பெண்களில் குறைந்த பாலியல் ஆசை: காரணங்கள்
Full translation coming soon; showing the English text.
Hormones, stress, medicines and relationships can all play a part. Here is how doctors assess it.
Low sexual desire in women is common and has many possible causes, including stress, tiredness, relationship problems, hormonal changes, depression and some medicines. It only needs treatment if it bothers you. A doctor can look for physical causes, review your medicines and suggest counselling, sex therapy or, sometimes, medical treatment.
What counts as low sexual desire?
Desire naturally rises and falls with life events, age and relationships, and there is no “normal” amount. Doctors only consider it a problem when lack of interest in sex lasts for several months and causes you distress. Many women notice they feel desire in response to closeness or touch, rather than spontaneously, and this is also normal.
What causes low desire in women?
Most women have more than one contributing factor. Common ones include:
- Stress, tiredness, caring for young children or long work hours
- Relationship conflict, poor communication or past negative sexual experiences
- Depression and anxiety, and some antidepressants (especially SSRIs)
- Hormonal changes after childbirth, while breastfeeding, and around menopause
- Pain during sex, vaginal dryness, thyroid problems or anaemia
- Hormonal contraception in some women
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor if low desire is upsetting you or your relationship, if it started suddenly, or if it came with pain, mood changes or other new symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your health, medicines, mood and relationship, and may suggest blood tests such as thyroid function, haemoglobin and, in some cases, hormone levels.
How is low sexual desire treated?
Treatment starts with the cause. Treating pain, dryness or depression, changing a medicine that affects libido, and making time for rest and intimacy often help. Sex therapy and couples counselling are effective for many women, and techniques such as mindfulness can improve desire and arousal. After menopause, local treatments such as vaginal estradiol can make sex more comfortable, which can also improve desire.
Talk to a specialist privately
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✓ VerifiedDr. Meera Kapoor
✓ VerifiedFrequently asked questions
Is it normal to lose interest in sex after having a baby?
Yes. Tiredness, hormonal changes while breastfeeding and the demands of a newborn commonly lower desire for months. It usually improves with time, rest and support.
Can my contraceptive pill lower my libido?
It can in some women. If you notice a change after starting a pill, talk to your doctor about trying a different method.
Is there a tablet for low desire in women?
There is no widely used tablet in India. Treatment usually focuses on the underlying cause, counselling and sex therapy.
Which doctor should I see?
A gynaecologist, a sexologist or a doctor trained in sexual medicine can help. Many also offer private video consultations.
References
- International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. Process of care for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women.
- Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India. Good clinical practice recommendations on female sexual health.
About Dr. Kavya Iyer
Gynaecologist & Sexual Medicine in Chennai with 12 years of experience.
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