How to Increase Libido in Women: Debunking Common Myths and Misconceptions
Team Proactive for her

Team Proactive for her

Dec 22Sexual Health

How to Increase Libido in Women: Debunking Common Myths and Misconceptions

Quick Answer

Low libido in women is rarely caused by one thing, it’s a mix of hormones, stress, emotional fatigue, relationship dynamics, and even sleep. Improving it means addressing the whole picture, not just taking supplements.

At Proactive For Her, most women who come in saying “My sex drive disappeared” discover that it’s linked to mental load, overstimulation, body image, or unspoken relationship strain, not a lack of desire.

Our sex therapists and gynecologists work together to help women rebuild libido through medical checks, emotional healing, and body awareness.

Desire isn’t gone. It just needs the right environment to return.

Common Myths About Women’s Libido

Many cultural myths make women feel guilty for not “wanting it enough.” Some examples we hear every week:

  • “Low libido means something is wrong with my hormones.”
  • “Good relationships don’t have desire issues.”
  • “Women naturally have lower sex drives than men.”

None of these are true. Libido rises and dips with stress, routine, emotional connection, and life transitions. At Proactive For Her, we help women unlearn these myths so they can understand their desire without shame or pressure.

Not sure where to start? Book a short screening call for pleasure support to understand what’s coming up for you and which approach or coach will help you most.

Understanding Libido in Women

Libido is influenced by three major factors:

  1. Biology: hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
  2. Emotional wellbeing: stress, self-esteem, mental load
  3. Relationships: connection, communication, trust

Many women notice libido drops after marriage, childbirth, new jobs, long-term stress, or burnout. It doesn’t mean the relationship is weak, it means the mind is overwhelmed. Our clinicians use structured libido screenings to assess hormonal, psychological, and relational triggers so treatment is personalised and clear.

The Role of Mental Health in Sexual Desire

Stress keeps your nervous system in survival mode, blocking arousal. Anxiety, trauma history, overthinking, or guilt can reduce desire even if you feel love and attraction.

During therapy sessions, we often hear: “I want to want sex, but my mind doesn’t switch off.”

Working on emotional safety, relaxation, body neutrality, and self-worth often improves libido more effectively than medication. Our Sex Therapy Program uses cognitive therapy, mindfulness, and body-mapping to help women reconnect with pleasure.

Natural Ways to Increase Libido

Simple lifestyle shifts can gradually restore sexual desire by improving circulation, hormonal balance, and relaxation. These include:

  • Mindful self-touch or solo exploration
  • Warm-up rituals like music, deep breathing, candles, or aromatherapy
  • Prioritising emotional connection over performance
  • Creating “no-pressure intimacy time” with your partner

Women who incorporate small daily pleasure rituals often report improved comfort, lubrication, and desire over time. At Proactive For Her, our care plans blend physical, emotional, and relationship tools so women can rebuild libido without overwhelm.

Pelvic Floor Exercises for Women

The pelvic floor plays a major role in arousal, lubrication, and orgasm. Strengthening and relaxing these muscles helps improve sensitivity and desire.

Our physiotherapists commonly recommend:

  • Basic Kegel exercises
  • Pelvic relaxation training
  • Breathwork for tension release
  • Yoga-based pelvic mobility routines

Libido-Boosting Foods and Natural Aphrodisiacs

Certain foods support hormonal balance, energy, and circulation, such as:

  • Dark chocolate
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Pomegranate
  • Spinach
  • Avocado
  • Berries

While no food can “cure” low libido, better nutrition improves mood, stamina, and sexual energy. Our nutrition team helps women build sustainable meal plans that support overall libido and hormonal wellbeing.

Lifestyle Changes to Increase Libido

A few foundational habits make a big difference:

  • Better sleep: improves hormonal balance
  • Regular exercise: boosts mood and circulation
  • Stress management: lowers cortisol, which suppresses desire
  • Digital boundaries: reducing screen fatigue before bed
  • Couple intimacy exercises: eye contact, massage, shared gratitude lists

Women who commit to these small lifestyle changes often see faster and more lasting improvements than with supplements alone. Our sex therapy program integrates movement therapy, breathwork, and couple routines designed to rebuild connection without pressure.

When to Seek Professional Help

You should speak with a therapist or gynecologist if:

  • Low desire persists for months
  • Sex feels like a chore
  • You experience dryness or discomfort
  • You feel emotionally disconnected from sex
  • Medications (like antidepressants) affect arousal
  • You’re unsure whether hormones are involved

What if you’ve never had an orgasm?

It’s more common than you think. Many women struggle because of stress, lack of body awareness, pain, or pressure to perform, not because something is wrong.

How our Pleasure Program helps: 

• Learn practical techniques to understand arousal and sensation

• Reduce anxiety and mental blocks around pleasure

• Explore what feels good through guided, science-backed exercises

• Build body awareness and confidence

• Overcome challenges like pain, dryness, or low libido

• Support from gynecologists, therapists, and sexual wellness experts

 

Why Proactive For Her

  • India’s first women-led clinic network integrating gynecology, therapy, and sexual wellness
  • 800+ women treated through our Pleasure Program
  • Certified sex therapists, OB-GYNs, pelvic physiotherapists, and nutritionists
  • Trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ inclusive, and science-backed care
  • 100% confidential, stigma-free, and focused on comfort

Whether libido loss started after childbirth, stress, or relationship fatigue, our team helps you understand it and rebuild desire gently and safely.

If low desire, disconnection, or confusion around pleasure feels familiar, book a confidential consultation with our Pleasure & Intimacy Coach and get personalised, judgment-free guidance designed for you.

FAQs

Q: Is low libido normal after marriage or childbirth?

A:Yes. Hormonal shifts, exhaustion, and emotional load commonly reduce desire during these phases.

Q: Does stress really affect sexual desire?

A: Very much. High cortisol can shut down arousal and reduce lubrication.

Q: Can food or exercise increase libido?

A:They help by boosting circulation and mood, but work best alongside emotional and relational changes.

Q: Should I take supplements for libido?

A: Only after medical guidance. Many “aphrodisiac supplements” are unregulated or ineffective.

Q: When should I see a doctor or therapist for low libido?

A: If it has persisted for months or impacts your relationship, self-esteem, or comfort.

Q: Can therapy actually improve libido?

A: Yes. Addressing stress, guilt, overthinking, or relationship strain often restores natural desire.

Q: Is it true that women just have lower libido than men?

A: No. Women experience desire differently, but not “less.” It’s responsive, contextual, and emotional.

Q: Can pelvic floor exercises help?

A: Yes. They improve blood flow, sensitivity, and confidence during intimacy.