of marijuana, but it’s important to use substances responsibly. You may become too exhausted to engage in sexual activity if you consume too much alcohol or cannabis.
6. Use maca root supplements
Peruvian native plants produce maca root. It has long been thought to increase sexual desire and is related to ginseng. Supplements made from maca root are available in most health food stores. Even though the evidence wasn’t strong enough to be conclusive, some studies revealed that men’s sexual desire increased when maca root was consumed, regardless of testosterone levels.
7. Think about ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a tree that is indigenous to China and has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginkgo biloba may increase sexual desire, according to studies, especially when sexual dysfunction is brought on by antidepressants. 20 The effect of ginkgo biloba on the body’s blood flow and smooth muscle tissue is thought to be the cause of this.
8. Add fenugreek
Fenugreek, a spice frequently found in South Asian dishes like curry, is thought to increase sex drive. Fenugreek may affect male libido and help maintain a normal testosterone level, according to the results of a randomized clinical trial conducted in 2011 with healthy males between the ages of 25 and 52. Fenugreek seed extract was found to help enhance sexual function in healthy middle-aged and older men, according to another 2016 study.
9. eat pistachios
According to one study, men who consumed 100g of pistachios daily for three weeks had firmer erections and more blood flowing to their penis. The findings regarding sexual function are intriguing, even though the study lacked a control group and calls for more investigation.
10. Consume extra chocolate
There are rumors that chocolate is an aphrodisiac, but are these rumors true? According to a 2009 clinical study, eating chocolate for two weeks may help reduce stress and anxiety in 30 people by monitoring the stress hormones they secreted during that time.
Therefore, even though there isn’t any concrete evidence to support the claim that chocolate affects sex drive, it may make you happier and less stressed, which may lead to more frequent and enjoyable sex. Why not try it? Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids, which have been linked to other health advantages.
11. Try eating oysters
According to a Malaysian study from 2013, eating oysters increased mice’s sexual behavior compared to controls. According to the researchers, oysters’ high zinc content may be a factor in how beneficial they might be for one’s sexual health. The proper functioning of sex hormones like testosterone depends on the mineral zinc. Although there is no scientific evidence connecting oysters to libido, as long as you aren’t restricting your diet to oysters, it probably won’t harm you.
Summary
Regardless of relationship status, low sex drive is a common issue that affects people of all ages and genders. Before attempting natural treatments, it’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider to rule out any existing health issues. Low sex drive may be improved by lifestyle choices like lowering stress, limiting alcohol and cannabis use, and spending time with your partner.