Problems within a relationship
Problems within a relationship can stop you from experiencing sexual pleasure. Therapy can be useful, either by helping you handle your feelings about the relationship, or by relationship counselling to resolve issues and open-up communication. A GP may refer one or both of you for psychosexual counselling or relationship therapy so you and your partner can discuss any sexual and emotional issues that may be contributing to your lack of sex drive.
Poor mental health
Feeling down, poor mental health or illness, and even certain medications, can make you feel less likely to want to have sex. This feeling should pass once you have addressed the underlying issue or if it is caused by your medication you should speak to your GP.
Stress
Stress can be a huge factor when it comes to not feeling in the mood. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You can reduce stress with regular exercise and a healthy diet as well as regularly practicing controlled breathing. You could check out local services to help you to reduce your stress.
The menopause
During and after menopause, changes in your levels of the hormones oestrogen and testosterone may affect your libido.
The falling oestrogen that happens during the menopause not only affects your sex drive, it also reduces the natural vaginal secretions that a woman produces, leading to dry vaginal tissue which can be uncomfortable and even painful during sex. However, painful or uncomfortable sex should not be something you have to accept, a GP or menopause specialist can help you with medications or vaginal creams to help sex more pleasurable again. Don’t suffer in silence, speak to your GP.
Lubricant (lube) can help make sex more pleasurable, especially during the menopause. There is a wide range of lube available, you can even get in the supermarkets. You can also order free lube delivered to your door from our service, click here to place an order.
You have just had a baby?
Whilst some women are ready to have sex soon after birth, others may want to take their time, especially after a traumatic birth. You should always follow your healthcare providers advice on when you can resume sex, this is usually around six weeks after delivery but this doesn’t mean you must start to have sex at this time, you should start to have sex again when you and your partner are ready. Some women may want sexual pleasure or intimacy but are worried about vaginal penetration. Remember, vaginal sex isn’t the only way to experience pleasure and it can be fun to explore new ways to experience pleasure without vaginal penetration! Erotic massage, oral sex, mutual masturbation can be great ways to reintroduce pleasure after birth. Some women may also find using sex toys can help give them more control and help build confidence leading to penetrative sex.
Sex after birth may initially be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. Lubricant (lube) can help make sex more comfortable, click here to order free lube. If you are worried about resuming sex after having a baby, or experiencing painful sex or bleeding, speak to your GP or health visitor.
Don’t forget about contraception! You can get pregnant soon after birth, even before your periods have started or while breastfeeding. Click here for more information.
You have a drug or alcohol problem
Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to physical problems in the bedroom, including erectile dysfunction and can lower libido. If you feel you need any support with your drug or alcohol use you can contact GCL.
An underlying medical problem.
Certain medical conditions can make having sex less pleasurable by causing:
- Certain medical conditions can make having sex less pleasurable by causing:
- Painful penetration
- Erectile or ejaculation dysfunction
- Bleeding during/after sex.
If you are worried or have been experiencing the issue for a while, you should visit your GP.