Stress is a Major Factor Behind Low Libido in Women

By Linda Ryan

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

There are over 40 million women in the US and Canada-known as the Baby Boomer demographic-that are facing their menopause years, so this attention is not surprising. Boomers are continuing to change the way our culture views sexuality.

Everyone knows that stress plays a huge role in sexual desire. Your body naturally puts survival ahead of pleasure. Our lifestyles are so ramped up that we've lost sight of one of the most pleasurable - and stress relieving activities humans engage in - sex. When did things go so far off track?

It's clear then that stress and sex make bad bedfellows, a fact confirmed by a recent survey carried out by handbag.com where 22% of women questioned cited stress as the reason for their loss of libido.

In terms of diminishing libido, stress is right up there. What we need to do is find the right work life balance and not let all other demands on our lives take precedence so that we lose touch with our partners and our sexuality".

A lot of stress is generated because we give our attention to the things that might happen. In other words, it is not the situation you're in that determines the way you feel, but the thoughts, feelings and interpretations you give to the situation. As you feel stress begin to rise, stop and ask, "Is this something that is likely to happen or am I just worrying over probabilities?"

When stress seems beyond your control, ask yourself these questions:

• How can I reduce the stress at its source? A simple change can often make a big difference.

• Can you cope with it in another way, or shield yourself from it? Changing your attitude or perspective can dissolve stress very quickly.

• Can you compensate for it by nurturing yourself? Stress is often used to get sympathy and attention from others... "I have to do everything myself!" It's easier to let go and get creative with yourself.

The positive effects of changes in your routine, a new outlet of creative expression, help from your partner, working on unresolved problems, time devoted to yourself - can be profound.

While most of us generally recognize that extremely uptight and stressed-out people could benefit from a nice roll in the hay, sex isn't often included as a top stress management technique. With all the physical and emotional benefits sex provides, it should be! If stress has put a damper on your libido, you'll want to start exploring the stress-relieving benefits of a healthy sex life and start using it as a tool for release rather than an added burden.

Why not try this today?

Quicker can be better. Sex doesn't needs to be a long lasting, sensuous experience in order to be good. Sex can and should be lust at first sight sometimes, quick and unplanned. You don't have to look perfect and your partner doesn't have to come on to you.

Got an itch? If you're feeling turned on, act on it. Instead of waiting for the 'right' time, realize that a quickie can be the best way to remind your partner that you want them sexually and that you're not afraid to be spontaneous.