4 Lifestyle Factors Affecting Women's Sex Life

There are several factor that could affect women's sex life. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) refers to a persistent or recurring loss of sexual desire or interest, disorders of genital arousal and pain and difficulty in sexual intercourse. Women experience the following as part of FSD:

• Diminished sexual desire - Women with FSD have a reduced interest in sex.
• Inability to feel aroused - This inability is often linked to inadequate vaginal lubrication.
• Lack of orgasm - A woman with FSD is unable to reach sexual climax most of the time.
• Painful sex

The fast-paced lifestyle most people lead today is leaving less time for people to spend with their partners, along with the stresses of one's routine taking a toll on physical, emotional and mental health. One's sex life also depends on their sexual well-being.

Let's take a look at the various lifestyle factors that affect women's sex life:

1. Imbalanced diet

A balanced diet keeps the body functioning optimally. It also keeps hormones in balance, including the sex hormones, testosterone and oestrogen. In fact, experts suggest that foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, seeds and salmon promote the production of oestrogen and testosterone, which are important for maintaining sex drive.

However, it is easy to fall prey to a diet full of processed foods, high sugar, etc. that creates imbalance of major nutrients in the body and making people prone to illnesses.

2. Stress

Stress has become a part of modern life, and it takes a toll on one's health and sex drive. A high level of stress has been shown to reduce the level of testosterone in the body. Also, being constantly under stress causes fatigues, which affects the happiness level of a woman. It is important to take out some time every day to relax the body and mind through calming activities like yoga, meditation, walking, listening to music, etc.

3. Hormone problems

A low sex drive can be a result of underactive thyroid gland. Thyroid gland problems can stem from poor lifestyle choices, among other medical reasons. It makes a woman feel tired and depressed all the time and also cause weight gain. Another hormonal issue, hyperprolactinaemia (increased prolactin in blood) is also linked to reduced sex drive.

4. Overweight

Being overweight due to a sedentary lifestyle with no physical activity is a common cause of low self-esteem in women. Fretting over body image lowers their libido while also bringing on a host of other health issues.

In women, sexual intimacy is closely linked to emotional closeness with the partner. A stressful lifestyle that affects the emotional connection between partners (poor communication, conflicts, lack of connection) can further result in female sexual dysfunction in women.

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