By: A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL
Sexual health is a vital component of overall well-being, yet many women struggle with decreased libido without knowing how — or when — to bring it up with a healthcare provider. At A Woman’s Place OB/GYN, we understand that changes in sexual desire can be sensitive, emotional, and sometimes confusing. If you’ve noticed a shift in your libido, know that you are not alone — and your OB/GYN is here to help.
In this post, we’ll explore why libido changes happen, why it’s important to talk about them, and how you can prepare for and navigate a productive conversation with your OB/GYN.
“I am extremely satisfied with Dr. Tzilinis and all the staff. I have been a patient for many years. Thank you!!!!!!!”
A Woman’s Place Patient Review
Why Libido Changes Are Common
Libido — or sexual desire — naturally fluctuates throughout a woman’s life. These changes may be influenced by a wide range of physical, emotional, and social factors, including:
- Hormonal shifts: Pregnancy, postpartum changes, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause can all affect hormone levels that are closely tied to sexual desire.
- Medications: Some antidepressants, birth control methods, and other prescription drugs can influence libido.
- Stress and mental health: Anxiety, depression, fatigue, and life stressors can all reduce interest in sexual activity.
- Relationship dynamics: Communication with a partner, unresolved conflict, or changes in intimacy patterns may affect desire.
- Medical conditions: Thyroid disorders, chronic pain, pelvic issues, and other health concerns can contribute.
While decreased libido is common, it is also multifactorial — meaning that multiple influences can coexist. The good news is that many causes are treatable or manageable once identified.
Why Your OB/GYN Should Be Part of This Conversation
OB/GYNs are uniquely qualified to address sexual health concerns because they understand:
- The interplay of hormones and reproductive physiology
- How mental and physical health influences sexual functioning
- Appropriate options for treatment, including hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications, and referrals for counseling or therapy
But a key part of this process is communication. Your OB/GYN can only help if they understand your symptoms, concerns, and goals.
Overcoming Barriers to Talking About Libido
It’s perfectly natural to feel hesitant about discussing sexual desire with a provider. Common barriers include:
- Embarrassment
- Fear that concerns are “not medical”
- Worry about judgment
- Not knowing how to describe symptoms
Keep in mind: your OB/GYN has heard these concerns many times and discusses them professionally every day. You deserve care that acknowledges your experiences without stigma or judgment.
Preparing for the Appointment
Preparing ahead can make the discussion easier and more effective. Here are steps to consider:
1. Reflect on Your Symptoms
Take a few moments before your appointment to think about when you noticed changes in libido. You might ask yourself:
- When did I first notice a change?
- Is it constant or intermittent?
- Are there patterns (e.g., related to periods, stress, sleep)?
- What bothers me most about this change?
Jotting down brief notes can help you articulate your experience.
2. Think About Other Symptoms
Changes in sexual desire may occur alongside other symptoms, such as:
- Mood changes (irritability, sadness, anxiety)
- Sleep problems or fatigue
- Pain during sex
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes or night sweats
Recording these can give your provider valuable clues.
3. Review Medications and Health History
Some medications and medical conditions affect libido. Bring a list of:
- Current prescriptions and dosages
- Supplements
- Recent medical diagnoses
This helps your OB/GYN evaluate whether medications or health conditions might be contributing.
4. Clarify Your Goals
It can be helpful to consider what you hope to achieve from the visit. Examples include:
- Understanding why libido has decreased
- Exploring treatment options
- Learning about hormone therapy
- Addressing relationship or emotional concerns
Having clear goals can guide the conversation and ensure your needs are addressed.
During the Appointment: What to Expect
When you talk to your OB/GYN about decreased libido, your provider will typically:
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Expect questions like:
- “When did you start noticing changes in your libido?”
- “Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort during sex?”
- “Has anything changed in your life recently (stress, work, relationships)?”
These questions help your clinician understand context and possible underlying causes.
Review Your Medical and Sexual History
Your provider may ask about:
- Menstrual and reproductive history
- Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause)
- Medications
- Previous sexual function
This information helps tailor the assessment to your unique situation.
Discuss Possible Causes
Based on your history and symptoms, your OB/GYN may explore:
- Hormonal influences
- Psychological factors
- Physical conditions
- Medications or lifestyle contributors
This discussion is meant to be collaborative and informative, not judgmental.
