How accurate is self-assessment of libido loss?

Interoception is the ability to recognize internal physiological states like heartbeat or breathing rate. It is thought that gender differences in sexual concordance may be due to overall gender differences in interoceptive ability. Therefore, the same processes that contribute to the awareness of physiological signs in the body might also contribute to the awareness of sexual arousal signs.

Sexual concordance is defined as the relationship between genital responses and self-reported sexual arousal.

In an article by Julia Velten et al., it is mentioned that men are generally more accurate than women at detecting their own heartbeat, blood pressure, and stomach contractions. This gender difference is believed to be due to differences in emotional processing: in laboratory settings, men’s interoceptive abilities seem to rely on internal cues, while women’s interoceptive abilities depend more on external cues.

In this context, several studies have tried to explore the relationship between interoceptive awareness and sexual arousal concordance. Julia Velten et al. found in their review that while some studies show men have a higher concordance between genital responses and heart rate than women, there is no connection between sexual concordance and heart rate or breathing rate.

This raises the question: Does the lower concordance between genital responses and heart rate in women affect their perception of low sexual desire, since low awareness of physical sensations might be linked to low sexual desire in women?

Additionally, women with greater interoceptive awareness, related to attention, emotional awareness, self-regulation, listening to their bodies, and confidence, might be more likely to notice all bodily sensations, which could distract them from specifically focusing on sexual sensations.

Treatment Options to Boost Libido

If a lack of sexual desire is causing you stress or affecting your relationship, it’s important to seek help. Consider talking to your doctor first or contacting a local sexual health clinic. The treatment options available will depend on the underlying cause of your low sexual desire.

You don’t need to feel embarrassed about seeking help. Many people experience issues with their sex drive, and getting advice can be the first step towards resolving the issue.

During your initial consultation, for example with your general practitioner (GP), you can expect to be listened to and to discuss potential reasons for your low libido.

Conclusion: Addressing Low Libido

In conclusion, low sexual desire or low libido is a common issue that can cause stress and affect personal relationships. The causes can vary, including physical, psychological, and emotional factors. It’s important to seek professional help if this issue starts to affect your well-being or daily life.

The first recommended step is to talk to your doctor or contact a local sexual health clinic. Medical professionals can help identify the possible causes of your low sexual desire and offer appropriate treatment options. An initial consultation with a doctor will typically involve an open discussion about your symptoms to determine the next steps.

There’s no need to feel embarrassed or hesitant about seeking help. Many people face issues with their sex drive, and many have found effective solutions through medical consultations. Taking this first step can lead to an improved quality of life and better relationships.

With the right help, you can understand the specific causes of your low libido and take necessary steps to boost your sexual desire. Being aware of and attentive to your sexual health is an important part of overall well-being, and there’s nothing wrong with seeking professional assistance when needed.