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Stress and our Sexual Health

- By: Shay Morgan - Erotic Shop Sex and Relationship Coach / Counselor

At some point in our adult lives, we come across a moment of weakness where stress and problems affect our bodies. Nutritional issues and defects start to show, negative sleeping habits may come into affect, even poor eating habits may start to develop. I have learned, that's not all that happens. It also seeps into your relationships. Your friendships. Your family life. The worst? Your sex life. Yes, if you have issues with stress, whether at home or at work (however it may be), it can affect SEX. Your, libido.

What the heck is a libido?

Your libido, also known as a person's sex drive or desire for sexual activity, becomes affected when your mind becomes aroused. If you become stressed on everyday life, or during a major event, you become less aware of your desire for sex. Which decreases your libido. As a female, most of us take out stress on our emotions. Which causes us to lose our sexual desire. Males on the other hand, most use sex as a outlet for stress relief. Allowing them to be calmer and feel better about any situation they may be encountering during that time in their life.

How do we identify when stress has affected our libido?

Most of the time we are in a relationship and we can't seem to "make it work" in the bedroom. Maybe we just don't have the energy we used to have to enjoy our normal, everyday sexual fun. Our turn on's, don't do it the way they did. We feel annoyed at sex or sexual activity and maybe orgasms become harder to accomplish. As difficult as it is to admit to it, identifying it will help to put a end to it. To start the process of fixing.

What can we do fix it?

After identifying the issue, starting with what can help you to decrease the stress (or problems), can help. Whether its organization to balance life, seeing a therapist, a counselor, a guide, taking a vacation.. That is the first step. Even talking to your partner, family or friends. Depending on your type of stress, that is. Sometimes, people start groups, or meetings, to speak with others that have the same type of stress or issues to help overcome it.

Remember, we all have many different levels of stress. It's better to work on your stress one step at a time in order to overcome it. We also have to remember its not just stress that can affect the libido, so always make sure you speak with a physician. If you feel you are stress free and have these problems still, seek professional help. Always.

Are medications right for me?

Although we do feel hopeless during this, there alternative options for medications that people believe help with stress and depression. Except.. There is PROVEN fact that some (actually most) of these anti-depressant (anti-anxiety) drugs can cause side effects and long term damage of decreased sexual desire and other permanent health problems. So if you are on medications like these, or plan to be, talk with your physician. This way you can get your facts before starting or stopping these types of treatments. I personally feel better with a healthy diet and natural remedies. The less toxins in the body, the better!

What else can I do?

Try masturbating! Not joking. Bring your sex drive back. I found if I can't get myself to "that point", I can't get anything going! Let alone with a partner. Even try mutual masturbation with your partner if you really just can't stand to touch yourself (or just ready for some fun). Bringing YOUR flame back. Your libido. Set aside some time for yourself and allow yourself to take away the stress. Remember, if you aren't happy, your body isn't happy which can lead to becoming unhealthy. You want to be the best YOU possible!

Need more help? Just ask any of us here at Erotic Shop. We are here to guide you through everything. You can be healthy and have a great sex life. But first, you must start within yourself. With confidence, a little bit of work, and a clear mind .. You can have the best sex life to date! Enjoy!