How is low sex drive treated?

A clinician may ask when the change began, whether it is distressing, and whether desire changes with a partner, alone, or in particular situations. They may review medicines, contraception, sleep, stress, mood, pain, vaginal dryness, and symptoms linked with hormonal changes. An examination or tests may be suggested when symptoms point to a physical cause.

Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Pain or dryness may improve with lubricants, moisturisers, or treatment for an underlying vaginal or urinary condition. A medicine that affects desire may need a review with the prescriber; do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. Anxiety, low mood, past difficult experiences, and relationship strain can be addressed with counselling or sex therapy. If low mood follows childbirth, treatment for postnatal depression may be relevant.

Arrange a confidential appointment if reduced desire is new, persistent, or troubling you. Before the visit, note your symptoms, menstrual or menopausal changes, medicines and supplements, pain or dryness, sleep, mood, and any recent life or relationship changes. This can help the clinician distinguish reduced desire from desire that is present but blocked by discomfort or fear.

Treatment might combine practical changes, talking therapy, management of pain or dryness, and a review of hormonal or other medical options. Testosterone therapy for women is a specialist option for some postmenopausal patients after assessment; it is not suitable for everyone and needs medical supervision. Avoid products marketed as libido boosters unless a clinician has checked their ingredients and suitability.

Seek prompt medical advice if low desire occurs with severe or new pelvic pain, unexpected vaginal bleeding, sores, unusual discharge, or pain during sex that is worsening. Contact a healthcare professional urgently if low desire comes with thoughts of self-harm, feeling unsafe, or severe depression, including after childbirth. These concerns need attention in their own right rather than being treated as a libido problem alone.

You could ask: Could a medicine, contraception, pain, dryness, mood change, or hormonal transition be contributing? Do I need an examination or tests? Which treatment matches my symptoms? Would counselling or sex therapy help? If hormonal treatment is considered, what benefits, side effects, and follow-up should I expect?