What Is Libido? How To Manage Changes in Sexual Desire

What is libido? Libido refers to an individual's sexual desire or interest, and it can vary significantly from person to person. Libido plays a major role in our overall sexual health and well-being because it influences how often and intensely we feel motivated for sexual activity.

As we explore libido fully, you’ll learn about the varying degrees that you might experience libido, the various factors that can impact libido, how and why it fluctuates, and more.

If you have any concerns about your libido, know that there is help available to restore your natural desire for sex. If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to enjoy sex more so you’ll want it more often, try our science-backed sexcare products specifically designed to intensify women’s pleasure. 

Understanding Libido

Libido, or sexual desire, represents your overall interest in sexual activity. It encompasses a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors that drive sexual thoughts, behaviors, and fantasies. 

Libido is influenced by hormones like testosterone and estrogen, but it also reflects emotional well-being, personal relationships, and cultural attitudes. While sexual desire can vary greatly from person to person and can fluctuate throughout life, it plays an important role in human intimacy and relationships. 

Libido’s primary function is to drive reproductive behavior, encouraging individuals to engage in sexual activity, which is essential for the survival of the species. Beyond reproduction, libido also promotes bonding between partners, which can strengthen relationships and support the social and emotional well-being of individuals. 

“Normal” Libido

There is no single definition of "normal" libido, as sexual desire varies widely between individuals and can fluctuate due to age, health, stress, relationship satisfaction, and other factors. 

What’s considered normal for one person might be different for another. A healthy libido is typically one that aligns with a person’s own physical and emotional needs.

Male vs. Female Libido

Male and female libidos are influenced by different hormonal patterns. Testosterone drives sexual desire in both sexes but plays a more dominant role in men. 

Men tend to experience more consistent libido, while women’s desire is often cyclical, influenced by hormonal changes. Emotional factors, relationship dynamics, and stress may also play a more prominent role in affecting female sexual desire. 

However, these differences are not absolute, as libido is highly individual and influenced by a combination of physical, emotional, and psychological factors for both men and women. 

Factors That Influence Libido

Libido is influenced by a wide range of factors, and fluctuations are completely normal, both on a daily basis and throughout life. These factors can include physical health, emotional well-being, and external influences.

Health Issues

Various health issues including both chronic conditions and general illnesses can influence libido by disrupting hormonal balance, psychological well-being, or physical health. 

Conditions such as hormonal disorders, depression, anxiety, and obesity as well as chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease can reduce sexual desire as can the medications used to treat them. 

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes alter the body's natural balance of sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. For women, hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to changes in sexual desire. 

A decrease in estrogen, which is common during menopause, can cause vaginal dryness or discomfort, which makes sex unpleasant or even painful. 

Relationship Issues

Relationship issues affect emotional intimacy, trust, and communication between partners. Conflicts, unresolved tensions, or a lack of emotional connection may lead to decreased sexual desire. 

Stress from arguments or dissatisfaction in the relationship can cause anxiety, making it harder to feel relaxed, and a lack of communication about sexual needs and preferences can also contribute to the problem.

Mental Health

Conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress affect mood, energy levels, and self-esteem. Depression often leads to a lack of interest in activities, including sex, while anxiety can cause overthinking and difficulty relaxing. 

Additionally, certain medications used to treat mental health disorders, such as antidepressants, can have a profoundly negative impact on sex. For example, one study published by Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that:

“The most commonly reported adverse sexual effects in women taking antidepressants are problems with sexual desire (72%) and sexual arousal (83%). About 42% of women taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors report problems having an orgasm.” These staggering statistics highlight how very real the impact can be.

Medications

Medications can alter hormone levels, neurotransmitter activity, or physical sensations. Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, are known to reduce sexual desire by affecting serotonin levels. Birth control pills, which reduce testosterone, have the same effect. 

Blood pressure medications, antipsychotics, and opioids can also have an impact by interfering with blood flow, hormonal balance, or energy levels.

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction can create frustration, anxiety, or negative associations with sexual activity. 

