Sex Drive (Libido)

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• QDoes testosterone affect a woman's libido?

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  A Dr. Jan L. Shifren, MD , Reproductive Endocrinology, answered

  Many people don't realize that women also produce testosterone naturally, and this hormone affects libido in women as it does in men. The natural decline of testosterone that accompanies aging can affect a woman's sexual responsiveness, although a clear link has never been found between testosterone levels and low desire or other sexual problems in women. Although some healthcare providers prescribe testosterone, information on its safety and efficacy for women is limited.
• QHow might cholesterol medications affect sexual activity?

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  A SecondsCount.org answered

  Fibrates and statins may cause impotence (the inability to maintain an erection). If you experience this side effect, your physician may recommend a medication change or dosage adjustment, when possible. Statins may be less likely to cause sexual problems than fibrates, although the risk of sexual problems from either is very low.
  Keep in mind that any cholesterol medications you take are for the benefit of your cardiovascular health. Even if these medications may be impacting your sex life, it is important NEVER to stop or change any of your medications without first talking to the doctor who prescribed the medication.
• QHow can fear after a heart attack affect sexual activity?

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  A SecondsCount.org answered

  After you or your partner has a heart attack, it is only natural that you may be worried about whether sexual activity may trigger another heart event. When you are afraid that sex may cause health problems, you are not likely to want to engage in sexual activity. Counseling can provide reassurance of the low relative health risks of having sex. Sexual activity is like any physical activity; once your physician has cleared you for physical activity, it is likely that you may also resume sexual activity. Be sure to speak with your physician both about when it is okay to resume sexual activity and where you can access counseling resources.
• QHow can I support my partner with less interest in sex after a heart event?

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  A SecondsCount.org answered

  When your partner has heart disease, it can make you nearly sick with worry if you let it. Additionally, you may find that your relationship is strained by a new fear of intimacy. Look for ways you can channel your concern into support for your partner. Here are some tips that may be helpful to your loved one.

  • Talk honestly and openly with your partner. Choose a time and place when you are both relaxed. Share your feelings while avoiding blame.
  • If your partner seems to have lost interest in sex, do not take it personally. Having heart disease and/or recovering from a heart event can be a physical challenge as well as a scary, overwhelming, emotional experience.
  • Initiate other forms of intimacy with your partner. Take the pressure off your partner by letting him or her know that you are not trying to rush engaging in sexual activity before he or she is ready.
  • Encourage your partner to seek professional help to discuss concerns and questions relating to your sexual relationship. If he or she will not seek help, seek professional help for yourself. It sets a good example for your partner and may help you both begin the process of identifying some problems and potential solutions.
• QHow does pregnancy affect sex drive?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Don't be surprised to find your feelings about sex with your partner change during pregnancy. Some women report feeling increased sexual desire during their pregnancies because of hormonal surges. At other times, you may feel a decreased desire for sex.
  
  Additionally, physical changes may interfere with your desire for sex, including nausea, physical discomfort, fear of harming the baby and feeling less desirable because of your weight gain and appearance changes.
  
  In the absence of conditions such as vaginal bleeding and ruptured membranes, sexual activity is safe during pregnancy. Don't worry about hurting the baby during sex; that won't happen because of the cushion provided by the fluid in the amniotic sac. Try different positions that don't put pressure on your abdomen. And if you're concerned that sexual activity might interfere with or cause a pregnancy complication, discuss the matter with your healthcare professional.
  
  Your partner also may have a different sexual response to you during pregnancy. Some women report their partner draws closer to them during pregnancy, while others say their partners go through their own psychological changes and withdraw from the relationship. If your relationship becomes strained, your healthcare professional can refer you for counseling or other mental health services.

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• QAre there creams to increase female libido?

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  A Patricia Geraghty, NP , Women's Health, answered

  Female libido is very complicated; affected by lifestyle, stress, relationships, general health, and hormones. The hormone that improves libido for both men and women is testosterone. Women's bodies make testosterone from estrogen. Testosterone is also sometimes given to women in the form of a cream. There are no FDA approved testosterone creams for women. But, with a prescription from your health care provider, you can get a testosterone cream from a compounding pharmacist. This is a pharmacist with a special license to make medications.
  While studies have shown that testosterone supplementation in women is effective in increasing libido, we don't yet have the results of studies looking at the safety of long term use of testosterone in women. The decision to use testosterone in a cream or any other form should be carefully made with your health care provider.
• QWhat product can be used for female libido?

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  A Patricia Geraghty, NP , Women's Health, answered

  The sexual response cycle is broken down into libido, arousal, and orgasm. Libido is the desire for sex. Libido and problems with libido have not been well studied in women. This allows for much discussion and theorizing while we wait for more evidence to develop. Various professionals have given us input and ideas to think about.
  The sociologists look at a woman's role in life. Does she have multiple jobs as in paid employment and homemaker and caregiver for young children or elderly parents? Does she have enough relaxation time? They propose that sex can seem just like another chore if her life is filled with too many chores already.
  The teaching learning theorists point out that sex is a physical or motor skill and that we don't get better at motor skills unless we actually practice them. You can't play the piano from listening to recorded music or play football from watching TV on a Sunday afternoon. They recommend a minimum frequency of sex to improve libido.
  The hormone-based folks have actually already shown in clinical trials that testosterone supplementation improves libido in women. Women do make small amounts of testosterone naturally. Adding to this amount, or supplying it if the woman is not making her own, improves libido. However, this product is not yet available from your pharmacy as safety studies are currently in progress. We do not know the effects if women supplement their testosterone over a long period of time. A healthcare provider can provide you with a prescription for testosterone cream to be made by a compounding pharmacist.
• QWhat medications affect sex drive?

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  A Dr. Madeleine M. Castellanos, MD , Psychiatry, answered

  There are many medications that can affect one's sex drive.  One of the most common class of medications is SSRIs that are prescribed for depression.  These can leave some people feeling zapped of sexual interest and desire.  Tranquilizers given for anxiety and panic attacks can also take away people's sex drive.
  Any medications that affect the production of hormones can also adversely affect a person's sex drive.  Examples of these are hormonal birth control, medications to lower cholesterol, medications for polycystic ovaries, medications for endometriosis, medications given after breast cancer treatment, and also some medications given for enlarged prostate or for hair growth.  As you can see, there are many different medications that can affect one's sex drive.

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• QDoes low sex drive make sex painful?

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  A Dr. Charles J. Sophy, MD , Adolescent Medicine, answered

  Low sex drive doesn't necessarily cause sex to be painful, but painful sex may lead to a lower sex drive. Obviously, if sex is painful, you probably won't be as interested or excited about it. Because of this, conditions like menopause or other medical conditions that cause vaginal dryness or make sex painful in other ways may lower your sex drive. Also, low libido may not necessary cause physical pain, but it may be emotionally painful for you and your partner. If you're experiencing physical or emotional pain related to sex, talk to your doctor.

   

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• QAs a woman with a normal libido, how can my partner's low libido affect me?

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  A Dr. Madeleine M. Castellanos, MD , Psychiatry, answered on behalf of Good In Bed

  The misconceptions surrounding male sex drive can be harmful to you, your partner, and your relationship. If you're a woman with a healthy sex drive, it can be beyond frustrating to have a guy who's less than enthusiastic about getting it on. Because society tends to view men as sex-obsessed aggressors who always make the first move, it's easy to take it personally when he'd rather balance his checkbook than check you out. You feel rejected, disappointed, hurt, and start to wonder if he really is attracted to you or not.
  
  There's no doubt about it: Being constantly turned down by your guy in the bedroom can be a major blow to your self-esteem.