Create a Personalized Plan
Depending on the likely cause(s), your provider may recommend:
- Lifestyle adjustments (stress management, sleep improvement)
- Hormonal evaluation or therapy
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy or sex therapy
- Medication adjustments
You and your provider will determine the best next steps together.
Questions You Can Ask Your OB/GYN
To make the most of your appointment, consider asking:
- “What do you think might be contributing to my decreased libido?”
- “Are my hormone levels affecting my sexual desire?”
- “Should we consider any tests or labs?”
- “What treatment options are available?”
- “Are there lifestyle changes that may help?”
- “How long will it take to see improvements?”
Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions or request clarification — your understanding is essential to your care.
“Jessica was very friendly and personable. She put me at ease and walked me through what to expect during my first pregnancy. She reminded me that I’m in the driver’s seat during this new journey in my life and the medical team was there to help. I felt empowered to make the best decisions concerning mine and the baby’s health. I felt seen, heard, and understand. Definitely would recommend her care for any new mom!”
A Woman’s Place Patient Review
After the Appointment: Next Steps
After your visit, keep track of any treatments or recommendations your provider gives you:
- Follow through with blood tests or lab work if ordered
- Monitor symptom changes over time
- Schedule follow-up appointments as needed
- Communicate openly if a treatment isn’t working
Remember that sexual health improvements may take time, and your OB/GYN can help adjust your care plan along the way.
Talking about libido may feel uncomfortable at first, but decreased sexual desire is a legitimate health concern that affects many women. At A Woman’s Place OB/GYN, your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for all aspects of women’s health — including sexual wellness.
If you’ve noticed a change in your libido, we encourage you to bring it up at your next visit. Your questions matter, your experiences matter, and you deserve support that helps you live your healthiest, most fulfilling life.
To schedule an appointment, visit A Woman’s Place OB/GYN at https://www.awpnaples.com/ or call our office today.
Your OB/GYN can help determine whether this program is a good fit based on your individual pregnancy and health needs. Talk to them today about Centering!
“Centering has been a huge help as a first time mom. Being able to openly talk and ask questions to Jessica. I would highly recommend to any first time mom for the education and community.”- Centering Pregnancy 2025 Participant
By: A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL
Sexual health is a vital component of overall well-being, yet many women struggle with decreased libido without knowing how — or when — to bring it up with a healthcare provider. At A Woman’s Place OB/GYN, we understand that changes in sexual desire can be sensitive, emotional, and sometimes confusing. If you’ve noticed a shift in your libido, know that you are not alone — and your OB/GYN is here to help.
In this post, we’ll explore why libido changes happen, why it’s important to talk about them, and how you can prepare for and navigate a productive conversation with your OB/GYN.
“I am extremely satisfied with Dr. Tzilinis and all the staff. I have been a patient for many years. Thank you!!!!!!!”
A Woman’s Place Patient Review
Why Libido Changes Are Common
Libido — or sexual desire — naturally fluctuates throughout a woman’s life. These changes may be influenced by a wide range of physical, emotional, and social factors, including:
- Hormonal shifts: Pregnancy, postpartum changes, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause can all affect hormone levels that are closely tied to sexual desire.
- Medications: Some antidepressants, birth control methods, and other prescription drugs can influence libido.
- Stress and mental health: Anxiety, depression, fatigue, and life stressors can all reduce interest in sexual activity.
- Relationship dynamics: Communication with a partner, unresolved conflict, or changes in intimacy patterns may affect desire.
- Medical conditions: Thyroid disorders, chronic pain, pelvic issues, and other health concerns can contribute.
While decreased libido is common, it is also multifactorial — meaning that multiple influences can coexist. The good news is that many causes are treatable or manageable once identified.
Why Your OB/GYN Should Be Part of This Conversation
OB/GYNs are uniquely qualified to address sexual health concerns because they understand:
- The interplay of hormones and reproductive physiology
- How mental and physical health influences sexual functioning
- Appropriate options for treatment, including hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications, and referrals for counseling or therapy
But a key part of this process is communication. Your OB/GYN can only help if they understand your symptoms, concerns, and goals.
Overcoming Barriers to Talking About Libido
It’s perfectly natural to feel hesitant about discussing sexual desire with a provider. Common barriers include:
- Embarrassment
- Fear that concerns are “not medical”
- Worry about judgment
- Not knowing how to describe symptoms
Keep in mind: your OB/GYN has heard these concerns many times and discusses them professionally every day. You deserve care that acknowledges your experiences without stigma or judgment.
