What Vitamins Decrease Sexual Desire?
There is no definitive list of vitamins that decrease sexual desire. Although one natural supplement may decrease sexual desire, lifestyle changes and prescription drugs, not vitamins, are commonly linked to decreasing desire. Everyday occurrences including stress, dealing with children, boredom and low self-esteem can hurt a person’s sex drive.
Much research has been done on which vitamins improve sexual desire, but there doesn’t seem to be a high demand for vitamins that decrease sexuality. If you’re looking for vitamins that decrease sexual desire, you’re best off talking to your health care practitioner. Ask her about taking herbal supplements, prescription medications or making lifestyle changes. Sexual desire is rather elusive, especially for women, and highly individualized.
Considerations
Sexual desire in women is complex and fluid. For men, sexuality is more straightforward and less mysterious. Female sexual appetite can peak or wane due to physical well-being, emotional state of mind and hormone levels. An increase in testosterone and estrogen can lead to high levels of sexual desire. Lifestyle changes can also hurt a sex life.
Significance
A person’s high sex drive, if left unfulfilled, can hurt her emotional state. She may wonder if something’s wrong with her. Relationships can crumble if partners aren’t on similar sexual wavelengths. Consult with a sex therapist for advice. Women who have unrelenting sexual arousal may suffer from Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome, identified by the presence of intrusive and unwanted sexual feelings.
Function
Most people know what aphrodisiacs are. They’re foods such as oysters and chocolate that supposedly boost men’s and women’s sex drives. Not everyone believes these foods actually increase desire and people have different, often contradictory, experiences. Anaphrodisiacs are the opposite of aphrodisiacs; they work to decrease sexual desire. Just like with aphrodisiacs, anaphodisiacs don’t work the same for everyone. Because most people want to improve their sex drives, there is little talk of anaphrodisiacs.
Types
There is one herb commonly listed as an anaphrodisiac. Chasteberry, also known as vitex agnus-castus or monk’s pepper, is a fruit from the chaste tree. In the Middle Ages, monks reportedly took chasteberry to decrease their sex drives. Wives of traveling Roman soldiers were said to spread the herb around them to decrease sexual urges. Chasteberry is also used to ease menstrual cramps, regulate menstrual cycles and stimulate milk production.
Certain prescription medications, such as low-dose birth control pills and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are known to decrease sexual desire.
Effects
Discuss any side effects of prescription medications, herbs and vitamins with your health care provider. Chasteberry may cause rashes, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, and may affect hormone levels. Before you try supplements or vitamins to decrease sexual desire, make some lifestyle changes. People often forget about sex when they’re preoccupied. Involve yourself in a meaningful hobby and see if your sexual appetite decreases.
