The concept of libido was first mentioned in the works of the German psychiatrist Albert Moll, and became most widespread thanks to the psychoanalysis of Sigmund Freud. The scientist explained the term as energy associated with the desire for life and procreation. Today, the term is associated with sexuality and sexual desire. It is impossible to define libido, because it is individual for each person, depending on somatic and psychological conditions, hormonal changes, or the presence of infectious diseases.
Definition and types of sexual desire
From the point of view of psychologists, libido is sexual desire, interest, an integral part of a person’s character, which is influenced by many factors. A sexologist and psychologist from Austria has been studying this topic for a long time and has identified the types of sexuality that can be shown to a partner:
- sensual (emotional connection is preferred over intimacy itself)
- erotic (intimate relationships should be diverse, passionate, this is what brings a partner closer)
- dependent (sex as a stress relief, getting rid of life problems, and unwillingness to make love is defined as a lack of love and attention)
- reactive (a person gets pleasure when a partner is happy and joyful)
- titular (they consider it their right to get everything they want in an intimate relationship)
- stressful (avoiding intimacy for fear of failure or shame).
Causes of decreased libido
In the modern active rhythm of life, many people are faced with the question of why libido decreases. It is worth noting that at different stages of life, sexual desire is influenced by biological and social factors. For example, during puberty, the level of desire for intimacy is higher than in other years, the first years of a relationship are filled with passion, and later these emotions fade away, during ovulation, when there is a surge of hormones, women show great interest in sex, and in menopause, as a result of age-related involutional changes, desire decreases. The reasons for the decrease in desire are also considered to be:
- Gynecological diseases
- Diseases of the genitourinary system in men
- Taking hormonal contraceptives
- Bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol)
- Stress, fatigue, exhaustion.
Female libido
Women with a high level of sexual desire are active in intimate and social life, attractive, energetic, but a very high libido can create problems that interfere with normal life, here are the symptoms of this condition: constant sexual arousal, when intimacy is not satisfying, obsessive thoughts about sex, constant conversations on such topics, desire for intimate relationships with strangers, lack of interest in everyday activities, hormonal disorders, mental illnesses. It is very difficult for a woman to control herself, which can lead to undesirable consequences and social problems. Reduced libido is provoked by the postpartum period, fatigue, stress, negative emotions, and changes in feelings towards a partner. If you have such signs, you should consult a specialist who will help you get through this stage and put everything back in its place.
What hormones are responsible for sexual desire
The level of desire for intimacy is influenced by a number of hormones, among the most important of which are testosterone, prolactin, estradiol (responsible for femininity), luteinizing (stimulates ovulation and increases libido in women), progesterone, thyroid (increased levels suppress ovulation and therefore reduce sexual desire), and the stress hormone cortisol.
Male libido
Increased sexual desire in men is manifested by constant obsessive thoughts about sex, the need for it or self-satisfaction, and this condition occurs due to mental disorders. The causes of decreased libido in men are low testosterone levels, certain medications, sleep disturbances, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, stress, and physical inactivity. Reduced libido in men can lead to erectile dysfunction, as arousal is a component of an erection. If you have such signs, a man should consult a urologist.
How to increase libido
For a long time, people paid a lot of attention to how to increase sexual desire, inventing many ways, including aphrodisiacs, various drugs, supplements, and nowadays psychological tests aimed at harmonizing relationships in a couple are becoming widespread, and experts often use Sandra Perto’s table, where you can consider the types of libido and assign yourself to a certain category, discuss your desires with your partner. The emotional and physical state of the body, rest, relaxation, which can be obtained by signing up for an erotic massage session, as well as the developed sex industry, intimate toys and devices that will help you get new sensations and emotions, are also of great importance.
What affects libido
The state of sexual desire is influenced not only by a healthy lifestyle, but also by environmental factors, it is very important to eat a balanced and rational diet, include a lot of vegetables, fruits, herbs, seafood, meat and fish in your menu, it is believed that bananas, apples, strawberries, eggs, shrimp, etc. can stimulate desire. Physical activity, exercise, all this has a positive effect on the level of libido.
Before intimacy, it is necessary to prepare the room, create the most comfortable atmosphere, turn on relaxing music, pay enough attention to foreplay, for this you can use gentle touches, kisses of erogenous zones, erotic massage with the use of essential oils that provide greater relaxation (rose, tangerine, cinnamon).erotic massageBefore intimacy, it is necessary to prepare the room, create the most comfortable atmosphere, turn on relaxing music, pay enough attention to foreplay, for this you can use gentle touches, kisses of erogenous zones, erotic massage with the use of essential oils that provide greater relaxation (rose, tangerine, cinnamon).
It is very important to learn to understand your own needs and desires, to talk openly about them with your partner, to establish close relationships and a healthy, sexual life that brings pleasure and positive emotions.