Preparing for the Appointment
Preparing ahead can make the discussion easier and more effective. Here are steps to consider:
1. Reflect on Your Symptoms
Take a few moments before your appointment to think about when you noticed changes in libido. You might ask yourself:
- When did I first notice a change?
- Is it constant or intermittent?
- Are there patterns (e.g., related to periods, stress, sleep)?
- What bothers me most about this change?
Jotting down brief notes can help you articulate your experience.
2. Think About Other Symptoms
Changes in sexual desire may occur alongside other symptoms, such as:
- Mood changes (irritability, sadness, anxiety)
- Sleep problems or fatigue
- Pain during sex
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes or night sweats
Recording these can give your provider valuable clues.
3. Review Medications and Health History
Some medications and medical conditions affect libido. Bring a list of:
- Current prescriptions and dosages
- Supplements
- Recent medical diagnoses
This helps your OB/GYN evaluate whether medications or health conditions might be contributing.
4. Clarify Your Goals
It can be helpful to consider what you hope to achieve from the visit. Examples include:
- Understanding why libido has decreased
- Exploring treatment options
- Learning about hormone therapy
- Addressing relationship or emotional concerns
Having clear goals can guide the conversation and ensure your needs are addressed.
During the Appointment: What to Expect
When you talk to your OB/GYN about decreased libido, your provider will typically:
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Expect questions like:
- “When did you start noticing changes in your libido?”
- “Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort during sex?”
- “Has anything changed in your life recently (stress, work, relationships)?”
These questions help your clinician understand context and possible underlying causes.
Review Your Medical and Sexual History
Your provider may ask about:
- Menstrual and reproductive history
- Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause)
- Medications
- Previous sexual function
This information helps tailor the assessment to your unique situation.
Discuss Possible Causes
Based on your history and symptoms, your OB/GYN may explore:
- Hormonal influences
- Psychological factors
- Physical conditions
- Medications or lifestyle contributors
This discussion is meant to be collaborative and informative, not judgmental.
Create a Personalized Plan
Depending on the likely cause(s), your provider may recommend:
- Lifestyle adjustments (stress management, sleep improvement)
- Hormonal evaluation or therapy
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy or sex therapy
- Medication adjustments
You and your provider will determine the best next steps together.
Questions You Can Ask Your OB/GYN
To make the most of your appointment, consider asking:
- “What do you think might be contributing to my decreased libido?”
- “Are my hormone levels affecting my sexual desire?”
- “Should we consider any tests or labs?”
- “What treatment options are available?”
- “Are there lifestyle changes that may help?”
- “How long will it take to see improvements?”
Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions or request clarification — your understanding is essential to your care.
“Jessica was very friendly and personable. She put me at ease and walked me through what to expect during my first pregnancy. She reminded me that I’m in the driver’s seat during this new journey in my life and the medical team was there to help. I felt empowered to make the best decisions concerning mine and the baby’s health. I felt seen, heard, and understand. Definitely would recommend her care for any new mom!”
A Woman’s Place Patient Review
After the Appointment: Next Steps
After your visit, keep track of any treatments or recommendations your provider gives you:
- Follow through with blood tests or lab work if ordered
- Monitor symptom changes over time
- Schedule follow-up appointments as needed
- Communicate openly if a treatment isn’t working
Remember that sexual health improvements may take time, and your OB/GYN can help adjust your care plan along the way.
Talking about libido may feel uncomfortable at first, but decreased sexual desire is a legitimate health concern that affects many women. At A Woman’s Place OB/GYN, your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for all aspects of women’s health — including sexual wellness.
If you’ve noticed a change in your libido, we encourage you to bring it up at your next visit. Your questions matter, your experiences matter, and you deserve support that helps you live your healthiest, most fulfilling life.
To schedule an appointment, visit A Woman’s Place OB/GYN at https://www.awpnaples.com/ or call our office today.
Your OB/GYN can help determine whether this program is a good fit based on your individual pregnancy and health needs. Talk to them today about Centering!
“Centering has been a huge help as a first time mom. Being able to openly talk and ask questions to Jessica. I would highly recommend to any first time mom for the education and community.”- Centering Pregnancy 2025 Participant
