Sexual dysfunction or sexual problem refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle which can prevent the individual or the couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity.
We know that the sexual response cycle has 4 phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. There are many studies in which is shown that sexual dysfunction is a very common condition. It affects 31% of men and 43% of women [1]. This is a topic that many people are embarrassed or hesitant to discuss.
Fortunately, most cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable, so it is very important to share your concerns with your doctor and partner. Female sexual dysfunction can be a result of physical causes (such as drug abuse, alcoholism, liver failure, kidney disease, menopause, hormonal imbalances, neurological diseases, heart disease, and diabetes) and psychological causes (such as the effects of past sexual trauma, feelings of guilt, depression, marital or relationship problems, concern about sexual performance, anxiety, and work-related stress).
Also, the side effects of certain medications, which are taking part of the physical causes, can also affect sexual function and desire, and in them, we can include antidepressant drugs. Both men and women can be affected by sexual dysfunction. Sexual problems can happen in adults of all ages. Talk with your doctor before you start taking some of the mentioned home remedies for female sexual dysfunction.
20 Natural cures and lifestyle changes for female sexual dysfunction
Contents
- 1 20 Natural cures and lifestyle changes for female sexual dysfunction
- 1.1 Tongkat Ali
- 1.2 Make time for leisure and relaxation
- 1.3 Mindfulness
- 1.4 Avoid excessive alcohol
- 1.5 Damiana
- 1.6 Gingko Biloba
- 1.7 Tribulus Terrestris
- 1.8 Communicate openly with your partner
- 1.9 Suma root
- 1.10 Acupuncture
- 1.11 Be physically active
- 1.12 Muira Puama
- 1.13 Yoga
- 1.14 Accept changes that occur
- 1.15 Do not smoke
- 1.16 Catuaba
- 1.17 Dark chocolate
- 1.18 Maca root
- 1.19 Gather information
- 1.20 Ashwagandha root
Tongkat Ali
This natural cure (Longjack) has been called the greatest natural aphrodisiac, and it has been used by women to arouse desire and increase erogenous sensitivity. This natural cure is given in traditional medicine to women who suffer from low libido because it can support positive responses to stress and stimulates overall brain function and memory. When it is normalizing hormone levels with a gentle increase in testosterone, females can experience increased metabolism and an easier time maintaining and losing weight. [2,3,7]
Make time for leisure and relaxation
You should learn ways to decrease stress and allow yourself to relax amid the stresses of your everyday life. When you are relaxed, then it can enhance your ability to focus on your sexual experiences, and it can help you attain a more satisfying sexual orgasm and arousal.
Mindfulness
This is a type of meditation that is based on having an increased awareness and acceptance of living in the present moment. People focus on what they experience during the meditation, such as the flow of their breath. People can observe their emotions and thoughts, but they should let them pass without judgment. There are some studies in which is shown that mindfulness which is practiced during the course of group therapy, has improved many aspects of the sexual response and reduced personal distress in females with arousal and desire disorders. [4]
Avoid excessive alcohol
When you drink too much, then this can blunt sexual responsiveness.
Damiana
Damiana is also known as Turnera diffusa. It grows natively in South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the American Southwest. There are many people who consider that the leaf of damiana is high–prized libido enhancer. It is known that terpenoids, glycosides, phenolics, flavonoids, and caffeine can contribute to reduced feelings of stress and increased blood flow, particularly in the pelvic area, where the increased sensitivity will lead to heightened stimulation.
Gingko Biloba
This herb which is used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for circulatory disorders, cognitive impairment, and respiratory conditions. In North America, this herb is most commonly used as a natural treatment for memory and cognitive function. There are some studies in which is confirmed the effectiveness of the Gingko Biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. There was one small study in which was examined the use of Gingko Biloba placebo in 37 people who have antidepressant-induced dysfunction. After 2 months had passed, this home remedy was no more effective than the placebo in relieving the symptoms. [5,7]
Tribulus Terrestris
There are some studies of women who have used this herb, and it was shown that the usage of it increased lubrication, arousal, more intense satisfaction, and orgasms. This home remedy can stimulate androgen receptors in the brain, which makes your body much more responsive to testosterone and other sex hormones. Also, it can help to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress. [3,7]
Communicate openly with your partner
You should be flexible in your approach to intimacy with your partner. You should continue to engage in the areas of intimacy which you are working well for both of you.
