Low libido is one of the most common complaints among sexually active adults. A person's sex drive can suddenly fall off for dozens of reasons, and getting it back up to speed can prove difficult in some circumstances.
Many sexual health products claim libido-enhancing effects, and many of the lubricants on our website were formulated specifically for people with sex drive issues. The good news is that lubricants can restore a low libido in some circumstances.
Still, when choosing a lubricant, it's important to realize that most libido issues have biological and psychological components. Lubricants with "libido-boosting" ingredients can address the biological component, and the simple act of using a lubricant may provide a psychological boost.
Still, lubricants are not a surefire treatment for all types of libido issues. With that being said, a high-quality lube can be a smart investment if you're having occasional sex drive issues. Some of the most popular libido-boosting ingredients include
Arginine
This amino acid increases blood flow at the application site, which can stimulate (and simulate) arousal. Arginine (also known as l-arginine) is one of the most popular enhancement ingredients, and it's one of the most effective.
However, arginine can irritate sensitive skin. If you have any form of Herpes, you should contact your physician before using products containing Arginine.
Menthol/Mint
As we've covered in other articles, menthol is one of the most popular ingredients in cooling, warming, and tingling lubricants. It enhances stimulation while providing a different set of sensations that some users find pleasurable. Other ingredients with this type of effect include capsaicin, cinnamon, and vanillyl butyl ether.
Herbal Blends
There are a large number of herbal ingredients that can act as natural aphrodisiacs. Popular examples include horny goat weed (epimedium), yohimbine, passiflora incarnata, and maca. Most substances work similarly to arginine; they draw blood flow to the genitals, increasing sensitivity.
There's an obvious pattern here; these ingredients enhance the sensations you feel from physical stimulation, subsequently enhancing libido. Some also cause biological reactions that mimic arousal, putting the user in the right frame of mind for sex.
Most arousal lubricants contain these types of ingredients in limited amounts. Specialized stimulation creams have a higher concentration, and when paired with a quality lubricant, they can provide a much-needed spark for your love life. When using any specialized lubricant, make sure that it's safe for use with your condoms or sex toys.
If your lube contains stimulating ingredients (particularly menthol, cinnamon, and other warming or cooling ingredients), test a small amount on your inner thigh or forearm before using it during sex.
Why Did My Libido Suddenly Fall Off?
Of course, dozens of factors can affect your sex drive, and to treat recurring libido issues, you'll need to understand the factors that caused the original drop-off.
Some of the most common factors include Medication Diet, Diseases, Stress and Anxiety, Alcohol and Drug Use, Menopause, Pregnancy, and Hormonal Changes. Sudden Change in Life Circumstances Relationship Issues Takes the time to address these issues and set up a sex-positive environment.
Regular exercise can also positively affect hormone production, so stay active; exercise also has a mood-elevating effect, which plays a definite role in your sexual receptivity. While lube certainly isn't the only way to keep your sex drive operational during periods of high stress, it can provide a much-needed boost by easing anxiety and helping you focus on the task at hand.
Lubricants remove friction in both a literal and a figurative sense and positively affect your state of mind. A little extra lubrication can make a difference, and it's well worth a try if you're experiencing a diminished sex drive.
However, one final note: you should contact your physician if your libido suddenly falls off or ramps up for no apparent reason. Some fluctuations are normal, but rapid changes in sex drives might indicate a medical issue that needs treatment.