Low Sexual Desire in Women
What Constitutes a Low Sexual Desire?
Oftentimes, a woman may feel she has a low sex drive because she doesn’t spontaneously desire sex as often as her partner. That doesn’t necessarily mean that her drive is low; it might just mean that, comparatively, it is lower than her partner’s. However, if in the past she desired sex more frequently and has become disinterested, then that may be a cause for concern if it is a source of distress for the woman. Or, if she struggles to develop feelings of sexual desire even while engaging in sexual activity with her partner, that can also be a sign of low sexual desire.
A woman with a low sex drive may rarely have sexual fantasies, never feel desire spontaneously, or avoid sexual situations. While this is a common issue for women, it can create stress in their relationships. Working with a certified professional sex therapist can help you determine what is causing your low sex drive.
Symptoms of a Low Sex Drive
- Lack of fantasies or desire to engage in them
- Rarely or never having sexual thoughts
- Showing no interest in sexual activity
- Lack of pleasure in sexual intercourse
- Reduced satisfaction with genital stimulation
Why Do Women Struggle With Low Sexual Desire?
Physical Health Issues
Chronic medical conditions primarily contribute to low sexual desire in women. If you have an underlying medical condition, it's understandable to have a decreased interest in sexual intercourse. Many physical health issues and medication can trigger low sexual desire or drive. Arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are common medical issues that keep women from enjoying sex. Lifestyle habits, surgery, and chronic fatigue are other factors that reduce physical health and suppress sexual desire.
Hormonal Imbalance
Whether it's during the aging process or because of other hormonal imbalances, women can suffer from low sexual desire. Pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, and menopause are the most common events that alter a woman's hormones. Certain medical issues and medications can also contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Menstrual Cycle
It's not uncommon for a woman to struggle with sexual desire because of hormonal shifts. Her menstrual cycle goes through four phases that cause hormonal shifts, which can cause her to struggle with arousal. These phases are the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase, and finally, menstruation. In the last two menstrual phases, a woman's hormones decrease, contributing to a low sexual desire.
Psychological and Emotional Factors
Emotional and psychological factors can prevent women from enjoying a fulfilling and satisfying sex life. A lack of confidence, a history of trauma, abuse, neglect, anxiety, or depression can prevent women from connecting with their partners and engaging in sexual activity.
Relationship Connections
Women who have experienced relationship issues will struggle to keep a strong enough connection to desire sexual intercourse with their partner. Infidelity, trust issues, poor communication, and unresolved conflicts can strain any relationship.
How Can Women Recover From Low Sexual Desire?
Online Therapy Can Help With Sexual Distress and Dysfunction
Low sexual desire is a common issue among women and often occurs from various forms of stress or dysfunction. Women may struggle with sexual distress because of personal problems or because their partner struggles with sexual dysfunction. Regardless of why women suffer from low sexual desire, MendEd provides courses like From Sexual Distress to Sexual Satisfaction to help women better understand their sexuality and how it affects their lives.
Science-Based Sex Education
At MendEd, we provide valuable sexual education in a safe and impartial online atmosphere. These online courses aim to educate therapists and clients on improving intimacy and working toward sexual restoration and relationship healing. Once our clients understand the importance of sexuality and its unique role in physical and mental health, they can cultivate a healthier lifestyle and enjoy sex with their partner.
Identifying the Source of Low Sexual Desire
When dealing with a low sexual desire, many women don't understand their symptoms. Our master course can help them identify their specific feelings and why they are experiencing them. The course aims to provide in-depth sexual knowledge and distress treatment to help women regain control of their sexuality. You don't have to suffer with low sexual desire. MendEd has the resources to help you achieve an enjoyable and fulfilling sex life.
Learn How to Connect With Your Partner
Sometimes, the reason women experience low sexual desire is because they struggle to connect with their partners. Sexual distress and dysfunction in men may prevent them from pursuing sexual activity because they are embarrassed or uncertain about how to process their feelings. Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common type of sexual dysfunction in men, with 30% to 40% of men experiencing PE. Our Sexual Dysfunction Series - Premature Ejaculation helps sex therapists understand how to help clients struggling with this type of sexual dysfunction. This course helps educate therapists and clients on PE and provides a roadmap for recovery.
Online Psychoeducation and Coaching Can Help With Sexual Distress and Dysfunction
From Sexual Distress to Sexual Satisfaction:
Objectives that will be Covered
- Sexual anxiety and distress
- Performance difficulties
- Lack of passion
- Lack of confidence
- Unsatisfying sex
- Lack of pleasure
Premature Ejaculation - For Providers
Learning Objectives for Providers
- Name and recognize the prevalence rates of the various forms of premature ejaculation (PE).
- Describe the etiologies of PE from a biopsychosocial perspective.
- Evaluate and explain the history of PE diagnostic criteria, current DSM-5-TR criteria, and diagnostic considerations.
- Analyze and contrast psychological factors involved in individuals with PE, including: temperament and character, metacognition, attachment relationships, perception of control, alexithymia, sexual orientation, history of childhood maltreatment, and posttraumatic stress.
- Distinguish and review interdisciplinary treatments for PE, including medical interventions, urological treatments, and sex therapy.
- Evaluate and employ the functional-sexocorporal sex therapy approach in the treatment of PE.
- Identify a sex therapy roadmap for treating patients with PE.
- Analyze a case study and explain a treatment plan utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to treat PE.
- Name and recognize the prevalence rates of the various forms of premature ejaculation (PE).
- Describe the etiologies of PE from a biopsychosocial perspective.
- Evaluate and explain the history of PE diagnostic criteria, current DSM-5-TR criteria, and diagnostic considerations.
- Analyze and contrast psychological factors involved in individuals with PE, including: temperament and character, metacognition, attachment relationships, perception of control, alexithymia, sexual orientation, history of childhood maltreatment, and posttraumatic stress.
- Distinguish and review interdisciplinary treatments for PE, including medical interventions, urological treatments, and sex therapy.
- Evaluate and employ the functional-sexocorporal sex therapy approach in the treatment of PE.
- Identify a sex therapy roadmap for treating patients with PE.
- Analyze a case study and explain a treatment plan utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to treat PE.
About Kimberly Keiser
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If you would like a complimentary 15-minute consultation with Kimberly to ask any questions related to your specific experience, feel free to reach out to Kimberly directly at kimberly@mendeducation.com or schedule your 15-minute consultation online.