How to Increase Libido in Women: 12 Tips to Boost Your Sex Drive

Dr. Sheila Sedicias
Medical review: Dr. Sheila Sedicias Gynecologist CRM 17459-PE
Created by: Tua Saude editing team

To increase libido in women, it’s recommended to exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and practice Kegel exercises. These habits help boost energy, mood, and blood circulation in the genital area, which improves natural lubrication.

Libido refers to sexual desire, and a decrease in libido can result from hormonal, physical, or emotional changes. This may cause a lack of interest in intimacy or difficulty experiencing pleasure during sex.

While there are natural ways to boost libido, it’s important to consult a gynecologist to check for any underlying conditions that may require medical treatment.

woman in workout clothes sitting on the floor eating

Tips for boosting your sex drive

The main ways to increase libido in women include the following:

1. Exercising regularly

Exercising on a regular basis improves physical fitness, energy levels, and self-esteem, which can enhance vaginal lubrication and genital blood flow.

During physical activity, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and endorphins, which promote energy, pleasure, and overall well-being.

2. Practicing Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises can help increase libido in women by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through repeated contractions and relaxation.

These exercises boost blood flow to the genital area, improve pelvic muscle tone, lengthen the vaginal canal, and slightly elevate the cervix, which can reduce discomfort during sex.

3. Practicing vaginal muscle training

Vaginal muscle training, also known as pelvic floor strengthening, can help improve sexual pleasure, increase libido, and prevent urinary or fecal incontinence.

Check out this postpartum workout to help strengthen your pelvic floor.

4. Getting enough sleep

Sleeping 8 to 9 hours a night helps prevent hormonal imbalances, stress, and fatigue, all of which can result in low libido.

Good-quality sleep also improves mood and energy levels, helping to naturally boost libido in women.

5. Eating aphrodisiac foods

Certain foods, such as chili peppers, saffron, ginger, and ginseng, stimulate hormone production and improve blood circulation, which can enhance sexual arousal. Check out more aphrodisiac foods.

These foods should be eaten daily, ideally with meals, to achieve the desired effect. Herbal teas or supplements can also be used to enhance sexual desire.

6. Maintaining a healthy diet

Following a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and lean proteins helps improve circulation throughout the body, including the genital area, which can increase libido.

It’s also important to limit foods high in sugar, fats, and additives, such as processed or ultra-processed products. These can worsen insulin resistance, which is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that may reduce libido.

Also recommended: Libido-Boosting Supplements for Females: Medications & Natural Remedies tuasaude.com/en/libido-boosting-supplements-for-females

7. Using vaginal lubricants

Applying a small amount of water-based vaginal lubricant before or during sex can help reduce friction and discomfort.

Water-based lubricants are considered the safest option and can help increase comfort and pleasure during sexual activity.

8. Getting sunlight at the right times

Sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon (before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.) is safe and helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports bone health.

In addition, sunlight contributes to hormonal balance and boosts self-esteem, both of which can improve sexual desire.

9. Spending quality time with your partner

Many women feel more interested in sex when they’re happy and emotionally connected in their relationship.

Spending time together (watching a movie, going for a walk, or dancing) can help a woman feel loved and appreciated, which may increase her sexual desire.

Physical affection, such as touch, or hearing words of affirmation can also help a woman feel desired and more open to intimacy.

10. Getting to know your own body

Masturbation helps women explore their own bodies and understand what brings them pleasure. Knowing the location of the clitoris and how to stimulate it can make it easier to reach orgasm and communicate preferences with a partner.

However, if a woman isn’t emotionally or physically interested in sex, she may not become aroused or satisfied even with stimulation.

11. Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes

Avoiding frequent or excessive alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can help increase libido.

Both alcohol and nicotine negatively affect blood circulation, reduce vaginal lubrication, and make it harder to reach orgasm.

12. Focusing on foreplay

Spending more time on foreplay is another effective way to increase libido in women. It enhances pleasure, strengthens emotional connection, and improves satisfaction during sex.

Taking time to explore desires and preferences before intercourse can help increase arousal, improve lubrication, and heighten overall sexual pleasure.

Learn more about how to increase libido.

Update History
We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information to maintain an exceptional level of quality.
  • 12 November, 2025 (Current version)
    Updated by Jillian Kinton-Vieira - Registered Nurse
  • 26 October, 2025
  • Created on October, 2025

References
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  • PETTIGREW, J.A.; NOVICK, A. M. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women: Physiology, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2021;66(6):740-748.
  • NAPPI, R.E.; et al. Medical Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction. Urol Clin North Am. 2022;49(2):299-307.
  • SEGARRA, I.; et al. Women's health, hormonal balance, and personal autonomy. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10():1167504.
  • MOLLAIOLI, D.; et al. Lifestyles and sexuality in men and women: the gender perspective in sexual medicine. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2020;18(1):10.