For men, sexual solutions for erectile dysfunction are well known. But little is said about the options that are available to women who want to enhance or restore lost sexual interest. “Problems with sexual desire in women are common, underdiagnosed and undertreated,” says University Hospitals psychologist Sheryl Kingsberg, PhD.

• Libido can fluctuate due to menstrual cycle phases.
• Certain medications might lower female sexual desire.
• Hormonal therapies can help restore libido in some women.
• Psychological factors like depression impact libido.
• Body image issues can decrease sexual desire.
• Herbal supplements such as ginseng may enhance libido.
• Physical intimacy fosters emotional and sexual connection.
• Sexual fantasies can be a natural part of desire.
• Lifestyle factors like smoking reduce libido.
• Chronic illnesses may negatively affect female libido.

“The lack of sexual interest isn’t something that ‘just happens’ with age or in relationships that a woman has to simply accept.

Supplement	Common Brand Names	Notes
Maca Root	Nature’s Way, Gaia Herbs	May improve energy and desire
Tribulus Terrestris	NOW, Solgar	Possible boost in sexual desire
L-arginine	Now L-Arginine, Natrol	Enhances blood flow
DHEA	DHEA by Source Naturals	Hormone precursor, consult doctor

It’s a treatable condition that should be addressed if a woman is inclined to do so.” A lot of factors can contribute to the loss of sexual interest. In a long-term relationship, excitement and passion tend to fade over time. Depression, anxiety, stress, sexual guilt or relationship problems can interfere with sexual interest.

• Testosterone, though lower in women, affects sexual desire.
• Sexual activity releases endorphins, boosting mood and desire.
• Postpartum hormonal changes may decrease libido temporarily.
• Mind-body therapies can support healthy libido.
• Certain birth control methods influence libido differently.
• Sleep disorders can lead to reduced sexual interest.
• Libido often correlates with overall mental well-being.
• Sensuality and body confidence enhance desire.
• Regular intimacy boosts female libido over time.
• Pelvic floor exercises can increase sexual arousal.

And physical factors such as hormonal imbalances or changes, neurotransmitter problems, and health issues such as an illness, injury or disability can all negatively affect sex drive.

Can Medications Cause Low Libido?

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.

What you can do

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. For some women, a loss of sexual interest is acceptable: they’re comfortable in their relationship or their stage of life without it. In this case, there’s no need for treatment. However, if a loss of sexual interest causes personal distress, a woman should feel empowered to seek help.

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Medical treatments, including pharmaceuticals and cognitive behavior therapy, can help reignite the spark.

Increasing Your Low Libido

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.

What causes low libido?

“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) It’s not unusual for women to experience problems with sexual desire. In fact, about 40 percent of women in the U.S. report a decline tadalis 20 in sexual interest. Maintaining romance in a relationship can help inspire and support sexual attraction, connection and communication. Small gestures of affection can help keep the connection, whether it’s hugging and holding hands, planning date nights or dressing to please your partner.

Improving Arousal

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 blue tablets 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.

Strengthening the pelvic floor to enhance orgasms

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. In addition, staying as healthy as possible – through diet, exercise, personal care, positivity and socialization – help supports optimal sexual desire. Addyi and Vyleesi are nonhormonal medications for premenopausal women that work on neurotransmitters to improve sex drive.

Understanding Low Libido in Women

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.

6. Make Lifestyle Improvements

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. They are effective in about 60 percent of women. Addyi is a non-hormonal pill taken every night.

• Physical activity increases blood flow to genitals.
• Women’s sexual desire may increase with intimacy.
• Vitamin E is believed to support hormonal health.
• Cervical health can influence sexual pleasure.
• Emotional intimacy enhances sexual desire.
• Good communication about boundaries improves sex.
• Chronic fatigue reduces interest in intimacy.
• Mindful breathing can heighten arousal.
• Women should explore personal preferences.
• Maintaining individual identity supports healthy libido.

It works by decreasing neurotransmitters that interfere with the sex drive and increasing neurotransmitters (such as dopamine) that improve desire. Vyleesi is a non-hormonal on-demand injection. Vyleesi must be injected a minimum of 45 minutes before being sexual and its effects last 16 hours. It rebalances brain chemistry, allowing the stimulation of excitement neurotransmitters while slowing down neurotransmitters that inhibit desire. While there are no FDA-approved options for increasing desire in post-menopausal women, topical testosterone used off-label can be helpful. Testosterone in gel or pump form is adjusted to a female dose equaling one-tenth of the male dose and used topically. It is effective in about 60 percent of women. Problems with sexual arousal can also negatively affect sexual desire. Over-the-counter lubricants and vaginal moisturizers as well as prescription hormone treatments can improve arousal and support desire.

• Mindfulness during intimacy can heighten desire.
• Maintaining a healthy weight supports hormonal health.
• Pelvic health exercises improve blood flow and desire.
• Vitamin B complex might influence libido positively.
• Hydration impacts overall sexual function.
• Women’s libido can reflect emotional connection.
• Certain spices, like cardamom, have aphrodisiac qualities.
• A balanced sex life contributes to overall well-being.
• Exercise releases hormones that can increase desire.
• Creative visualization techniques may enhance libido.

Vaginal estrogen and DHEA are used to treat postmenopausal women who have changes in vaginal tissue due to a loss of estrogen. Vaginal estrogen comes in tablets, gel caps, rings and creams. DHEA is offered in a fildena pill vaginal suppository.

Factor	Description	Common Impact
Hormonal Changes	Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels	Decrease or increase
Stress Levels	High stress can suppress sexual desire	Usually decreases
Medications	Certain drugs like antidepressants can affect libido	Often decrease
Relationship Health	Emotional connection influences desire	Can increase or decrease
Age	Libido may decline with age due to hormonal shifts	Generally decreases

A pill, Osphena, is a non-hormonal treatment known as a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator). Available by prescription only, vaginal estrogen, vaginal DHEA and Osphena help restore vaginal tissue that has become thinner and dryer. They may also help improve sensation and natural lubrication as tissue is restored to health. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be used alone or in combination with pharmaceuticals to boost sexual interest. Cognitive behavior therapy works to change negative beliefs or thoughts about sexuality that can interfere with desire. When sex is good, it adds value; but when it’s bad or non-existent and causes distress, it can be extremely powerful in draining a relationship. If you experience distress, get help from a qualified medical provider with the expertise you need. Some, but not all OB/GYNs are well-educated in sexual desire treatment options. For postmenopausal care, look for a physician with NAMS (North American Menopause Society) or NCMP (Certified Menopause Practitioner) certification. Remember, you have a right to a healthy sexual life. If your provider doesn’t ask, feel free to start the conversation – or find a provider who will discuss the variety of options with you. The Female Sexual Health Program at University Hospitals is dedicated to addressing all of the sexual health concerns women may have throughout their lifetime. Our primary goal is to provide a unique and open environment of care where women feel empowered, confident and comfortable discussing this important aspect of their health. Women's levels of sexual desire change over the years. It's common for highs and lows to happen along with the start or end of a relationship. Or they can happen with major life changes such as pregnancy, menopause or illness. Some medicines used for conditions that affect mood also can cause low sex drive in women.

Hormone	Function	Effect on Libido
Estrogen	Regulates menstrual cycle, arousal	Maintains vaginal tissue, mood
Testosterone	Contributes to sexual desire	Higher levels can enhance libido
Progesterone	Supports pregnancy, can dampen libido	Varies during cycle
Oxytocin	“Love hormone,” enhances bonding	Elevates arousal or intimacy