How Women Can Boost Their Sexual Desire
Physical changes can do a number on your sexual interest. New medications and other changes to your health can impact your interest in getting frisky. Your age may be a consideration, too, as low sex drive is commonly associated with changes that happen in perimenopause and postmenopause.
- Limited exposure to environmental toxins can protect hormonal health.
- Engaging in new and stimulating sexual activities boosts desire.
- Establishing a routine that prioritizes intimacy can help sustain libido.
- Receiving regular health checkups ensures hormonal and reproductive wellness.
And for some people, issues in how your body responds to sex and sexual arousal can keep you from getting in the mood — like muscle tension, blood flow and lubrication. 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.
| Food Item | Nutrients | Effect on Libido | Serving Size | Additional Benefits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | Flavonoids, Phenylethylamine | Elevates mood, stimulates desire | 1-2 oz | Antioxidants | Consume in moderation |
| Oysters | Zinc, Amino acids | Increases testosterone, arousal | 3-4 raw oysters | Immune boost | Classic aphrodisiac |
| Avocado | Healthy fats, Vitamin E | Hormonal balance, blood flow | 1/2 fruit | Heart health | Raw or in salads |
| Red Ginseng | Ginsenosides | Energy boost, libido enhancement | 1 tsp extract | Improved mental clarity | Often as tea or supplement |
| Watermelon | Citrulline | Improves blood flow | 1 cup slices | Hydration | Often called natural Viagra |
| Pumpkin Seeds | Zinc, Magnesium | Hormone regulation, libido support | 1 oz | Prostate and sleep health | Snack or salad topping |
Zanotti explains.
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We don’t require referrals, but some insurance plans do. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before making an appointment. Dry spells are common in many relationships, but if this is becoming a problem, you can get your groove back. Here are some tips to help keep that flame alive. Nearly every woman experiences pain during sex at least once.
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While the first time is usually painful, some women continue best erection pills to experience a little bit of pain every now and then. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the different types of pain during intercourse and what they mean for you. Medications and therapy can help get your groove back Image content: This image is available to view online. People in bed sleeping at night, caught up in their sheets. “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. 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.
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Zanotti explains some options to increase female libido.
- Zinc is essential for hormone production related to libido.
- Bupropion, a medication, may have libido-enhancing side effects.
- DHEA supplements might help women with low sex drive.
- Estrogen levels influence female desire; balance is key.
This prescription best sex pills for women pill has been available since 2015. Flibanserin (brand name Addyi®) is taken nightly and can ramp up sex drive, Dr. Zanotti explains.
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If so, your provider will recommend an appointment with our Midlife Women’s Health and Menopause program. Your provider asks about your symptoms and health history to determine your diagnosis. They also get a full medication list. They may order blood tests to check for thyroid function and low testosterone levels. We will tailor your treatment based on the cause of your low libido.
Agent Provocateur Female Libido Booster From Dr. Becky
Adopting healthy habits, such as a well-balanced diet and regular exercise Managing underlying health conditions with the help of your primary care provider or other specialist Using a lubricant to treat vaginal dryness Working with a sex therapist or couples counselor The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medications to treat low libido in women before menopause: Bremelanotide—You give yourself a medication injection about an hour before sexual activity. Flibanserin—You take a pill daily to increase your sexual desire. We recommend you take the medicine for three months to decide if it’s right for you. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help treat menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness. You may take estrogen in a pill, patch, spray, or gel. 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. 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. That is, an insert that you place in your vagina daily.
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But what if it’s not working for you anymore? What if what you’re looking for is a sex life that’s a little bit rock-and-roll, but you can’t seem to dial up the volume these days? A low libido can leave you feeling lonely, frustrated and unfulfilled in your relationships. Fortunately, there are ways to get your music bumping again. “It’s not at all uncommon for your sexual interest to change and get in the way of enjoying a healthy and fulfilling sex life,” says Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD. It’s a hormone treatment that’s been shown to be effective in managing 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.
- Regular exercise can improve blood flow, enhancing sexual arousal.
- Adequate sleep supports hormone production linked to libido.
- Managing stress through mindfulness can positively impact desire.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with increased libido.
While medications may address some of the physical aspects of getting you “in the mood,” emotional support can help, too.
When to Seek Treatment
“But you don’t have to live with low libido. There are options to increase sex drive that can be very effective.” But it can be particularly common in women, in part because of hormonal makeup, as well as societal expectations regarding sex and sex drive. Dr. Zanotti explains why females commonly experience low sex drive, and what options are available to increase your libido. There are a number of reasons your sex drive may shift into neutral. Especially if your low libido is connected to any social, emotional, interpersonal or mental health concerns.
| Extract | Main Active Compound | Evidence Quality | Reported Effect | Typical Dosage | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Cohosh | Triterpene glycosides | Moderately strong | Relief of menopausal symptoms | 40-80 mg daily | Potential liver concerns |
| Red Clover | Isoflavones | Moderate | Hormonal balance, libido support | 80-160 mg daily | May affect hormone-sensitive conditions |
| Saw Palmetto | Fatty acids | Weak to moderate | Hormone regulation | 160-320 mg daily | Generally safe, use with caution |
| Damiana | Flavonoids | Limited evidence | Aphrodisiac effects | 100-200 mg daily | Caution for hormone-sensitive individuals |
| Muira Puama | Alkaloids | Anecdotal evidence | Libido enhancement | 300-600 mg daily | Limited research available |
“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. 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.
Pharmaceuticals for Postmenopausal Women
We all have different ideas of what an active and fulfilling sex life looks like. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Think of your sex life like driving to your favorite tunes: Some people drive around with their music full blast, singing along at any hour of day or night to whatever comes on.
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Other people keep the volume a little lower. Some people really only enjoy a few select songs or artists. Or maybe they need some time to try out a few playlists until they find just the right one to get them in the dancing mood. Different people have different preferences — whether we’re talking music or life between the sheets. And whether your sex life is thumping party jams or tasteful light jazz, there’s nothing wrong with it … if that’s what you choose. “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. “Don’t be shy about sharing changes in your libido, especially if they’re causing you distress.
Other Supplements That Might Help
You may also take it in a vaginal insert (suppository). We may also prescribe testosterone as off-label treatment. We will check your testosterone levels first to ensure you have low testosterone. We will prescribe you a daily testosterone cream to bring your blood levels back into the normal range. We also prescribe a microdose of testosterone cream for women who don't have low testosterone.
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You will apply the cream to your clitoris and genitalia twice a week to help improve your arousal and ability to achieve an orgasm. Our women’s health providers and other primary care providers treat women of all ages who experience low libido. We stay current on the latest research to offer you advanced, evidence-based treatments. We’re committed to helping you achieve your best health, both now and in the years to come. Call 801-213-2995 to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist, women’s health provider, or other primary care provider. 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.
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However, you may not experience that surge of estrogen when you’re on birth control because birth control stabilizes your hormone levels. You experience significant hormonal changes leading up to and during menopause. You typically produce inconsistent levels of estrogen. Often, these varying estrogen levels lead to vaginal dryness. This dryness can make intercourse painful, which decreases your interest in sex.
What creates high libido?
Many people also experience weight changes during menopause. These changes can affect your self-confidence and libido. It’s also common for long-term relationships to evolve in midlife. Relationship changes can impact your sexual desire. Your symptoms and medical history may mean specialized menopause treatment can help. 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)