Lost sex drive

[BT65]

Have any of you ladies experienced a lack of libido?  I just can't seem to get it back, no matter what I do.  I don't know if it's age (I'm 41), HIV meds/hormones, also diabetes maybe?  Any help would be appreciated!

[Queen Tokelove]

I was thinking in the other thread that you should post here. You may get more responses. I'm curious as well.

[frilly]

hi bettytacy,
i just replied to your post on menopause and mentioned my zero sex drive. we poz people suffer from huge lack of hormones. the guyz talk about it all the time - how they cant get it up so to speak. my guess is that because we women dont have a clear issue of "up - yes or no" we realise it less. but its real. zero sex drive among hiv+ women is highly prevalent. and our lack of tostesterone is also an issue for us. there are substitute preparations around. im going to talk to my gyno at the end of the month and see how it goes. probably in a couple of months ill know if its working.

i recently read the book "The Female Brain" from Louann Brizendine. it is about hormones and women in general but i found it a good read.

cheers frilly

[MaryHatch]

Hi...I'm new here but + 24 years.  At 47 I'm eight years into perimenopause.  Had originally tried natural remedies, but due to severe insomnia had to cave in and start HRT.  Took myself off of it about six months ago (the insomnia initially improved but then got even worse) and am strictly "natural" now.  Have had libido, lubrication problems, etc. but have found great relief for these symptoms using "the female Viagra", aka damiana (there's a Nature's Way formula that's mixed with ginseng, for energy) and Tongkat Ali (aka Long Jack), which is a natural testosterone booster (NOW Testojack 100 is good and reasonably priced).

[kitty8]

Hey this is SUCH an issue for me and my male doc has no clue.  I have been pos for 15 yrs , and did great during all of that, BUT the last 3 yrs I have had some serious health challenges and the sex drive has disappeared.  Interestingly, my period disappeared as well.  My doc surmised that I was in menopause, but the period returned 3 weeks ago. whoops!  I HOPE the sex drive will also return.   It is interesting that it disappeared in conjunction with my health and also  medicine increases.  I dont know what the answer is though.  I will keep seeking out solutions.

[tigger2376]

Wow, have posted on this before on forums and got a lot of (good ) advice re poor self image because of HIV and relaxation techniques BUT this IS something that I've heard a lot of women say happens to them who are positive. I'm lucky, I've got a good doc who says it can be a drug side effect, particularly if you regime is making you put on weight too. my previously voracious sexual appetite has GONE...nothing, not a twitch. thank God my partners sympathetic, and we're having counselling together. I do think a lot of it is to do with the fact that this illness is (mostly) sexually transmitted....however you caught it, theres feelings of guilt,anger and self loathing, and i really do think we women take on guilt without realising it.
I'm assured it will come back, and doc has even suggested female viagara or hormone injections!(have you had your hormone levels checked by way?)
Perhaps a female doc would be more helpful, or is there a nurse you could talk to at your docs?
Whatever happens, your'e NORMAL, it happens to loads of us, try and relax, and not fret, I'm so with you on this one
Lots of Love
Jo
x

[BT65]

Thanks Jo.  I need to have my hormones checked.  I'm going to ask my doctor for a referral to a gynecologist next time I see him. 
Peace-
Betty

[IzPoz]

I do think a lot of it is to do with the fact that this illness is (mostly) sexually transmitted....

Jo, you nailed it! This is how I felt for a LONG time. I got this disease from doing something I truly enjoy, SEX! And what's worse, I got it from the man I married and loved.

I literally went YEARS without a twinge, and for a good portion of that time, I wasn't on medications.  I felt horrible about my body from the medications I was taking previously. 

[tigger2376]

Its oh such a relief to know I'm not alone in this by way. Its all very well for your doctor to say it happens to other people too, but needed to see it for myself!!! I even managed to be affectionate, physically, with my partner, in a small way for the first time in months.
Thanks, I might know the reason why I'm like this, but helps to share

[BT65]

For me, it really doesn't have anything to do with the way I contracted HIV (even though it was through sex).  I'm just at that age where my hormones are all screwed up.  I have night sweats also; especially around "that time of the month."  And I know the sweats are not from the HIV.  Anyway, right now I am in the process of trying to find a permanent physician.  The one I've been seeing is leaving at the end of June.  When I do find one, I'm going to request a referral to a good gynecologist. 
      I'm glad I'm not alone in this. 

[queenie]

this is a little difficult to answer honestly because, for the last 40 years i need help to do it a drink, etc
i finished menopause, stopped drinking, no interest, dont get horny, I kind of know why.
I have met only 2 men who turned me on, naturally, no problem, than they turned me off again because
they got greedy and impatient.  all they had to do was wait till i was ready, stupid boys

[remo2008]

males taking HIV medications experience lowering of testosterone, it is easily fixed with testosterone suppliments either by shot, patch, pill, with women testosterone is also important too libido, but not in such high levels as men, one needs too consult doctor, and if your a male with diabetes, no amount of testosterone will correct that issue, if your male and smoke, use alcohol heavily again it effects the old adage of up versus down..., but for one too think it can affect only male libido is too ignore facts anything that can affect a males libido can also affect womens libidos only difference is a woman can fake it and a man cannot! Viagra/Lavetra and other male oreintated drugs help males.., there is even a old african sex aphrodisiac called "Yohimbe" which comes from the Yohimbe tree bark, it can be found in heatlh food stores, etc, and the old saying of "Oysters" boost sexual libido is based in some fact of Oysters are high in zinc, vitamen E which have some libido affecting effects....! Key is you can ignore and suffer or seek solutions..!

[Queen Tokelove]

I guess diabetes killed mine but has been feeling horn doggish lately. I also get the depo shot so I don't know if that has anything to do with anything, just thought I would throw it out there..

[camille07]

I was on Prozac for about 6 months and it wiped out my sex drive completely.  The worst part was not being able to have an orgasm.  I have since resumed my position without the prozac and things have returned to normal...normal being a very stimulated.