With the rise in vaginal rejuvenation treatment in the cosmetic practice, it’s a conversation you may find yourself having with female patients, namely boosting libido. More than 80% of menopausal women were found to have sexual dysfunction in a recent study. While there are medicines, devices and other treatments that can help, physicians might also offer a few supplemental recommendations shown to boost a woman’s libido without therapy or surgery.
Leah Millheiser, M.D., clinical assistant professor of OB/GYN and director of the Female Sexual Medicine Program
Dr. Millheiser at Stanford University, offers five libido-boosting tips based on her book, 5 Ways to Work on Your Libido, for women whose sexual lives might be suffering due to normal life cycle fluctuations, like post-partum or menopause, as well as a result of illness, such as diabetes or cancer.
- Women should get themselves a little something that makes them feel sexy. Wearing what the Victoria’s Secret Angels model on the runway might not be what makes a woman feel sexy. In fact, it could have the opposite effect and result in her feeling self-conscious. This is about what makes her feel in the mood, attractive and sexy.
- Don’t stop paying attention to foreplay. Familiarity and comfort can lead couples to cut corners. But, as Dr. Millheiser writes, “…as we get older, women's bodies need a little more time to ramp up to the main event.” Women should encourage their partners to take time and pleasure in their bodies and focus on romance. Dr. Millheiser recommends women try a pre-sex personal care device developed by OB/GYNs called Fiera (Aytu Women’s Health). It’s not a vibrator, according to the company website. Rather, it helps to enhance physical arousal, naturally jump starting a woman’s sex drive. The problem with Fiera, according to many of the reviews on the site, is its price, which starts at $199 and goes to $249.
- Harness the sexual health power of good sleep. Quality sleep often suffers with age. And good sleep is important for good sex, according to Dr. Millheiser. The doctor recommends women regularly take stock of what they’re doing during the day and night that might detract from a sound night’s sleep; then, implement what they can to help ensure they get the needed rest. For example, the afternoon coffee might have helped a woman feel energized a few years ago, but now drinking it leads to tossing and turning at night.
- Give porn or erotica a try. The bad associations aside, looking at erotic images is a great way to get in the mood, according to Dr. Millheiser. But if that idea crosses the line, try this: Cosmopolitan lists The 39 Most Arousing Sexy Movies of All Time.
- Communicate; be open. Women should be and need to be open about what gives them pleasure. Dr. Millheiser recommends women talk with their partners about how their bodies are changing, and how their needs and desires may have changed, too. They should consider being open with others — definitely, doctors — about their concerns and concerns and how to address them. “Many women find they have the best sex of their lives as they age, and open thinking and communication are the keys to bringing it about,” Dr. Millheiser writes.
Source: 5 Ways to Work on Your Libido, by Leah Millheiser, M.D.
Disclosure: Dr. Millheiser is the chief scientific officer of Aytu Women's Health.
