A crucial part of conceiving, sexual intercourse can become a nightmare for women or men who lack sexual appetite. For a healthier sex life between couples trying to get pregnant, a good sexual appetite is necessary because to withstand the fertile week, you really have to enjoy intimacy.
But not all couples are so willing. Facing the marathon of having sex every other day or even daily during the fertile window, can bring pressure and disappointment when one or both partners experience a lack of sexual desire.
For TTC couples, it’s very important to keep the spark alive, and to do that, it’s essential to investigate the reasons behind the lack of sexual desire. The causes can be numerous, ranging from hormonal, physiological to behavioral. Here are some causes of low sex drive:
- Tiredness
- Hormonal changes
- Emotional issues
- Health problems
- Behavior and habits
Tiredness caused by stress and the hectic daily routine can make it harder for couples to maintain regular intimacy. Currently, most couples with fertility problems face them mainly due to stress and health issues. This mix of factors ends up affecting the sexual desire of one or both partners who want to conceive.
Hormonal imbalance is also a major culprit when it comes to sexual appetite in couples trying to get pregnant. Imbalances in progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone in women can lead to vaginal dryness and make intercourse uncomfortable.
Vaginal dryness can be easily solved with the help of lubricating gels made especially for TTC couples. In addition to increasing vaginal lubrication, they act like natural cervical mucus and help sperm mobility.
In men, a significant drop in testosterone and thyroid hormones can cause loss of libido and insufficient erections. Emotional issues are very important—if the relationship is struggling, the sexual side may decline as well and attempts to get pregnant can become even more frustrating.
Less frequent intercourse can result in loss of interest in one or both partners. There is also the opposite situation: putting pressure on your husband or wife can also create problems, leading to a loss of sexual appetite.
Health issues are also important reasons for low libido. Aside from hormones, any illness—not necessarily related to sexual health—can cause problems.
Psychological conditions like depression, panic syndrome, or any other illnesses in the body can interfere with desire. The lifestyle led by the couple or one partner can also have an impact. Smoking, drinking alcohol, legal or illegal drugs all affect not only libido or sexual desire, but overall fertility as well.
Weight can also strongly influence both desire and motivation for sex. Many doctors recommend diet as a treatment for both sexual health and overall health and fertility.
Main Ways to Overcome Lack of Sexual Appetite?
The truth is, the lack of sexual appetite should be investigated by a doctor and a psychologist, since hormonal and physical problems should be ruled out before any more serious interventions.
However, during this process, couples can try ways to help increase desire and rekindle the spark. Trying out new sexual positions can be very helpful in stimulating sexual appetite. It’s also advisable to create a different atmosphere, as the mood and seduction greatly influence the experience. Setting the tone for a sex marathon is everything!
Preparing for a week-long baby-making marathon can involve lots of details—so why not invest in a nice scented candle or beautiful lingerie?
A different location can also make a big difference at the time of intimacy. Knowing what excites you and your partner is key when it comes to sex for TTC couples. Accessories like new toys or acting out fantasies—letting your imagination run free—can turn a years-long relationship into something new!
Changing habits can work wonders! It’s no surprise we always hear that someone got pregnant during vacation, or that a quick getaway in the middle of the day helped. Or you can use a good lubricant gel to really help with vaginal lubrication and increase your chance of conception.
It’s much more enjoyable to create a sexually satisfying mood, free from pressure and the stress of waiting for a positive test. I always say, make love for pleasure, love, and desire, and that can really help restore your sexual appetite in full force! Don’t forget that changing bad habits and breaking the routine can work miracles for the desire and sex life of couples trying to conceive.
Also see: How to get pregnant, a brief guide for TTC women who are going crazy