Shrink Wrap: How to Jump Start Your Libido

By Dr. Jane Greer

I recently received an email from a reader about a issue that’s all too common for women today– low sex drive.

Dear Dr. Jane,

Help! I feel like my sex drive is parked at a STOP sign. How can I rev my libido up and get it back on track?

Before figuring out how to get your libido back, it can be helpful to determine or check out what may be at play that made you lose it in the first place.

Typical issues that can impact and lower libido:

• Dealing with depression, stress, being exhausted and/or overwhelmed with responsibilities,
• Being ill or dealing with a family member who is ill
• Physical and/or hormonal changes that occur.

 

In addition, there are also of course emotional issues that can factor into the equation and result in feeling turned off sexually to one’s partner. If you are feeling angry, ignored, rejected, unappreciated, devalued, are upset cause your partner doesn’t listen to or relate to you, any one of these negative emotions can throw the switch on your desire to the off position.

Related: What is a Normal Sex Drive?

And, it isn’t always about what’s going on or not in the relationship, it can also be about what is or isn’t going on for you personally in terms of how you are feeling about yourself, your weight, appearance, how attractive you feel which all effect your self-esteem.

So if you figure out what you think might be going on for you, it can help you to determine which of the various options for jumpstarting your libido might be most effective.

How to Jumpstart Your Libido

 1. Make a Appointment to See the Doctor: Check out physical considerations with a doctor’s visit and see if there are changes taking place. It’s possible that simply adding lubrication to your sex life can make a difference in desire

2. Think it Through: Pinpointing if you are feeling unattractive and taking steps to rev up your self-esteem to make yourself feel good– go to the gym, get a manicure, style your hair, go on a diet. Anything to feel positive and increase your energy and sense of well-being.

Related: Is Weight Gain Killing Your Sex Life?

3. Talk it Out: If your sense is that it’s about what is or isn’t going on between you and your spouse, it may be time for a conversation to address your feelings and share your needs directly. If more affection is what you’re looking for, let your spouse know. If your upset and angry talk it out with him so it doesn’t continue to dampen your desire.

4. Try Something New: Tell your partner in a positive way what you would like to try sexually that would be exciting for you. You can jumpstart your engine as well by letting yourself indulge in some erotic fantasies that can turn you on.

The good news is that there are lots of things to try in finding the specific tactic that will work for you in reclaiming your libido.

Please tune in to “Let’s Talk Sex” which streams live on HealthyLife.net every last Tuesday of the month at 2 PM EST, 11 AM Pacific. We look forward to listener call-in questions, dealing with relationships, intimacy, family, and friendships, at 1.800.555.5453.

Connect with Dr. Jane Greer on Facebook, and be sure to follow @DrJaneGreer for her latest insights on love, relationships, sex and intimacy.

See Dr. Greer’s article on GalTime.

 

Posted May 10, 2012 in GalTime