Sexual desire, also known as libido, is the name for interest in sex. It is generally accepted that men’s and women’s desire for sex can vary. For example, most women find their desire for sex changes throughout the menstrual cycle, when they are pregnant or breast-feeding and after the change of life (the menopause). Feelings and relationships may greatly influence the desire for sex in many women. Excitement or arousal is the awakening of sexual feelings when we feel turned on and ready for sex. These feelings can be produced by simply seeing someone we fancy, being touched by or touching our lover, having a sexual fantasy or having our genital area touched. Arousal may, or may not, lead to orgasm Emotional effects on desire and sex drive
Desire and sex drive make us act in a certain way when we are sexually aroused. Desire is not static, it changes over the years. Many things can reduce sexual desire. Factors that affect desire include:
- tiredness
- stress
- mood changes (such as anxiety)
- changes in contraception methods
- feeling unhappy about our body
- relationship problems
- past traumatic sexual experiences
- excessive drug or alcohol use
- and boredom with your sexual routine.
Our desire for sex is greatly affected by our state of mind. If you are depressed, anxious or afraid about your cancer, its treatment or your relationship, you may find it more difficult to be aroused by thoughts of sex. Physical effects on sexual response
For the phases of sexual arousal to occur, certain systems in the body need to be working normally. Excitement, plateau and orgasm will only happen if the body has a good blood supply, if the nerves to the pelvic area are intact and if the balance of hormones in the body is right.
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