Libido
Is your libido in overdrive? Or frustratingly stuck in second gear? Become a fast "libido expert" and learn about some surprising things that may affect it, with our special in-depth libido guide!
Libido is defined as "sexual desire". The level of someone's libido is the level of their interest in sex. Enhanced libido is said to be one of the three possible types of aphrodisiac effect, the others being potency (physical ability) and pleasure. Someone who has high (or perhaps a little too high) libido is said to be "libidinous".
The earliest reference I can find to the word comes from the Oxford English Dictionary, which cites Bokenham as having used the word lybydynous in the year 1477 to mean 'lustful' or 'lecherous'. However, the term nowadays has no negative connotation and libido simply means 'sex drive'. The term was popularized by the famous 19th / 20th century psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, who believed that if the libido was repressed - often through societal conformism - tension could arise in the individual, possibly leading to neurosis. [1] In old times, libido was often seen as a bad thing - but fortunately for us, it is now viewed more as a natural function of a healthy individual.
image © Serguei Kovalev - Fotolia.com
It's widely agreed that the level of libido can be influenced and changed by many psychological and physical factors. Here is our list of some things that may influence libido:
Nutrition: Malnourishment can lead to impairment of libido due to disruption of hormonal levels. It follows that healthy foods may have a restorative effect on libido - and this may be a possible reason for historical suggestions that certain highly nutritious foods are aphrodisiac: If individuals or populations are generally deficient in certain minerals or nutrients, the right foods may appear to be enhancing their libido when they are really "correcting" it.
Exercise: It's widely agreed that regular aerobic exercise improves libido. The simplest and most obvious concept is that exercise increases blood flow - including to the genital regions. However, exercise may also release endorphins in the brain, affecting sexual desire. Also, it can improve self-image, boost energy and reduce stress. These should be sufficient reason to get off your butt, in our opinion. :) [2] [3]
Stress or Fatigue: People under a lot of pressure find it harder to think about sex. They may be preoccupied - and it's widely held that relaxation improves libido. This is one of the reasons why massage is often suggested for couples as an "opener" to foreplay.
Obesity: Researchers have found that obesity and inactive lifestyle place men at increased risk of erectile dysfunction. It's also possible that obsesity can affect overall health and self-image (see below). [4]
Medication: Some medications, for example antidepressants, opioids, beta blockers, SSRIs and hormonal contraception, may in some cases cause decreased libido, sexual dysfunction or impotence. [1]
Health / Illness: In general, someone who is physically healthy enjoys a greater libido. If someone is unwell, they may lack the strength or desire to do many things, including sex.
Trauma / abuse: A past trauma or abuse scenario can affect someone's feelings towards sex and can greatly affect libido.
image © Ivan Bliznetsov - Fotolia.com
Self Image: Self image is a psychological concept that has risen to great prominence in recent years. It's said that how a person feels about themself - especially their feelings about whether they "deserve" fulfilling sex - can greatly affect their desire for, and performance of sex. Self image can be affected by many factors - including social judgement, beliefs and "programming" instilled in individuals by others. A good self-image is seen by "dating coaches" as important to success is dating and seduction, but it's also important to personal fulfilment.
Privacy: Some people are greatly inhibited in their desire for sex - and actual performance - if they are concerned that they are being watched, listened to, judged, or if they are nervous about getting "caught in the act". Simply changing the scenario to one where the person feels safe or private, can make a great difference. But not eveyone is built the same way: Some get a thrill out of exhibitionism or the risk of being discovered.
Nervousness: It's well known that if someone has a high degree of "performance anxiety", their libido can be affected. This, ironically, seems to happen more when someone is more "invested" in the success of an encounter. Conversely, someone who feels confident is more likely to feel a more natural flow of libido.
Unresolved relationship conflict: Attraction is a complex process - and it's known that if there is unresolved tension or argument, it can lead to a lack of desire for sex. Sometimes, attraction wanes in a relationship - yet it is not the only factor holding a partnership together. Someone may want to keep their relationship together for very valid reasons, such as being a devoted parent - yet they may find that their attraction to their partner has diminished. Attraction in a relationship is not as simple as someone's physical characteristics. Shared dreams, respect for one's partner, mutual collaboration and active interest in each other's world can affect attraction - and therefore libido. [5]
Menstrual cycle: Unlike most mammals, women's sexual activity is not limited to a certain period of the menstrual cycle. However, many scientific studies have upheld that female libido is affected by the menstrual cycle. [6]
Age: It's widely agreed that both men's and women's libido may decline later in life as a result of natural decline in hormone levels. Many people will recall - often with a certain wistfulness - the "raging hormones" of their teenage years. [sigh - ed.] Hormone replacement therapy is one (somewhat controversial) option that is now pursued by both men and women. However it's said by some that natural supplements such as Maca may be beneficial in balancing the hormonal system.
Supplements: Well, what did you expect from a web site all about aphrodisiacs? ;) Many herbs and supplements are believed to enhance libido - and if you explore this web site, you'll find some that have a long history of use and scientific research behind them.
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In summary - it seems clear that someone who is physically healthy enjoys a greater libido; and that libido level is not something that is set in stone. In other words, it's very likely you can do something about it. But even though this is a web site about aphrodisiacs - it would simply be untrue to say that they are the cure for everything. They may not be able to "fix" a relationship - and in some cases, loss of libido or ED can be a medical symptom that should be addressed in an appropriate way with professional medical advice or care. This article is not medical advice.
References:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libido
[2] http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,251805,00.html
[3] http://www.askmen.com/dating/dzimmer_60/77b_love_answers.html
[4] http://www.mydr.com.au/mens-health/obesity-and-inactivity-increase-risk-of-erectile-dysfunction
[5] http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-urban-scientist/201004/the-one-dating-trait-successful-future-mate
[6] http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2372/is_1_41/ai_n6032944/
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Important Medical Note: The information on This Website has not been evaluated by the FDA. This information on This Website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements on This Website are not medical advice or recommendations; if you have medical concerns or symptoms, or are considering use of herbs or supplements, please seek advice from a qualified physician.
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