Mismatched Libidos
Tori Douglas on Sep 22nd 2023
We all have different sex drives at different points in our lives. Sometimes our libido might not match up with that of our partner's. This might be a matter of one of you going through a dry spell, so to speak. It could be libido changing as we age. There could be a lot of factors. There are just as many ways to work out this discrepancy with your partner.
Sex drive and desire ebb and flow over the course of our lives. From medical issues to relationship issues, the cause for one or both partners to have a lowered libido are many. Our relationships do not have to necessarily be negatively impacted by mismatched libido. Many relationships are negatively affected and steps should be taken to fix any sexual or intimate disconnect. It takes work from both partners to even up mismatched libido.
Medical issues and medications can affect our sex drive. There are many ways our physical and mental health can affect libido. Conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues can cause a lowered sex drive. Mental health issues like anxiety and depression can affect sexual function and pleasure. Unfortunately, the drugs to treat these issues usually cause a decrease in sex drive.
As we age our sex drive changes as well. Menopause can lower libido in women, as low testosterone can affect men as they age. Hormone replacement and other therapies are available. There are also some natural enhancements that help to increase testosterone in both men and women.
Sometimes in relationships desire can cool. It is common for those in long term relationships to go through periods where their libido does not sync up. Steps can be taken to remedy this.
Now what do we do about mismatched libido, no matter the cause? Do not underestimate the power of scheduling sex. If you have a regular sex date, you will hopefully look forward to it and be more receptive to sex. Scheduling lets you both relax. The person with a higher libido can look forward to getting their needs met and the person with a lower libido can relax knowing when and where they can concentrate on sex.
Concentration on intimacy in your relationships can help even out the disconnect in libido. Having date night and intimate contact without sex builds that trust needed for desire. Hand holding, talking one on one, and doing small favors or giving small gifts can build the foundation of your relationship and make sex more of a loving act and less of a chore for the partner with lower libido.
As with most sexual topics, communication is key in these kinds of relationships. Both partners need to communicate their wants and needs and really listen to what their partner wants and needs. There will most likely be a lot of compromise to make things work. This should be a friendly negotiation with both sides wanting to have their boundaries respected and their needs met.
Mismatched libido need not kill your relationship or your bedroom. A little work and a lot of communication can help keep things on a more even keel.