How to fix low sex drive

Desire naturally changes over time and differs between people. A persistent change that bothers you can be linked to pain during sex, vaginal dryness, tiredness, low mood, anxiety, sleep problems, or a medicine. Hormonal changes during Menopause or Perimenopause may also affect desire. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause can cause dryness and discomfort that make intimacy difficult, even when emotional interest remains.

Start by noting when the change began, whether sex is painful, and any new medicines or major stressors. A clinician can review your health, menstrual or menopausal symptoms, mood, and relationship context. Treatment may include lubrication or local treatment for dryness, addressing pain or sleep problems, changing a contributing medicine when appropriate, counselling, or sex therapy. Testosterone Therapy for Women is a specialist option for some people and needs a careful discussion of benefits, side effects, and follow-up.

Arrange an appointment if low desire lasts, causes distress, follows a medicine change, or occurs with pain, bleeding, marked dryness, low mood, or relationship strain. Seek prompt help for sudden severe pelvic pain, unexplained bleeding after sex, or thoughts of self-harm. A clinician can check for a treatable cause rather than assuming the change is simply part of ageing.

Could pain, dryness, a medicine, mood, sleep, or a hormonal change be contributing? What checks are useful? Which treatment fits my health history, and how will we review whether it is helping?