Root cause is usually psychological Stress, Depression, fear of getting pregnant, performance anxiety (see Erection Problems, Premature Ejaculation, Lack of Orgasm), and frequently boredom - rather than hormonal or physical (see Problems in Women and Problems in Men). Labels such as ‘frigidity' and 'impotence' are old-fashioned and extremely unhelpful. If there is no 'normal' level of desire for sex (libido) in men or women, although in both sexes it is the 'male' hormone testosterone which sustains it; testosterone levels can be depressed by poor liver or kidney function, Pituitary Problems, fatigue, pain, illness, depression, and stress, and also by tranquillizers, opiates, drugs used to treat high blood pressure, appetite suppressants, and alcohol.
In men testosterone production, and therefore libido, slowly declines with age; this leads to less urgency for coitus, slower erection, and delayed orgasm, all of which can add to sexual enjoyment rather than detract from it. In both sexes the ability to be mentally aroused lasts longest. For some women libido goes right down before a period (see Premenstrual Syndrome); temporary loss of interest in sex is perfectly natural after childbirth or gynaecological surgery; in some women oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy have a lowering effect on sex drive. In general, if sex is pleasurable before the Menopause it will continue to be pleasurable after it; indeed, for some women, cessation of fertility and relief from some of the pressures of home-making are a boost to libido. If sex drive falters after the menopause or after Hysterectomy and this causes relationship problems, medical doctor may prescribe testosterone.
Treatment of underlying conditions mentioned above is obvious first step to restoring libido. Where cause is mainly psychological, sex therapy can be very helpful. Homeopathic approach is constitutional, provided there are no physical problems, but the remedies below should be tried first.
Specific remedies for men, to be taken every 12 hours for up to 5 days
- Loss of sex drive or positive aversion to sex, premature ejaculation or no ejaculation, especially if Herpes is diagnosed Graphites 30c
- Premature ejaculation or inability to have an erection Lycopodium 30c
- Irritability, self-criticism and extreme sensitivity to real or fancied criticism from others, despair, thoughts of death Nitric ac. 30c
- Formation of allergies Apis 30c
- Apathy and indifference Phosphoric ac. 30c
Specific remedies for women, to be taken every 12 hours for up to 5 days
- General weakness, especially after prolonged or frequent intercourse Agnus 30c
- Irritability, feeling chilly, exhausted and indifferent to sex, energy revives after brisk exercise Sepia 30c
- Loss of libido associated with grief or repressed emotions Natrum mur. 30c
- Loss of libido following periods, vagina feels raw and sore Causticum 30c
- Formation of allergies Apis 30c
- Lumps in breasts Conium 30c
- Weepiness and depression Pulsatilla 30c
- Apathy and indifference Phosphoric ac. 30c
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