Issues like erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, or difficulty reaching orgasm can lead to discomfort or dissatisfaction, causing a person to lose interest in sex. These physical challenges can also affect emotional intimacy and self-esteem. 

Past Trauma

Past trauma, particularly related to sexual or emotional abuse, can profoundly affect libido by affecting how a person feels about intimacy and trust. Trauma may lead to anxiety, fear, emotional detachment, flashbacks, or negative associations about sexual encounters. 

Additionally, trauma can cause long-term mental health issues like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, which can compound existing issues. 

Lifestyle

Lifestyle factors can affect physical health, energy levels, and overall well-being. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep can reduce sexual desire by lowering energy and disrupting hormonal balance. 

High stress from work, finances, or personal issues may cause mental fatigue and reduce interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Additionally, habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or drug use can impair blood flow and hormonal function. 

Low Libido

Low libido is defined as a persistent and noticeable decrease in sexual desire or interest. It is characterized by a reduced motivation or drive for sexual activity. 

This condition can vary in severity and duration and may be influenced by physical, emotional, or psychological factors. It is often identified when the decrease in desire is significant enough to cause distress or dissatisfaction for the individual or their partner.

Symptoms

Those experiencing low libido may notice:

• A significantly reduced interest in sexual activity.
• Difficulty becoming aroused.
• A decreased frequency of sexual thoughts or fantasies.
• A lack of motivation for physical intimacy.
• Emotional distress or dissatisfaction related to sexual desire.

Causes

Hormonal imbalances, such as low levels of testosterone or estrogen, can significantly affect sexual desire. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression may reduce interest in sex, as can relationship issues or past trauma. 

Medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic illness, along with the side effects of certain medications, can also be contributing factors. Lifestyle choices, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep, may further exacerbate the issue.

Treatment Options

Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause. Medical treatments might involve hormone therapy or adjusting medications that impact libido. Psychological support through therapy or counseling can address emotional and relational issues. 

Lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress, can also be beneficial. In some cases, addressing relationship dynamics and improving communication with a partner may help restore desire.

How Vella Can Help

While low libido can be caused by issues that require medical or therapeutic intervention, sometimes the problem is simply that sex seems undesirable because previous experiences have been unfulfilling. 

At Vella, you’ll find sexcare items designed to support female sexual pleasure, all backed by science, created by doctors, and made using clean ingredients.

• Women’s Pleasure Serum uses proprietary nanotechnology to heighten arousal and support easier, longer, more intense, and more satisfying orgasms.
• Super Slip & Slide is a silicone-based lube that provides long-lasting deep hydration and fast-acting slick lubrication without the sticky feeling and mess of similar lubes.
• Women’s Intimate Elixir is a deeply hydrating water-based lube that offers instant natural-feeling luxurious slickness—great for anyone but perfect for those suffering from low estrogen.

High Libido

High libido is defined as an unusually strong or frequent desire for sexual activity. It involves a heightened or intense interest in sex, which may lead to frequent thoughts, fantasies, or urges related to sexual activity. 

It can manifest as an increased motivation for sex, a persistent sense of arousal, or a high frequency of sexual activity. While this can be a normal variation of sexual desire, it might become problematic if it causes distress, affects daily functioning, impacts relationships, or becomes obsessive in nature.

Symptoms

Symptoms of high libido commonly include:

• Frequent thoughts or fantasies about sex.
• A strong desire for regular sexual activity.
• Increased motivation for physical intimacy.
• Persistent arousal or sexual tension.
• Emotional or physical distress due to unmet sexual desires.

Causes

Common causes can include hormonal imbalances, such as elevated levels of testosterone or estrogen. Psychological factors, including high levels of arousal or excitement, can also contribute. 

Certain medications or substances, such as stimulants, and positive relationship dynamics and emotional well-being may enhance libido.

Treatment Options

Treatment options depend on the underlying causes and whether the increased desire is problematic. If hormonal imbalances are involved, hormone therapy or medication adjustments might be recommended. 

