Libido
Libido is a person's overall sexual derive / desire for sexual activity. Libido is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors. Biologically, the sex hormones and associated neurotransmitters that act upon the nucleus accumbens (Primarily testosterone and dopamine, respectively) regulate libido in humans. Social factors, such as work and family, internal psychological factors such as personality and stress can also affect libido. Libido can also be affected by medical conditions like medication, lifestyle, age (e.g. puberty) and relationship issues
A person who has extremely frequent or a suddenly increased sex drive may be experiencing hypersexuality, while the opposite condition is hyposexuality.
A person may have a desire for sex, but not have the opportunity to act on that desire, may on personal, moral or religious reasons refrain from acting on the urge. Psychologically, a person's urge can be repressed or sublimited. Conversely, a person can engage in sexual activity without an actual desire for it. Multiple factors affect human sex drive including stress, illness, pregnancy and others.
Occasionally, Low libido can be a life-long problem that results from traumatic childhood sexual experiences or from learned suppression of sexual thoughts. Oftenly, low libido develops after years of normal sexual desire.
Studies done in 2001 regarding libido states that on average, men have a higher desire for sex than women.
Sexual desire are often an important factor in the formation and maintenance of intimate relationships in human beings. A lack or loss of sexual desire can adversely affect relationships. Changes in sexual desires of any partner in a sexual relationship, is sustained and unresolved may cause problems in relationship. The infidelity of a partner may be an indication that a partner's changing sexual desires can no longer be satisfied within the current relationship. Problems can arise from disparity of sexual desires between partners, poor communication between partners of sexual needs and preferences.
Factors affecting Libido
1. Endogenous compounds
Libido is governed by primarily by activity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway (Ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens). Consequently, dopamine and related trace amines (primarily phenethylamine) that modulate dopamine neurotransmission play a critical role in regulating libido.
Other neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and sex hormones that affects sex drive by modulating activity in or acting upon this pathway include:
· Testosterone (directly correlated) and other androgens
· Estrogen (directly correlated) and related female sex hormones
· Progesterone (inversely correlaed)
· Oxytocin (directly correlated)
· Serotonin (inversely correlated)
· Nor-epinephrine
· Acetylcholine
2. Sex Hormone level and the menstrual cycle
A women's desire for sex is correlated to her menstrual cycle, with many women experiencing a high sexual desire in the several days immediately before ovulation, which is her peak fertility period, which normally occurs two days before until two days after the ovulation. This cycle has been associated with changes in a women's testosterone levels during the menstrual cycle. According to Gabrille Lichterman (women's health journalist) and founder of Hormonology, testosterone levels have a direct impact on a women's interest in sex. According to her, testosterone levels rise gradually from about the 24th day of a women's menstrual cycle until ovulation occur on about the 14th day of the next cycle, and during this period the women's desire for sex increases consistently. The 13th day is generally the day with the highest testosterone levels. In the week following ovulation, the testosterone level is the lowest and as a result, women will experience less interest in sex.
During the week following ovulation, progesterone level increases, resulting in a women experiencing difficulty achieving orgasm. Although, the last day of the menstrual cycle are marked by a constant testosterone level, women's libido may get a boost, as a result of the thickening of uterine lining which stimulates nerve endings and makes a women feel aroused. During these days, estrogen level decline, resulting in a decrease of natural lubrication.
Although, some specialists disagree with this theory, menopause is still considered as a factor by the majority that can cause decreased sex desire in women. The levels of estrogen decrease at menopause and this usually causes a lower interest in sex along with vaginal dryness causing painful intercourse. However, the levels of testosterone increases at menopause and this may be the reason, why some women may experience a contrary effect of an increased libido.
3. Medical issues
Chronic kidney disease can decrease libido. Some drugs such as anti-depressants, anti-anxiety or advance prostate cancer can decrease blood levels of testosterone and also lower libido.
Some other medications can lower testosterone level including ACE inhibitors and Beta-blockers used for hypertension can prevent ejaculation and erections.
Other medications which can result in lowering of testosterone level are:
· Chemotherapy / radiation therapy for cancer
· Hormones used to treat prostate cancer
· Corticosteroids
· Opioid pain relievers such as morphine
· Antifungal drug named Ketoconazole
· Cimetidine, which is being used for heartburn and GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
· Anabolic steroids
Ways to treat your low libido
1. Try eating certain fruits including Figs, bananas and avocados
2. Try eating chocolates as it increases the sexual pleasure. (Chocolate releases phenylethylamine and serotonin)
3. Take your daily herbs including Basil, garlic and ginkgo biloba
4. Yohimbine, an alkaloid found in the bark of West African evergreen, has been known to work as a natural viagra.
5. Boost your self confidence
6. If you take liquor, then switch to wine and that too one glass a day. As too much liquor can also cause in decreasing of sexual desire
7. Take your time to meditate and relieve stress
8. Take proper sleep
9. Keep your relationship in check
10. In case of no improvement, consult to your physician.
Dr. Manish Singhal
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