Everyone's sex drive is different, but you may have noticed a pattern in how much or how little you crave sex during certain times of the month. Well, there's a reason for that!

Throughout your cycle, Mother Nature (as clever as she is) has a way of promoting reproduction by boosting your urge to have sex during ovulation, while also increasing your attractiveness to your partner!

It comes in waves…

Sex can feel more or less appealing depending on the time of the month, as your sensitivity towards physical sensations changes from one week to another. From changes in your vaginal discharge to the opening and softening of your cervix during ovulation; nature gives you clear signs of when it is the best time to have sex to conceive (or for many of us the best time to practice!)

Ovulation and desire

The phases of your menstrual cycle can and often do have an impact on your libido. It's very common to feel much more interested in sex midway through your cycle, or when you ovulate. This is when estrogen and testosterone levels are ar their peak, triggering a rise in libido.

Tracking your sex drive can be a great way to get to know your body, and the natural highs and lows of desire throughout your cycle.

How sex can affect your period

A high sex drive around your period is common, and while researchers don't know exactly why this happens, it's likely the result of hormonal fluctuations. The good news? Regular sex make your period more regular and lighter, and can even relieve menstrual discomfort, with the endorphins and muscle relaxing power of orgasms working to soothe cramps and headaches.

What else affects my libido?

Your cycle aside, there's a wide range of other lifestyle factors that can also affect your libido. These include travel, stress, exercise, taking the contraceptive pill and many more factors.

If you feel that your libido levels are lower than higher than you'd like, don’t be afraid of reaching out reach for help from a professional. There's a wide variety of ways to improve your sex drive and satisfaction, including sex therapy, changes to birth control and stress management techniques.

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