Low libido in women is a lasting lack of interest in sex, or difficulty becoming aroused, that causes personal distress. Common causes include hormonal changes (after childbirth, while breastfeeding, around menopause), some medications, pain during sex, fatigue, stress, depression and relationship factors. Treatment targets the causes found and may combine medical care with counseling.
- When it matters
- If it bothers you, not a set number
- Common causes
- Hormones · medications · pain · stress
- Tests
- Only when they change the plan
- Treatment
- Cause-based, often combined
- Medication options
- Limited; discussed individually
- Doctor
- Dr. Joonho Cho, OB-GYN specialist
What counts as low libido or sexual dysfunction?
There is no “normal” amount of sexual desire. Doctors talk about a sexual dysfunction only when a problem is persistent (usually several months) and causes distress to you. Female sexual dysfunction is usually grouped into four areas, which often overlap:
| Area | What it means | Related page |
|---|---|---|
| Desire / interest | Little or no interest in sex or sexual thoughts | This page |
| Arousal | Difficulty becoming physically or mentally aroused; low lubrication | Vaginal dryness |
| Orgasm | Delayed, less intense or absent orgasm | Orgasm disorder |
| Pain | Pain with or after sex | Pain during intercourse |
What causes low sexual desire?
- Hormonal changes — after childbirth, during breastfeeding, perimenopause and menopause, or after removal of the ovaries.
- Medications — some antidepressants, blood pressure medicines and, for some women, hormonal contraception.
- Pain or dryness — if sex hurts, desire understandably drops.
- Health conditions — thyroid disorders, anemia, diabetes, chronic illness, poor sleep.
- Mental health — stress, anxiety, depression, body image concerns or past trauma.
- Relationship and life factors — conflict, communication, caring responsibilities, moving abroad or work pressure.
Hormonal causes are reviewed alongside the rest; see hormonal imbalance for more on how hormones affect symptoms.
How is it assessed?
- Private conversation in English The doctor asks about desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, mood, medications, contraception and life circumstances. You choose how much to share.
- Examination if relevant A gentle pelvic exam can identify dryness, thinning tissue, infection or pelvic floor tension.
- Targeted blood tests For example thyroid function, anemia or hormone levels, when symptoms suggest them. Routine testosterone measurement is not usually helpful on its own.
- Agreeing priorities You and the doctor decide which factors to address first, and whether referral to a counselor or sex therapist would help.
- Little interest in sex that causes distress
- Unsure whether hormones are to blame
- Pain or dryness making sex unappealing
- Stress affecting the relationship
- Contributing factors identified
- Pain and dryness treated
- Medication and hormone options discussed honestly
- Many patients notice improvement when several factors are addressed
What treatments are available?
| Approach | When it helps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Treat pain or dryness | When sex is uncomfortable | Lubricants, moisturizers, local estrogen |
| Review medications | When a medicine may be the cause | Changes only with your prescribing doctor |
| Menopause hormone therapy | Menopausal symptoms affecting sex | Individual risk–benefit discussion |
| Testosterone (selected cases) | Postmenopausal women with distressing low desire | Off-label in many countries; specialist monitoring |
| Counseling or sex therapy | Stress, relationship or psychological factors | Good evidence, often combined with medical care |
| Lifestyle | Fatigue, sleep, fitness | Sleep, exercise and time for intimacy |
For menopause-related changes, see menopause management. Injection treatments such as PRP are not established treatments for low desire.
Practical tips while you wait for change
- Talk openly with your partner about what feels good and what does not.
- Plan unhurried time for intimacy without pressure to have intercourse.
- Use a lubricant if arousal is slow or dryness is a problem.
- Look after sleep, physical activity and stress levels.
- Notice whether desire changes across your cycle or with particular medications.
Cost and insurance
Costs depend on the tests and treatment needed. As a general guide, a consultation is about ₩50,000–100,000. Residents enrolled in Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHIS) are generally covered for medically necessary consultations and tests, while elective or aesthetic treatments are not. Read more about health insurance for foreigners at Korean clinics, or ask for an itemized receipt and English diagnosis for travel insurance claims.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Is low libido normal?
Changes in desire are very common, especially after childbirth, during stressful periods and around menopause. It is only considered a problem if it bothers you.
Can birth control lower my libido?
Some women notice lower desire on hormonal contraception, though many do not. If you suspect this, a doctor can discuss other methods; see our birth control options.
Is there a pill for low libido in women?
A few medicines are approved in some countries for specific situations, but they have modest effects and are not widely available in Korea. Treating underlying causes is usually more effective.
Should I have my hormones tested?
Hormone tests are useful when symptoms suggest a hormonal cause, such as irregular periods or menopausal symptoms. They are not a stand-alone answer to low desire.
Can I talk about this in English?
Yes. Consultations at Yoonho are available in English, in a private room, and you decide how much detail to share.
OB-GYN Specialist · Ph.D. · Medical Director
M.D., M.Med. & Ph.D., Chung-Ang University · OB-GYN specialist training, Eulji University Medical Center · Member, Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.