Low Libido
Libido is another term for sex drive and a low libido is a type of sexual dysfunction where the sexual desire is inhibited and this affects both men and women for various reasons; be it emotional, psychological, physical or medically related. Being unwell with an illness or a cold and flu for example can affect one’s libido. Emotional and mental stress which lead to fatigue and tiredness are also common reasons. Both men and women are working longer hours then before. Many women juggle a lot of responsibilities and have a lot on their mind and very often sex is the last thing on their mind. Body image, anxiety and depression also affect libido and both men and women can suffer from this. This can exacerbate tension or unhappiness in relationship, which consequently can reduce the sex life of the couple. Certain medication such as such as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) often lower sex drive. Hormonal fluctuations may also affect one’s libido. In women oestrogen results in increased blood flow to the genitals and vaginal lubrication during arousal. Furthermore because of its impact on mood and sleep it indirectly affects sexual interest. During menopause estrogen levels drop leading to physical changes such as thinning vaginal tissue and dryness that can dampen a woman’s libido. Testosterone levels also decline during menopause, however whether this affects the libido in women has not been proven as yet. The female libido changes throughout the menstrual cycle and commonly peaks at mid cycle and premenstrually or just before bleeding. Hormone changes occur during pregnancy and the fatigue, changes in body image and the pressures of caring for a new baby all contribute to changes in sexual desire. Low testosterone is one of the possible causes of low libido in men. As testosterone helps maintain male sex drive, sperm production, muscle mass and bone density. Testosterone peaks in adolescence and early adulthood and naturally declines with age.
L- Arginine
L-Arginine is a particularly important amino acid used by the body to make protein. It is often used for overall circulatory health due to its effect on preventing arterial plaque buildup, blood clots, platelet clumping, and to increase blood flow through the coronary artery. L- Arginine assists in relaxing blood vessels to allow more blood circulation and is commonly used as a pro-sexual nutrient for men and women. It increases blood flow to the genitals, as a by product of synthesising nitric oxide. L-Arginine may also aid endurance and some observations show that L-Arginine supplements may improve fertility in men who have low sperm counts or poor sperm motility. L-Arginine is sold as natural supplement for sexual health and 1000-2000mg can be taken 45 minutes before sexual intercourse. For erectile dysfunction also known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. The dosage that has been suggested is 1500mg/day which can be taken with capsules containing 500mg of L-Arginine three times daily away from foods. L-Arginine supplements have been used to boost the immune system improve athletic performance and shorten recovery time after surgery.
L Arginine Side Effects
Due to safety concerns, L-Arginine should be avoided by diabetes, patients, people who have suffered a heart attack, and pregnant or lactating women. L-Arginine has been shown to be safe when taken in the short term and research on L- Arginine has been done on dosages between 5g-10g.
Adverse reactions that have been reported include indigestion, nausea, headache, bloating, diarrhoea, gout and blood abnormalities. Due to its ability to dilate blood vessels, low blood pressure may occur. Sildenafil, which is the drug Viagra can lower blood pressure. So it is not advised to take this drug with L-Arginine supplements as it can lower the blood pressure and cause dizziness and other side effects.
The concomitant use of L-Arginine with hypotensive drugs, (i.e. blood pressure lowering medication), or nitrates, (used to treat angina-related chest pain), might cause additive hypotensive or vasodilation and hypotensive effects, respectively. L-arginine may also exacerbate airway inflammation in asthmatics. Higher doses of L-Arginine can increase stomach acid, so it may worsen heartburn, ulcers, or digestive upset caused by medications. L-arginine supplements should be avoided by anyone prone to regular episodes of the cold sore virus and shingles that are from the herpes simplex virus. This is because L-Arginine promotes replication of the virus.
Additional libido boosters
There are many natural supplements that can be taken to increase libido and most are safe to take alongside L-Arginine: Pycnogenol, Ginseng, Gingko bilbao and Maca root are four of the most common remedies.
Pycnogenol- may increase the libido when combined with L-Argentine. Pycnogenol isextracted from the bark of a French pine tree and has been shown to enhance blood flow to the heart and to the penis.
Korean Ginseng, also known as red ginseng or panax ginseng has been as a body tonic in China for over seven thousand years. It is taken for its ability to boost energy and libido and helps one adapt to physical or emotional stress and fatigue.
Gingko Bilbao is a herb from the leaf of the Gingko tree that is used to improve blood flow around the body including to the genitals. It also functions as an anti-oxidant in the body.
Maca Root has been used by Peruvians for centuries to improve libido in both sexes. Maca functions as an adaptogen so has the ability to provide more energy if needed, but without over stimulating the body’s systems. Thus increasing the body’s overall vitality and immunity. It can be taken for several weeks at 1,000 to 1,500 mg a day.
Exercise & Libido
A diet low in nutrients and energy, alcohol, smoking and drugs are also known passion killers so taking a closer look at one’s lifestyle and diet can improve the libido.
Exercise on its own benefits to the body and mind, especially by reducing stress levels and can boost libido significantly. Regular aerobic exercise and strength training increases stamina, improves body image and elevates mood. In men it can lead to a greater surge of testosterone and in both genders the adrenaline release can also boost libido. Yoga has a calming action on the mind and the breathing exercises and postures rejuvenate the body’s energy. Moreover many yoga poses improve blood flow to the genitals. Pelvic floor muscle exercises which are worked on in pilates for example strengthen the muscles around the rectum and vagina.
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