Cont from last post.

Mind over Sexual Matters

 

 

Here are a few more approaches.

Dig yourself out of the dumps. Depression can produce some very physical symptoms and is one of the most common causes of inhibited sexual drive, Dr. Zussman says. "When you’re depressed, you have an interest in practically nothing. Certainly your libido will be decreased, too. It just flies out the window." (See Depression on page 119.)

Look in your medicine chest. A number of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, especially certain types of psychiatric and antidepressant medications and some high blood pressure pills, could dampen libido for both men and women, says Richard C. Reznichek, M.D., a certified sex therapist, assistant clinical professor of urology at UCLA and urologist in Torrance, California. Some drugs also interfere with your ability to be aroused. If you’re using medications that you think are responsible for decreasing your sex drive, don’t stop taking them, Dr. Reznichek advises. Speak first with your doctor and ask for alternative drugs.

Ask for help. From your spouse, that is. At least at first. He or she may, after all, have been the first to note the low libido. Whether it’s exploring each other’s sensuality, experimenting with new positions or trying to get in the mood more often, explain to your spouse that you may feel awkward, self-conscious and a bit stressed in attempting to change, but that you want to do it for the sake of the relationship, Dr. Zussman says. "Evoke their cooperation. Tell them that you’ll need their help and understanding."

 

Talk to yourself . . . or perhaps to a friend. Ask yourself why your sex drive jackknifed into a ditch, Dr. Zussman says. Has it always been that way? What was happening in your life or relationship when it veered?

Mull it over in your head, then talk to your partner, a friend or a family member who knows you well, Dr. Zussman advises. They may help spark some insight.

Take time to address your stress. He works. She works. He’s tired at the end of the day. She comes home late several evenings a week. The kids have homework that needs to be checked. The ambition to excel professionally, the demands of raising children, the need to maintain social connections—all those stressors put the brakes on sex drive, Dr. Zussman says. "That can put you in a state of apathy when it comes to sex," she adds.

None of those everyday, everyweek worries leaves much time, ambition or emotional energy for making love, Dr. Zussman says. She suggests that a couple may need to give sex a higher priority in their relationship. "Try making a date with your partner. Not just to make love, but to talk with each other, hold each other and share your feelings and concerns with each other. That may help to restore your sexual interest."

Help for Those Hormones

It’s also entirely possible that your libido is being K.O.’d by a hormone imbalance in the body. Here’s what you should consider.

Deal openly with menopause. Some women may notice a declining interest in sex during menopause, Kessler says. It’s a common side effect while the body is attempting to adjust. Estrogen replacement therapy can help return your libido to normal, she says. "Once the unpleasant symptoms of menopause have stopped, the drive returns and could even be enhanced." If you are going through menopause, ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy.  

Wait out the pregnant pause. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, especially the last trimester, and lactation often can dampen the drive for sex, according to Kessler. "Hormones are present in different levels at these times," she says. "Loss of libido immediately after childbirth and during lactation is nature’s way of spacing children."

Test your testosterone. If you’re a man who seemingly has no psychological reason for a lack of desire, you may want to ask a doctor to perform a blood test that will gauge your body’s level of testosterone, according to Dr. Reznichek.

levels of the male hormone aren’t a common cause of sapping your sexuality, but it always must be suspected, Dr. Reznichek says. Depending on the cause, a physician could prescribe either testosterone injections or a medication that counteracts other hormones that are suppressing naturally occurring testosterone, he says.

I hope this helps you out, if not I can see what else I can do for ya. I do hope you find your answer and can get back to your fun together in

the bedroom. Take Care!

Sex*Goddess