Supporting your sexual well-being naturally

Did you know that almost 1 in 2 women has a low libido or is simply not interested in sex? But when we talk about it, we often act as if everything is perfect. And yes, sex can be amazing, but for many women, it's not always that interesting. A low libido can have several causes. Things like low testosterone levels, dietary imbalances, inflammation, (hormonal) contraception—even stress can affect your sex drive.

These are common problems, but because we rarely talk about our libido, it feels like it doesn't exist. We simply ignore it. But in a culture where sex is everywhere—television, social media, movies, jokes—you can feel very alone if you're not that interested in sex.

In addition, sex is important for connection and intimacy. A low sex drive can cause problems in your relationship—especially if the other person is eager to have sex!—and can leave you feeling disconnected.

But don't worry. You're not alone, and we can help.

In this blog post, we'll tell you how to naturally boost your sex drive. We'll help you identify the cause and give you some practical tips on how to boost your libido.

It starts with… communication

Before we go any further, let's just say this: all the solutions in the world won't do much if the reason for your low sex drive is due to problems or miscommunication with your partner.

So, it's time for a conversation. Scared? Exciting? Afraid it'll end in a fight? Or that you won't be understood? We're nervous too, but if you want to work this out together, it's highly recommended that you talk about it.

Ask yourself, "What kind of sex do I wholeheartedly say 'yes' to?" This can be an illuminating way to think about it and talk about it. Is it sex before or after your evening routine? In bed? On the couch? When the house is tidy? In the morning? During the day? In the shower? Ask yourself: what makes you happy?

Be open and honest about your feelings and try to talk about the things that make you happy:

• Do you need more foreplay? And what exactly is your definition of foreplay? Kissing? Cuddling? Pleasuring each other?
• Maybe you'd like to add something extra, like a vibrator or a vibrating ring. Sex toys are becoming increasingly mainstream and are even available at Hema 😉 . Perhaps you could go to a sex shop together and pick something out.
• Have you ever thought about role playing?

Talking about sex can feel awkward, but remember you both have the same goal. And this sense of connection can also enhance your pleasure. Give it a try. It can't hurt! And who says a good conversation about sex can't be foreplay?

Fluctuating libido? Completely normal

Do you sometimes feel really in the mood, only to find yourself struggling to get it right a week later? It's normal for your sex drive to fluctuate throughout the month. Your libido is influenced by hormonal changes.

For women, their libido is closely linked to their cycle due to the way hormones rise and fall throughout the month. Most women experience a higher sex drive around ovulation. This makes biological sense, as our intelligent bodies know this is the most likely time to conceive.

Good to know: How your cycle affects your sex drive .

Consider stopping the pill

First of all, as a small disclaimer, we want to say that the pill isn't bad. For many women, this form of contraception can be the right choice.

But for many, the side effects can negatively impact their lives, so returning to a natural cycle (without hormones) – even if a baby isn't on the agenda – may be a good idea.

One of the well-documented side effects of the hormonal contraceptive pill is that it alters women's libido.

So if you're on the pill and find yourself with low sex drive, consider other forms of contraception. They can help boost your libido.

We already wrote more about it:

• Read about the side effects of the pill here .
• Read our handy guide on how to get your natural cycle back on track here .
• Get inspired by our Guud ambassador Trix, who stopped taking the pill and saw her libido increase enormously !

Make sure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your body healthy

Feeling sexy and boosting your libido are linked to feeling healthy. That's why it's important to get all the nutrients your body needs.

Be kind to yourself

How you feel about your body influences how you think about sex. Try to find ways to boost your self-confidence. Buy new clothes or lingerie that make you feel good, or treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, new haircut, or massage.

When you look good, you feel good. We all have parts of our bodies we'd like to change, but try to remember that you're much more aware of them than your partner or anyone else. Find ways to boost your self-esteem and remember: confidence is sexy!

Reduce stress

Lots of stress? Then your libido goes down. It's easy to say, "Reduce your stress," but with the demands of daily life, it's a real challenge.

However, it's a fact that women are sensitive to the effects of stress on their sex drive. It's therefore important to be aware of this and adjust your life to reduce stress.

Consider making time for yourself or taking a stress-relieving yoga class. It can also be helpful to do short breathing exercises before bed, or to meditate regularly. Everyone is different, so try to find something that works for you and your schedule.

Get enough sleep

After that relaxing breathing exercise in the evening? Time for bed! Because sleep is truly the foundation of everything related to well-being. If you sleep little, have an interrupted night, or suffer from insomnia, everything is a disaster—including sex.

When you're well-rested, everything simply goes better, and most women find their libido increases significantly after a good night's sleep. If you have trouble sleeping at night (because you have young children at home, or a partner who snores!), try taking a nap during the day and make sure you have the right earplugs.

A twenty-minute power nap can work wonders. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, make sure you relax before bed and avoid screens. Turn off your screens one hour before bed.

And if you still find yourself having trouble falling asleep, increase your magnesium intake. Magnesium helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.

Remember: everyone is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to boosting your libido. Make sure you're getting enough nutrients, consider whether the pill might affect your sex drive, and talk to your partner.

Want to learn more about how to boost your libido? Chat with our experts – we're happy to help!

PS. We hope you found this blog post helpful. But why are we sometimes so careful with our wording? Because we want you to understand that there's no magic pill that solves everything (unfortunately!). Supplements can help support your health, but other factors also play a role, such as genetics, sleep, exercise, and diet. Do you have questions about your specific situation? Chat with us – we're happy to help, with no obligation!