Psychological support, such as therapy or counseling, can help address any emotional or relational factors contributing to heightened desire. Lifestyle adjustments, such as managing stress and improving overall well-being, can also be beneficial.

Fluctuating Libido

Fluctuating libido is defined as varying levels of sexual desire that change over time. It involves periods of increased and decreased sexual interest, which can be influenced by a range of factors including hormonal changes, psychological state, relationship dynamics, and lifestyle choices. 

This variability means that an individual may experience inconsistent or unpredictable levels of sexual motivation, leading to potential challenges in maintaining a stable sexual relationship or managing personal expectations about sexual desire.

Symptoms

Those with fluctuating libido may notice:

• Inconsistent levels of sexual interest or arousal.
• Periods of increased or decreased desire.
• Variability in frequency of sexual activity.
• Emotional or psychological distress related to the changing levels of desire.
• Difficulty maintaining a consistent sexual relationship.

Causes

Common causes include hormonal changes, such as those occurring during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, and psychological factors, including stress, mood swings, and mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. 

Relationship dynamics, such as changes in emotional connection or communication, can also lead to fluctuations. Lifestyle factors such as changes in diet, exercise, or sleep patterns can cause fluctuations as well. Medical conditions or medications that affect hormonal balance or overall health can have similar effects.

Treatment Options

Treatment options involve addressing the underlying causes and stabilizing contributing factors. Hormone therapy may help manage hormonal imbalances, while psychological support through therapy or counseling can address emotional and mental health issues. 

Lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, exercise, and stress management, may help. Open communication with a partner and addressing relationship issues can also provide consistency. 

Where To Find Help for Libido Concerns

Consulting with your primary care doctor is a good starting point for identifying and addressing the underlying causes of your libido concerns. They can provide initial evaluations, offer treatment options, and refer you to specialists if needed, but there are other options available as well.

• Gynecologists or Urologists: These specialists can address hormonal imbalances and sexual health issues specific to their field.
• Mental Health Professionals: Therapists or counselors can help with psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, or past trauma affecting libido.
• Sex Therapists: These professionals specialize in sexual health and can provide therapy focused on improving sexual desire and intimacy.
• Endocrinologists: For hormonal issues, endocrinologists can offer specialized treatment and management.
• Support Groups: Joining support groups can provide community and shared experiences related to sexual health concerns.

Closing Thoughts

Understanding libido and its variations is essential for addressing concerns related to sexual desire and overall well-being. 

Whether experiencing low, high, or fluctuating libido, it's important to recognize that these variations can stem from a variety of factors including hormonal imbalances, psychological issues, relationship dynamics, and lifestyle choices. Identifying the underlying causes and seeking appropriate help can improve sexual health and personal satisfaction. 

For those exploring these concerns, seeking guidance from specialists can provide clarity and support. Ultimately, addressing these issues can lead to a better understanding of what libido is and how it affects your life.

Shop Vella today to explore sexcare items that can help you achieve greater arousal, maintain luxurious lubrication, and achieve long-lasting, intense orgasms. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does libido do for men?

Libido drives sexual interest and arousal in men and is strongly influenced by testosterone levels. It encourages intimacy and sexual activity, which ensures the survival of the human race. A healthy libido also supports emotional connection in relationships and overall physical well-being.

How do I know if my libido is low?

Signs of low libido include a reduced interest in sexual activity, fewer sexual thoughts, and difficulty becoming aroused. Low libido may be accompanied by fatigue, stress, or relationship issues and could result from hormonal imbalances or health conditions.

What triggers female arousal?

Female arousal is triggered by a mix of emotional, physical, and mental stimuli. Physical touch, visual cues, and emotional connection with a partner can enhance arousal. Hormonal changes, such as during ovulation, can also heighten sexual desire in women.

At what age is female libido highest?

Female libido often peaks in the early 30s, but this varies widely, and many women continue to have frequent, satisfying sex well into their golden years. Libido can fluctuate throughout life, but in women, libido often begins to decline in the late 40s or early 50s, coinciding with perimenopause and menopause.