To increase libido in women, a combination of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and medical treatments can be effective:
Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes
- Exercise regularly: Aerobic and strength training improve stamina, body image, mood, and boost libido
- Reduce stress: Techniques like journaling, meditation, and mindfulness therapy help lower stress, which can enhance sexual desire
- Improve communication: Open, honest conversations with a partner about likes, dislikes, and intimacy strengthen emotional connection and sexual desire
- Schedule intimacy: Setting aside dedicated time for sex can help reignite libido
- Try new things: Experimenting with different sexual positions, times, locations, foreplay, sex toys, and fantasies can add excitement
Dietary and Natural Approaches
- Balanced diet: Following a Mediterranean-style diet and eating foods like strawberries, honey, figs, pomegranate, chocolate, oysters, apples, watermelon, cacao, and soy products may support sexual health and blood flow
- Herbs and supplements: Saffron and fenugreek have some evidence for improving sexual arousal and libido, though more research is needed
- Acupuncture and massage: These may reduce anxiety and stress, indirectly boosting libido
- Yoga: Regular yoga practice improves desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction
Addressing Physical Symptoms
- Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers: Helpful for vaginal dryness and discomfort, especially during and after menopause, improving comfort and desire
- Manage lifestyle habits: Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, and illegal drugs as they can reduce libido
Medical Treatments
- Testosterone therapy: Can improve libido in perimenopausal and menopausal women, though no FDA-approved female testosterone products exist in the U.S. and it requires medical supervision
- FDA-approved medications for HSDD (Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder): Flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) are options for premenopausal women and sometimes off-label for others
- Vaginal hormone creams: DHEA or estradiol creams can improve vaginal tissue health and sexual comfort
Additional Tips
- Improve sleep quality, as better sleep is linked to higher libido
- Engage in intimate activities like massage, bathing together, and slow kissing to foster connection and desire
Combining these approaches tailored to individual needs and consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment is the most effective way to increase libido in women.
