Sexual desire is a normal and natural feeling for women and men. However, sexual desire can change over time, and can increase or decrease depending on the situation. To understand changes in sex drive, which is called libido, in medical terminology, one must understand that every person, and every couple, has a different level of desire. Sexual desire often changes in response to outside forces, like stress. Plus, libido can decrease with certain medical conditions and by many medications.

Men and women both have a hormone called testosterone, this is present in much higher amounts in men. Women have high amounts of hormones called estrogen and progesterone. Testosterone is known to cause facial and body hair and larger muscles, but it can also cause certain emotions, like aggression and increased sex drive. Young men, for example, have strong sex drives, most likely due to the increase in testosterone that occurs at puberty.

There are a number of situations that can lead to a decrease in sexual desire. Stress from one's job, money trouble, sick family members, marriage problems, and other issues can cause one's sex drive to decrease dramatically.

Men and women respond to stress differently. Women usually notice decreased sex drive when their lives are stressful, but some men actually use sexual activity as a way to reduce stress. Other things can cause diminished libido. For example, childbirth and breastfeeding women may find themselves in a new role as a busy mother. Heart disease can lead to fear of exertion. Depression can make all activity, especially sex, difficult. Medications, like some antidepressants and many blood pressure pills, can lead to lower sex drives. When women go through "the change," called menopause, they may lose interest in sex.

There are medications that can improve libido for both men and woman. But first the doctor must evaluate such things as life style changes and the reduction or elimination of drugs with interfering side effects.

Sexual relations should be a time to share, care and enjoy each other, at a time and place agreeable to both partners. Partners must talk with each other, and plan to enjoy the time together. Then, sexual desire should not be a problem for the couple. A long and happy relationship takes commitment from both partners to keep it exciting and interesting. Once person cannot do it all.