Reason: It's Dry Down Below
The lining of the vagina is extremely estrogen sensitive, and when
hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause, women produce less
lubrication prior to and during intercourse. Hormone therapy is a
solution for some women. But there are other alternatives.
How Science Can Help
A lubricant that goes straight to the source
Whipple recommends Zestra (available at drugstores), a nonprescription
feminine arousal fluid made from botanical oils, which stimulates
nerves and blood vessels to increase arousal. Women who used Zestra
five times in a 2- to 3-week period (many described a warm feeling in
the genital area) boosted their sexual pleasure significantly, even if
they were taking libido-dampening antidepressants or had sexual arousal
disorder, according to a study on women ages 31 to 57 published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy.
Why Your Desire Is Lagging
Help Reaching Orgasm
Locally applied estrogen
This can significantly improve the lubrication situation--without the
dangers (such as increased breast cancer) of oral hormone therapy.
Whipple prefers insertable vaginal estrogen rings or tablets over
vaginal estrogen creams.
Reason: You Feel Disconnected From Your Partner
The demands of family and work life can often make long-married couples feel like strangers in the bedroom.
How Science Can Help
An ovulation kit
Oxytocin, often referred to as
the bonding hormone, spikes right before ovulation, a time when most
women are in the mood. According to Amen, oxytocin also helps dull your
memory of your partner's annoying traits (like his dirty socks on the
floor) enough to let you feel attracted to him. Chart your cycle and
schedule "date night" right before you ovulate.
More Science for Your Sex Life
Sleep Your Way Sexy
Snoring can hurt your sex life.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could be an unrecognized cause of sexual
dysfunction. In one 2006 study, researchers found that women's problems
reaching orgasm increased with the severity of their OSA. Treating men
and women for OSA (using continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP)
improved sex drive in all of them, according to another study. For tips
on diagnosing and treating OSA, go to the National Sleep Foundation at
sleepfoundation.org.
Coming to a Bedroom Near You: 2 Libido-Enhancing Drugs
Ask your doc to keep an eye out for these higher-desire meds that are in the works:
1. LibiGel. The only prescription testosterone gel to
boost sexual desire in women, this hormone treatment should receive FDA
approval by 2011.
2. Bremelanotide Nose Spray. First in a new class of
drugs called melanocortin agonists, this nasal spray--just click once
and breathe through a small inhaler, 15 to 30 minutes before
sex--increases blood flow to the genitals. Unlike Viagra, it has no
effect on the cardiovascular system (it works via the central nervous
system). In clinical trials of both premenopausal and postmenopausal
women with sexual dysfunction, it significantly increased desire and
genital arousal. Expect FDA approval for women in 2011.
Previous: Why Your Desire Is Lagging
Help Reaching Orgasm
More From Prevention
