The term libido is often used to refer to sexual desire, but its roots go beyond that meaning and lie in Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theories. In Freudian theory, the libido is the driving energy that powers the human psyche not only for sex, but for all of life’s pursuits.
In everyday conversations, it usually refers to a person’s level of sexual appetite. In psychology, it might also refer to this broader source of energy that drives motivation and behavior. The energy to clean your house, write a novel, or start a business? Yup, that might come from your libido (at least, according to Freud).
What Is the Libido in Psychology?
Libido is a term used in psychoanalytic theory to describe the energy created by survival and sexual instincts. According to Sigmund Freud, the libido is part of the id and is the driving force of all behavior.
While the term “libido” has taken on an overtly sexual meaning in today’s world, to Freud, it represented all psychic energy and not just sexual energy.
The Libido and Sexual Desire
Beyond its Freudian origins, the term libido is most often used today in reference to a person’s sex drive. The libido involves more than simply the biological desire for sex, but also the psychological and social factors that contribute to sexual activity.
The modern usage of the term libido likely stems from Freud’s original use of the term to apply to sexual desire. As Freud continued to develop his ideas, however, he began to view the libido as more than just sexual urges and more of a general life instinct that encompasses survival instincts and other motivations as well.
Factors That Impact Sexual Libido
Some factors that can influence the libido or sex drive include:6
- Medical and health conditions can also influence a person’s desire for sex. Medical conditions such as illness, fatigue, and medications can often lower the libido. Sexual disorders, including hypoactive sexual drive disorder (HSDD) and female sexual arousal disorder, can also lead to lowered libidinal drive.
- Psychological factors that can influence the libido include stress, personality, age, relationship status, lifestyle, and past experiences. For example, sexual abuse and trauma can impact libido. Other issues, such as body image, self-esteem, and depression, can also make people desire sex less.
- Sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen, create the biological urge for sex and help regulate the libido.
- Social issues, including loneliness, poor relationships, and intimacy issues, can also dampen the libido.
How to Increase Your Libido
Libido can fluctuate over time. If you suspect that your libido is low and are interested in boosting your desire for sexual activity, there are steps you can take that may help.
Talk to Your Doctor
Hormonal changes related to birth control can often result in low libido.8 Discuss your options with your physician. In some cases, switching to a different medication or method may help. Other medications, such as antidepressants, may also affect your sex drive, so checking your other medications may be helpful.
Check Your Stress Levels
Excessive stress can impair your libido, so finding ways to relax and cope with stress effectively can improve sex and intimacy.9 Physical activity is not only linked to better mood and cardiovascular health, but it can also play a role in boosting body image and feelings of well-being.
Exercise
Physical exercise has many positive benefits, including improving the sex drive. Regular exercise is one of the most effective natural ways to boost sexual libido. Physical activity improves blood circulation, which is vital for sexual arousal and performance.
Exercise can also play a role in regulating hormones and provides other physical benefits that can enhance sexual wellness, including reduced stress, improved mood, and greater self-confidence.
Get Better Sleep
Sleep problems can take a serious toll on mental well-being and sexual interest. Difficulties with sleep are associated with decreased libido, so it is vital to ensure you get enough quality rest each night.
Practicing good sleep habits, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each morning, can help. If you are struggling with sleep or suspect you might have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Foods that can improve your sex drive are referred to as aphrodisiacs. Some foods that might play a part in improving your desire for sex include foods high in zinc (such as red meat or oysters) and foods that can improve circulation, such as whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
It is also important to avoid foods that might hurt your libido, such as foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar
