How can i boost libido

The longer you're in a relationship, the more common it is to feel that the sexual chemistry between you and your partner or partners has dissipated. Not feeling as sexual or excited about your partner may prove difficult to get into the mood to be intimate with them. This can be resolved by working on your relationship together. You can try sex therapy together, couples therapy, scheduling date nights, going on vacation together, or performing more intentional touching together.

The better your relationship feels to you emotionally, the more likely you are to want to be intimate with your partner. Sometimes people experience low sex drive because they aren't feeling comfortable in their bodies.

One way to deal with this difficulty effectively is to practice body neutrality. It's the idea of accepting your body as it is, without trying to love it when that doesn't feel possible, and for being grateful for the functions that it can perform. Body neutrality can be practiced in many different ways, ranging from how you select the clothes you wear to how you choose the foods you eat. In addition, it has many mental health benefits , some of which, like lowering stress, naturally improve sex drive.

It should come as no surprise that alcohol and recreational drugs can have a negative impact on your sex drive. While alcohol may feel like a libido enhancer in the moment, it's actually a depressant so the initial boost in your desire for sex is just temporary.

Alcohol can have a negative impact on parts of your body that are important for sexual function and drive, from blood flow to organ function. If you experience an increase in libido from drinking, do your best to keep your intake to a single glass of wine or cocktail. More is not better when it comes to alcohol and sexual function. Recreational drugs, such as cocaine , may make you feel very good in the moment. They may also give you the sense of having a higher sex drive in the moment, as well.

However, because of how drugs can zap your feel-good chemicals, flooding your body with them then leaving you depleted afterward. So, they do far more harm than good in this realm. Recreational drug usage should be limited in general for people, but if you are experiencing a low sex drive, that is all the more reason to avoid them. Sex drives fluctuate naturally, but there are many ways to put yours on the path to improvement when needed.

Try one or more of these recommendations so that you can feel, and function, more like you want to. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Basson R, Gilks T. Womens Health Lond Engl. Thakurdesai A, Sawant N. A prospective study on sexual dysfunctions in depressed males and the response to treatment. Indian J Psychiatry. Sleep, sleep disorders, and sexual dysfunction. World J Mens Health. West E, Krychman M.

Natural aphrodisiacs-A review of selected sexual enhancers. Sex Med Rev. A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility.

Some people who are overweight may also experience psychological effects, such as lower body confidence. Sexual desire is complex, with both psychological and physical components. Even when a person has a physical condition that affects libido, such as diabetes, improving the emotional and psychological response to sex can improve libido and sexual functioning. Therapy is an effective strategy for increasing low libido. Individual counseling can help address negative views about sex, self-esteem, and secondary causes of low libido, such as depression and anxiety.

Relationship counseling can help some people work through factors affecting their sexual desire. Alongside talking therapies, mindfulness therapy may also help. One study found that just four sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy in a group setting improved sexual desire, sexual arousal, and sexual satisfaction for women. Good heart health is important for good sexual functioning. People who smoke cigarettes may find that their energy levels and sex drive increase after they quit.

Libido in men is often related to testosterone levels, which will naturally decline as men age. Testosterone replacement therapy can help some men. In men with testosterone deficiency, or hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy can result in improved libido, reduced depression, and improved erectile function, according to one review.

Some research suggests that zinc, vitamin D , and omega-3 fatty acids may be important dietary components for testosterone. Learn more about foods that help boost testosterone here. Sex-related hormones, such as estrogen and estrogen-like compounds, can also affect sexual desire in females. Many women experience a dip in libido and sexual functioning at menopause , when estrogen levels drop.

Estrogen replacement therapy may help some women. Vaginal dryness is another symptom of menopause. Women also produce testosterone.

Certain birth control pills may also decrease libido. If a person suspects that their hormonal contraception is affecting their sex drive, they can speak with a doctor about changing pill type.

If a person is concerned about having a decrease in libido, a doctor can offer advice and information about potential causes and treatments. It may help to remember that fluctuations in the sex drive are a normal part of every relationship and every stage of life. Try not to focus all of your attention on sex. Instead, spend some time nurturing yourself and your relationship. Go for a long walk. Get a little extra sleep.

Kiss your partner goodbye before you head out the door. Make a date night at your favorite restaurant. Feeling good about yourself and your partner can actually be the best foreplay. Primary care doctors and gynecologists often ask about sex and intimacy as part of a routine medical visit. Take this opportunity to be candid about your sexual concerns. If your doctor doesn't broach the subject, bring it up. You may feel embarrassed to talk about sex with your doctor, but this topic is perfectly appropriate.

In fact, your sexual satisfaction is a vital part of your overall health and well-being. Your doctor will ask questions about the symptoms you're experiencing and assess your hormonal status. Questions your doctor may ask include:.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis By definition, you may be diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder if you frequently lack sexual thoughts or desire, and the absence of these feelings causes personal distress.

More Information Pelvic exam. More Information Sex therapy. Millheiser says. This article originally appeared on Health. Contact us at letters time. By Health. Plan more date nights If a fun Saturday night with your hubby means watching Showtime in sweatpants, it could be killing your sex drive. Related Stories. Already a print subscriber? Go here to link your subscription. Need help? Visit our Help Center.