What's Behind a Low Libido?

When I founded The Sense of Smell Lab, a global leader in developing innovative products for health and well being, one area of my research that is getting considerable attention is sexual health, especially low female libido.

There are over 40 million women in the US and Canada-primarily the Baby Boomer demographic-that are now facing the menopause years, o this attention is not surprising. Boomers are continuing to change the way our culture sees sexuality.

A low sex drive or low female libido basically means a lack of sexual desire. There are many reasons for a lack of sexual desire - it's not always in your head.

There is no benchmark for the right level of sexual desire. What's adequate for one woman will leave another wanting. Sexual desire is influenced by a whole host of factors including your upbringing, religious beliefs, social factors, physical changes, such as childbirth and menopause, the side effects of prescription drugs and other medications, and your overall attitude to sexuality.

Loss of sexual desire can also be physiological such as an illness, hormonal imbalances (androgen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA) or thyroid abnormalities.

Your personality and history of sexual relationships will also influence your libido. Since sexual intimacy is rooted in trust and respect, your previous experiences will greatly influence your ability - and desire - to open up and expose your inner feelings.

Some of these influencing factors are easy to identify, such as your menstrual cycle, which plays a big role in your desire for sex. Hormonal changes throughout your life cycle, such as menopause and ageing are also easy to identify. Knowing how these issues influence your libido will go a long way to helping you understand and manage the feelings associated with these cycles.

If after some inner exploration you still can't put your finger on why your sexual desire has dwindled, then make an appointment with a physician, a sex therapist, or health practitioner who specializes in female sexual health.

Make sure you're comfortable with your choice. This is a very personal, intimate subject, not a five minute chat with your doctor while you're having your blood pressure taken.

Our culture puts a lot of emphasis on the expression of sexual desire based on what is shown on TV - where women are always ready for sex. This is the male model of sexual response: desire, arousal and orgasm. Women are not designed that way. We are more pleasure-oriented rather than goal-oriented when it comes to sex. Oftentimes holding hands, being held and soft, tender kisses is all we want... and it feels good. Those are the tender moments we relish.

Why not try this today?

Decide in the morning that you want to have an evening of intimacy and sex and set the stage throughout the day. To make it more exciting, don't tell your partner of your intention. While anticipation will add to your sexual excitement, it can also put pressure on you to perform. If your partner doesn't know your intention, then you can relax without feeling you have to meet his expectations.