If you have been in a relationship long enough, you know how long the “honeymoon period” lasts – not too long! While the debate around female pleasure has gained momentum, there’s a need to address the dying urge to have sex in women as well. After a point of time, some women feel that the fiery spark of passion flickers away in a relationship, but why does it happen? It is important to understand the causes of why a woman loses interest in sex and whether there is anything they can do to reignite the spark in their relationship.

Health Shots spoke to infertility expert and gynecologist Dr Chetna Jain to understand the causes of the dying sex drive in women.

What are the symptoms of low sex drive in women?

The sexual drive of women changes over the years. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of low libido in women you should know:

• Vaginal dryness
• Feelin discomfort and pain during intercourse
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• No interest in any sexual activity, including masturbation
• Not getting aroused, even during foreplay

What are the causes of low sex drive in women?

Sexual drive is based on several factors, including physical and emotional well-being. Here are some of the most common symptoms of low sex drive in women:

1. Physical problems

• Surgery: Certain surgeries related to the breast or genital tract can affect your sexual desire.
• Heart conditions: High blood pressure, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases can lead to a lack of sexual desire. Such conditions disrupt the blood flow to intimate areas, which makes it difficult to get arousal and reach orgasm. It also causes vaginal dryness as well.
• High blood sugar levels: Diabetes can damage your blood vessels and nerves, which can affect your sexual desire and make it difficult for you to reach orgasm.
  Medicines: Certain medications such as anti-depressants and thyroid medicines can cause low sex drive in women.

Also Read: Low blood sugar after sex? Here’s what’s happening

2. Hormonal changes

• Menopause: This condition causes your estrogen levels to drop, due to which women often lose interest in sex. A fall in estrogen levels can make the vaginal tissues dry and sex uncomfortable and painful.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: A lot of hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, due to which women find it difficult to be sexually active. While some women manage it, some lose interest in sex. If this is affecting your relationship, you should meet a doctor.

3. Psychological reasons

Several psychological reasons can cause low libido in women. Here are some of the common causes of low libido in women:

4. Relationship problems

Relationship problems are often one of the biggest reasons that lead to a lack of sexual intimacy. If your relationship is not working, a lack of sexual desire comes as a natural side effect of these problems. Other factors can contribute to a lack of sexual desire in women, including:

• Being in abusive behaviour of a partner
• Being with an emotionally unavailable partner
• Daily fights in a relationship
• Communication gap in a relationship
• Trust issues in a relationship

If this is the case, you should try to talk openly with your partner and try to improve your relationship. If you think things can’t work out, it is better to move on.

Having said that, there are an array of reasons that contribute to a lack of sexual desire in women. It is important to identify the problem and address it before its too late.