Let’s face it, when trying to conceive sex can sometimes become more of something on a “to do” list rather than an enjoyful act with your partner. If you have been trying to get pregnant for a while, you might find that your sexual desire is less than desirable at times. Making a baby can be hard work, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Today I would like to focus on how to increase libido in women because sometimes we need the extra boost or motivation!
What Is Libido
The libido is your sex drive and your desire to have sex. In men and women the causes for low libido can be very similar, but in this article I am solely focusing on the woman’s libido. The libido in women is caused by the hormone testosterone which is produced in our ovaries. Testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen play a key role in ovulation. Testosterone and progesterone are converted into estrogen in order to build up the uterine lining prior to ovulation. Research shows that testosterone levels are increased around ovulation. This increase signals our body’s that it is time to have sex in order to get pregnant. The problem is if trying to conceive has become stressful you might miss this signal altogether or never receive one.
Stress and depression can cause a low sexual desire altogether and honestly the ability to conceive or not conceive can be both stressful and depressing. While stress and depression may not affect the levels of testosterone in our bodies, a woman’s libido is more complicated and can be affected by our emotional and mental state not just what is going on with our bodies physically. So if you have noticed that your sexual desire has decreased during your journey to try to conceive, you may want to have a heart-to-heart with your partner to boost up your self-esteem and confidence. As confidence boosting may help increase your libido.
How To Increase Libido In Women
When looking to remedy any condition, I prefer to start with natural cures before going straight to prescribed medicine. When it comes to libido issues, you can change up your diet to increase libido. Minerals, vitamins, and supplements contain properties that can help increase the libido.
Minerals like zinc and magnesium are good for libido so eating foods rich in these minerals may work in your favor. Zinc increases testosterone and magnesium enables testosterone to be distributed directly into the blood stream to boost your libido.
Vitamin C is important for circulating blood to the organs and arteries to increase sexual drive. Vitamin B-12 and other B complex vitamins aid in blood flow as well and also boost energy levels to alleviate depression which in turn can increase libido.
Supplements such as: bromelain, L-arginine, omega 3 fatty acids and rhodiola can assist in increasing libido as well. Bromelain increases the production of testosterone. L-arginine increases blood flow to the sexual organs and rhodiola aids in blocking the break down of dopamine. Higher levels of dopamine can increase your sexual desire. Omega 3 fatty acids also increase dopamine levels. You can usually purchase these supplements at your local grocer.
Here is a list of foods that contain these minerals and vitamins:
- Walnuts-Omega 3 fatty acids
- Halibut-Magnesium
- Bananas-Bromelain
- Beef-Zinc
- Organges-Vitamin C
- Pumpkin seed-Zinc
- Almonds-Zinc
Some natural aphrodisiacs are:
- Dark chocolate
- Avocados
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Clove
So there are so many things you can incorporate into your diet in order to boost the mood and make baby dancing fun.
My Suggestion
I completely understand how hard it can be to keep spirits up when trying to get pregnant. It can take a toll on couples mentally and physically. While I am focusing on the female libido, the male libido can be affected as well when sex becomes a chore rather than an intimate act. I would first suggest communicating your difficulties with your partner. Maybe a little pep talk can boost your psyche and get you in the mood.
Switch things up and try not to make things so routine. This might be a challenge if you have other kids at home, but remember to make time for your partner. You are more than a mother and you should be treated as such. Lastly, incorporate some of these foods in your diet to see if it helps. If anything, they are healthier options for you. Avoiding foods like: sugar, caffeine, and high sodium foods that can mess with your circulatory system and blood sugars.
Now is the best time to start thinking about changing your diet for the best as this will be an important part of your life once you conceive and once your little one begins eating solids foods. You will be the example he or she looks up to. So start now!
As always, I am curious to know if you have tried any of these things to increase libido and if they worked or didn’t work. Please leave me a comment as I would love to hear from you. If you have any suggestions, please leave that as well. I appreciate it. Good luck and baby dust!
What a great post! I love that your focus is more about natural way to increase your libido. Prescribed medication always seems to have so many side effects!
I didn’t realize that the increase in vitamins and minerals could help you have more desire to be sexually active.
Great read!
Thank you for reading. I am all about the natural ways to do anything before taking a prescribed medication. Eating a balanced diet can be hard for most so vitamins are the way. In fact, so many of the fertility boosting supplements are great and provide the nutrients that are needed to increase the libido.
Nice post. I like your natural approach to increasing fertility and sex drive. I find that working out and eating healthy is what does it for me- if I am feeling good then it reflects in my sex drive. If I am feeling “gross” then, obviously- not interested. Also feeling connected with ones self through meditation can be beneficial too.
Thank you for reading. You are absolutely right on the meditation. In my post Acupuncture For Fertility, I discussed mind over matter. When you have a good mental outlook, you are able to achieve so much. A lot of that can come from meditating daily to reduce stress and take the pressure of. It keeps you focused. I couldn’t agree with you more!
You offer some great suggestions on how to increase libido in women. Now I have another reason to eat dark chocolate! I can see how stressful it must be for couples who are trying hard to conceive. It can really change how the couple view sex and each other. Eating the right foods and taking some supplements, exercising and mixing it up in the bedroom could be a great combination for success!
Yes, when you are working hard to get pregnant sex can become more of a chore. Mixing it up is definitely a good idea. Maybe throw in a little chocolate (just kidding)! Eating healthy plays a big part because it provides energy and nutrients that we need in order to conceive. I also have a few supplements that I recommend as well. Especially if you are unable to eat the daily requirement. Thank you for stopping by!