Low sex drive in women

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Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Low sex drive can be very difficult for you and your partner. It's natural to feel frustrated or sad if you aren't able to be as sexy and romantic as you want — or you used to be. At the same time, low sex drive can make your partner feel rejected, which can lead to conflicts and strife. And this type of relationship turmoil can actually add to your lack of desire for sex.

It may help to remember that fluctuations in your sex drive are a normal part of every relationship and every stage of life. Try not to focus all of your attention on sex. Instead, spend some time nurturing yourself and your relationship. Go for a long walk. Get a little extra sleep. Kiss your partner goodbye before you head out the door. Make a date night at your favorite restaurant. Feeling good about yourself and your partner can actually be the best foreplay.

References
  1. Lightner DJ. Female sexual dysfunction. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2002;77:698.
  2. Segraves R, et al. Female hypoactive sexual desire disorder: History and current status. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2006;3:408.
  3. Shifren J. Sexual dysfunction in women: Epidemiology, risk factors, and evaluation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 3, 2009.
  4. Shifren J. Sexual dysfunction in women: Management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 3, 2009.
  5. Gross G. Women and sexuality. In: Curtis MG, et al. Glass' Office Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006:560.
  6. Potter JE. A 60-year-old woman with sexual difficulties. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2007;297:620.
  7. Cope DW. The sexual history and approach to the patient with sexual dysfunction. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
  8. Moynihan R. The marketing of a disease: Female sexual dysfunction. British Medical Journal. 2005;330:192.
  9. Chasson S. Female sexual dysfunction. In: Schuiling KD, et al. Women's Gynecologic Health. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett; 2006:343.
  10. Goldstein I. Current management strategies of the postmenopausal patient with sexual health problems. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2007;4(suppl 3):235.

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Dec. 8, 2009

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