Libido

Modern life is tough on libido. Why it happens and how to treat it?

If you’re noticing you don’t seem to have sex as often as you did when you’re younger, and you’re trying to work out what’s changed or what’s wrong with you, try not to stress about it. The demands of modern life can be tough on libido, and many factors can play a role in leaving you feeling like sex is one more demand you just can’t meet.

Media-fuelled expectations have also complicated the issue by placing pressure on both men and women to maintain an active sex life. So it’s not surprising our bodies sometimes feel they cannot keep up.

What exactly is libido? 

Libido is essentially the same thing as your sex drive. It’s your mental or psychological interest in sex, which is quite separate from the physical ability to have sex or not. And although low libido is common with aging, it’s not inevitable. Rest assured though that there are many things you can do about it.

Who is affected by low libido?

Low sex drive or libido problems are relatively common, with an estimated one in three marriages affected in some way by low libido issues. The sooner you and your partner can begin an open and honest dialogue with each other, and perhaps involve a trained sexual health specialist as well, the sooner low libido can be dealt with and your love life restored.

A lack of sexual interest – or at the very least a perceived lack – can create relationship tension and sow discord and distrust. This is validated by sexual health experts and sex therapists, who report that low libido is the most common problem brought up in sexual health counselling.

If one partner is physically capable of sex but does not want it, it’s difficult for the other not to take it personally and conclude he – or she – doesn’t want that form of intimacy with their partner. No one likes feeling sexually undesirable and this can drain intimacy and positive feelings from a relationship.

Over time, if the problem isn’t dealt with, it can even lead to fears that one partner may be having an affair. Long-term low libido problems can cause tension and distrust in even the strongest relationships. 

5 causes of low libido

Many factors can contribute to low libido. Some that are common to both men and women include a heavy workload, relationship stress or health issues. A man’s libido is more likely to be affected by physical issues, but he is also susceptible to emotional factors.

Here are some common causes of low libido in men:

1. Side effects of medication.
2. Physical factors such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease.
3. Alcoholism, smoking and drug abuse.
4. Emotional issues such as stress, fatigue, anxiety or depression.
5. Relationship conflict or distance.

2 additional causes of low libido in women

A woman’s libido is also affected by these same factors, but is also likely to be compounded by her broader experience. This includes:

1. Hormonal changes or imbalances.
2. Psychological reasons, such as a poor body image or low self-esteem.

Low libido in men is not erectile dysfunction

The lack of libido in men is not to be confused with erectile dysfunction (ED). Most men with a lack of libido can achieve erections but have lost the desire to have sex.

Sex therapist Dr. David Schnarch says physical arousal and subjective arousal do not always occur hand-in-hand. You can be physically aroused, but not feel that way. And conversely, you can feel a strong sense of sexual libido, but find your body is not responding.

He says in his book Resurrecting Sex that libido difficulties “generally show up as a persistent lack of sexual fantasies and disinterest in sexual activity.” 

It is tough for a man to admit having a low libido, so it’s heartening that some well-known sportsmen and entertainers – including controversial cyclist and testicular cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong, and singer Robbie Williams – have spoken publicly about suffering from this condition.

6 steps you can take to help treat low libido

Erectile dysfunction is unrelated to low libido, so drugs aimed at treating ED consequently have no effect on sexual desire. Other remedies are needed instead; here are some options:

1. Men (and some women).Your doctor may prescribe raising testosterone levels, either through injection, patch, or supplements.
2. Women.Your doctor may prescribe bio-identical hormone replacement.
3. Relationship building. Make time for each other, talk about your feelings and sexual needs and seek counselling support if needed.
4. Lifestyle changes. Improve your diet, reduce stress, get more sleep and exercise and plan a weekend away together.
5. Herbal supplements.This includes natural treatments like Herbal Ignite. Herbs traditionally used to increase sexual libido include Tribulus Terrestris, Horny Goat Weed, Tongkat Ali, Damiana and Avena Sativa.

How Herbal Ignite for Men and Women helps treat low libido

Herbal Ignite for Men and Women are over-the-counter dietary supplements taken daily with food. They help boost energy levels and relieve fatigue and stress in both men and women. Herbal Ignite for Men also increase men’s health and libido, boosts testosterone (the key sex hormone in men) levels and improves nerve function and genital blood flow. Herbal Ignite for Women supports pre-menstrual tension and menopause, helps restore hormone levels to a healthy balance and improves libido.

Herbal Ignite for Men

The three key herbs in Ignite for Men – Tribulus Terrestris, Horny Goat Weed and Avena Sativa – have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to rejuvenate men’s sexual health. The herb Tribulus Terrestris, in particular, has also been found to naturally boost testosterone levels and is available in capsule form in herbal supplements like Herbal Ignite.

• Tribulus Terrestris lifts testosterone levels and improves sexual activity and muscular strength. It also generates male energy, confidence and stamina and men using Herbal Ignite report an improved sense of wellbeing. While Tribulus Terrestris supports and assists the body's natural production of testosterone it should be clearly understood that it is not a hormone supplement. By promoting the production of the body's own hormones, it works within the body's natural limits to help men achieve their strength and muscular potential. Tribulus Terrestris will not cause the body to indefinitely produce increasing amounts of testosterone – rather, it balances natural hormone levels.
• Horny Goat Weed increases desire and sexual performance. The active ingredients in this herb are PDE-5 inhibitors, which increase blood flow to the penis and help with better erections.
• Avena Sativa relieves stress and increases sexual desire. Many men notice a decline in sex drive and sexual strength because of the effects of stress and long working hours; this herb helps counter the effects of our tough modern lifestyle.

Herbal Ignite for Women

Herbal Ignite for Women contains four key ingredients:

• Damiana is the key fatigue and stress fighter in Herbal Ignite for Women. Known as the ‘ultimate feel-good herb’ for women, it combats fatigue, relaxes the body, reduces stress and anxiety, lifts mood and enhances sexual response. It also helps balance female hormone levels, control hot flushes and is especially renowned for its libido enhancing qualities.
• Dong Quai is known as ‘the women’s herb’ or ‘female ginseng’ because it is recognised in traditional Asian medicine as an excellent all-purpose women’s herb. It is used to calm nerves, relieve anxiety and mood swings, aid in the treatment of various skin conditions, promote youthfulness, reduce stress and is also considered effective in treating cancer. It also helps restore hormonal balance, improve menstrual regularity and relieves PMS and hot flushes.
• Tribulus Terrestris is a general tonic that supports sex drive, ovulation and reproductive health. It also balances hormone levels, boosts vitality and sense of wellbeing.
• Horny Goat Weed has been used in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac to increase libido, improve sexual response and function and create a feeling of well-being during menopause. Horny Goat Weed has been used since ancient times to promote physical and mental energy. It stimulates libido by enhancing sexual response and orgasm, relieves symptoms associated with PMS and menopause, balances hormones, relieves stress and aids in the treatment of osteoporosis. Horny goat weed contains a flavonoid called Icariin that assists to increase nitric oxide levels relaxing genital muscles in men and women, promoting erections and orgasms. Horny goat weed influences the stress hormone cortisol to help relieve stress.

Herbal Ignite has been used successfully by thousands of men and women in New Zealand and Australia to help beat stress and fatigue, boost libido and sexual satisfaction. It is 100% natural and free of unpleasant side effects. It is made in New Zealand to the highest standards, with thorough testing and guarantees of no adulteration or undeclared ingredients.

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Disclaimer. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not substitute for the advice provided by your medical professional. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.