Suma root
This herb, in some cases, is known as Brazilian Ginseng, and it is very popular with the native population in South America for the ways it aids in the female hormone balance and it excites libido. There are some studies that are proof that this herb increases the levels of estradiol–17 beta [6], which is the primary estrogen hormone during the reproductive years of women. Women who have used this herb have reported more intense sexual experiences and greater satisfaction.
Acupuncture
This technique involves the insertion of extremely thin needles into the skin at strategic points on your body. This technique can have a positive effect on women with certain sexual dysfunctions, but lot more studies should be done in the future.
Be physically active
When you do regular aerobic exercises, then this can increase your stamina, elevate your mood and improve your body image. This will make you feel more romantic, which will happen more often.
Muira Puama
Women who have used this home remedy have reported a surge in sexual enjoyment, desire, libido, and intensified orgasms. It has positive effects on both pre and post-menopausal sexual experience, which supports the overall benefits for female reproductive and sexual health. This is a reason why Muira Puama is also called potency wood. [7]
Yoga
When you are doing yoga, then you perform a series of postures and controlled breathing exercises that can promote a flexible body and calm mind. It is a known fact that certain subsets of yoga will aim to channel the sexual energy of your body, and they will improve your sexual functioning. But there are little amount of studies that are done on yoga and its benefits on sexual functioning, which means that a lot more studies must be done in the future. But we all know that the practice of yoga is associated with improved psychological well–being and overall health.
Accept changes that occur
You should explore new aspects of your sexuality during times of transition to improve your sexual experiences.
Do not smoke
It is a known fact that cigarette smoking can restrict blood flow throughout the body. Less blood will reach your sexual organs, and this means that you could experience decreased sexual arousal and orgasmic response.
Catuaba
There are some studies done in Brazil in which is shown that Catuaba has potent aphrodisiac qualities. It has an active component known as yohimbine and energizes and stimulates desire and libido. There are some studies in which is shown that this home remedy can increase dopamine levels in the brain, which will result in greater sensitivity to erogenous stimulation. It is known that the regular use of Catuaba creates erotic dreams and heightens sexual satisfaction and orgasm intensity.
Dark chocolate
It is a known fact that dark chocolate has 70% cocoa, and it can help to increase dopamine levels in your brain. Dopamine is a pleasure chemical that can lift the mood, relax and improve the response of our bodies to stimulation. [8]
Maca root
It is a known fact that this home remedy has been used as a go-to herb for women who have been living in the Andes for centuries. This natural cure has high iodine content, which can support the hormone balance in women, and it has a high zinc level which is an essential mineral for sex hormones, and this herb does more than fan the flames of desire. There was one study in which is shown that women who have taken this home remedy have reported improved sexual experiences and satisfaction. [3,7]
Gather information
You should ask your doctor or look for educational materials to learn the issues such as medicines, menopause, pregnancy, illnesses, and aging that can affect your sex life.
Ashwagandha root
There are some studies in which is shown that this is a potent igniter of desire and passion. With the usage of this herb, you will get immediate attention, but this herb has other health benefits for women, which makes it a very popular herb among girls. This home remedy can increase the blood flow to the clitoris and other female sexual organs, which creates an intense sexual experience. [3]
References
[1] Allahdadi KJ, Tostes RCA, Webb RC. Female sexual dysfunction: Therapeutic options and experimental challenges. Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. 2009;7(4):260-269.
[2] Henkel RR, Wang R, Bassett SH, et al. Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors–a pilot study. Phytotherapy Research. 2014;28(4):544-50.
[3] Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Dixit VK, Thakur M. A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility. BioMed Research International. 2014.
[4] Krakowsky Y, Grober ED. A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: An evidence-based review for physicians in Canada. Canadian Urological Association Journal. 2018;12(6):211-216.
[5] Kang BJ, Lee SJ, Kim MD, Cho MJ. A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Human Psychopharmacology. 2002;17(6):279-84.
[6] Oshima M, Gu Y. Pfaffia paniculata-induced changes in plasma estradiol-17beta, progesterone and testosterone levels in mice. Journal of Reproduction and Development. 2003;49(2):175-80.
[7] Lim PHC. Asian herbals and aphrodisiacs used for managing ED. Translational Andrology and Urology. 2017;6(2):167-175.
[8] Cassidy A, Franz M, Rimm EB. Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016;103(2):534-541.