DIFFERENT SEX DRIVES - AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Few couples have matched sex drives - often called libido.

If one partner has a libido higher or lower than their partner's, relationship difficulties can result.

What are the reasons for low sex drive?

• Stress - reduces the production of testosterone needed for sex drive.
  
  
• Pregnancy - can increase or decrease sex drive. Hormone levels, nausea, tiredness, sore breasts and changes in body image can all decrease libido.
  
  
• Parenting - lack of time and energy, interruptions by children, and hormonal levels after childbirth can all decrease sex drive.
  
  
• Oral Contraceptive Pill - can affect horrnonal levels and decrease the effect of testosterone thereby lowering sex drive.
  
  
• Medications - for blood pressure, anitdepressants, tranquillisers, diuretics, steroids and anti-ulcer drugs can decrease the sex drive.
  
  
• Chronic illness and life threatening conditions can cause worry, depression, anxiety and fear and thus decrease libido.
  
  
• Relationships - can be unhappy, abusive and decrease sexual attraction and sex drive. Other inhibitors of sex drive related to relationships are poor communication, lack of intimacy, insecurity (lack of commitment), unresolved jealousy, lack of respect, power struggles and inequality, and sexual problems. Most commonly there can be lack of affection, companionship, fun and romance - or just plain BOREDOM !!

What can you do about low sex drive ??

• Some people seek creams, lotions and pills to increase the blood flow to the genitals and physically increase libido. These however, are not solutions for a poor relationship or communication difficulties.
  
  
• Communicating about possible reasons for low libido is a great first step. Is it really a problem in the relationship? It may not be an issue for you or your partner.
  
  
• Communicate about any problem or cause that you both identify.
  
  
• Self help books abound on these topics. Remember that it needs both partners to be committed to making changes suggested by the books.
  
  
• Relationship counselling may help. Talking about current relationship problems with a professional counsellor may help you both to identify expectations of the relationship and find a solution.
  
  
• Get fit and active - often increasing energy and vitality helps to wake up your sex drive and allows you both to enjoy sex again.
  
  
• Relieve the boredom - do something different. Check out the LoveLife Plus website - events, information, sensual products and hints on re-igniting the spark !!

Have some fun and enjoy the health benefits of a satisfying sexual relationship.