If you’re noticing that you’re thinking about sex more often, or feeling extra flirty, there are a bunch of reasons why your sex drive (also called libido) might be on the rise.
We all experience fluctuations in our sex drive, those urges to be intimate with someone. Sometimes it feels like it’s on overdrive, and other times it’s quieter than a library during nap time.
But what causes these changes?
1. Hormones
The hormones in our bodies play a big role in how we feel, including our sex drive. Here’s how some of these hormones can impact things:
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Estrogen and testosterone: For women, estrogen levels rise during ovulation (when you’re most likely to get pregnant), naturally boosting your sex drive. Men rely on testosterone for libido, and levels can fluctuate throughout life.
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Progesterone: This hormone rises after ovulation and can sometimes have the opposite effect, lowering your sex drive.
2. Feeling good
When you feel good overall, your body and mind are more likely to be in sync, including your desire for intimacy. Here are some factors that can contribute to a high libido:
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Physical fitness: Exercise releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals in your brain that can boost mood and energy, making you more open to intimacy.
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Less stress: Chronic stress can be a libido killer. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, your body focuses on dealing with that stress, leaving less room for romance. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can make a big difference.
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Quality sleep: Just like needing fuel for your car, your body needs sleep to function at its best. Feeling well-rested can improve your mood and energy levels, both of which can impact your sex drive.
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Healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can positively affect your hormones and overall health, which can indirectly improve your libido.
3. Relationship rendezvous
The way you connect with your partner can have a big impact on your sex drive:
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Strong bond, happy sex life: Feeling close to your partner, communicating openly, and having a supportive and respectful relationship can all contribute to a healthy and satisfying sex life.
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New love, new spark: The beginning stages of a relationship are often filled with excitement, which can lead to a heightened sex drive for both men and women.
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Date nights: Planning special moments together, like a romantic date night, can reignite the spark and boost your interest in intimacy.
4. Other factors
There are other things that can play a role in your sex drive:
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Certain medications: Some medications can have side effects that affect libido. If you’re concerned about a medication’s impact, talk to your doctor.
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Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can also affect sex drive. If you’re worried about a decrease in libido, talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.
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Life changes: Major life changes, like a new job, moving, or having a baby, can temporarily affect your libido. Give yourself time to adjust and things will likely find their balance again.
Understanding your cycle (for women)
Women’s sex drives can fluctuate throughout their menstrual cycle. Here’s a quick rundown:
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Pre-ovulation: Estrogen levels rise, leading to increased blood flow to the genitals and heightened sensitivity, often resulting in a higher sex drive.
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Ovulation: This is when you’re most likely to get pregnant, and your body naturally ramps up your sex drive to increase the chances of conception.
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Post-ovulation: Progesterone rises after ovulation, sometimes causing a decrease in sex drive for some women.
The key takeaway
A high sex drive is a normal and healthy part of life! While it can fluctuate for various reasons, understanding the factors at play can help you find ways to maintain a healthy and fulfilling sex life.
Here are some tips for keeping the spark alive:
1. Communicate openly with your partner. Talk about your needs and desires, and be open to trying new things together.
2. Make time for intimacy, even when life gets busy. Schedule regular date nights or set aside some quality time for cuddling and connection.
3. Prioritise healthy habits. Get enough sleep, manage stress, and maintain a balanced diet. These things contribute to overall well-being, which can positively impact your sex life.
A healthy sex life doesn’t have to be about constant high desire. If you’re concerned about your sex drive, talking to a doctor can help rule out possible undelying medical conditions.
