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Let’s get real—sex is nothing like they show in the movies. And you can thank your libido for that. Simply put, your libido is the biological need one has for sex. While it may seem like a very ‘instinctive’ construct, there are so many factors—physiological, mental, and emotional—that play a huge role in how your sex drive functions. “Libido in the most basic of terminologies is the term used to describe sexual drive or the desire for sexual activities,” explains Dr Prateek Makwana, Director, Vasundhara IVF. “According to the WHO and medical professionals alike sexual health is a part of the overall wellbeing, and it correlates with physical, emotional, mental, and social wellness. So it is in fact a key indicator of the quality of life, as well as good health!”
Sexual arousement vs libido
Are these two constructs the same? According to the Makwana, they are often interchangeable, however, there is a difference. “Libido as we said refers to sexual desire, arousal on the other hand is the physiological response to a sexual stimuli.” They can both be subjective.
Intimacy coach and sex educator, Pallavi Barnwal says that for her, libido is divided into two constructs—the old and the new. “I think that for most people when we hear the term libido, we just think it’s about an interest in sex and to be more specific, sexual intercourse,” she explains. The new construct, however, revolves around libido also being a motivational system. “It is a desire or want. It’s a core want or a motivational system experienced by an individual and it pulls you in with wanting and longing towards a positive state.”
Hormones & libido
Testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, DHEA, cortisol levels, play a key role in the way your libido works. “Hormones interact with the cells of our complex brain to trigger changes in our mood and behaviour. They direct both the hypothalamus responsible for your basic sex drive and the neocortex, responsible for thoughts and behaviours related to your sex drive,” explains Barnwal. In women, especially, there are three hormones that play a major role at a sexual stage—oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Dr Makwana adds, “Hormonal imbalances due to pathologies, a sedentary lifestyle, mental health, poor diet, and nutrition can impact the sexual desire in individuals. Even physiological factors are known to change the levels of hormones over time, for example during menopause, and therefore affect libido.”
It can oscillate
It’s extremely important to note that your libido can swing a bit over time. Dr Makwana says that a lot of factors can impact your libido from time to time, and therefore it can fluctuate. But, according to him, unless there is an underlying cause for it, it isn’t something to worry about. “The balance will return once you identify and work on the issue affecting your sexual drive.”
How to boost your sex drive
Now, onto the main question! Is there a way to boost your sex drive? Yes and no. Dr Makwana believes that there are no magical ways to do so, however, when it comes to lifestyle habits the most cliched advice is often the best. “Keep your nutrition in check and have some form of physical activity. Manage your stress well—mental health is often neglected, but is absolutely at the centre of overall well-being, including your libido.” He recommends that with factors like hormonal changes and menopause, it’s best to consult a doctor in order to get your sexual drive back on track.
Also read:
Should women have sex like men?
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