The 4 ways winter is destroying your sex life – from festive stress to ‘winter vagina’
HAVE you noticed you're not feeling the friskiest during wintertime?
It makes some logical sense, as shedding clothing isn't the most inviting prospect when it's cold out and some of us might not be feeling our most body confident either.
But according to Dr Babak Ashrafi, there's more at play when it comes to our waning winter libido.
The GP at Superdrug Online Doctor said shorter days and fewer hours of sunlight can do more than lower your general mood.
From festive stress to so-called 'winter vagina', "there are a multitude of reasons why someone’s sex drive might be lower in the winter months or why people have less sex than usual", the GP said.
1. 'Winter vagina'
Ever heard of the term 'winter penis'? It describes how penises (temporarily) shrink due to the cold.
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Well, now it seems like 'winter vagina' could be a thing too.
According to Dr Ashrafi: “A drop in temperature can make skin and hair become dry and dehydrated, but not many people know that the temperature change can also affect on your vagina in the same way.
"The vagina and surrounding area can become dry, itchy, and irritated, resulting in uncomfortable sex."
There are ways to get around this. Some lube can go long way to make sex more comfortable and combat dryness down there.
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But "if the problem persists then please speak to a healthcare professional", the GP advised.
2. Festive stress
Stress can strike at any time of year but there's something particularly hectic about the festive period.
Dr Ashrafi explained:“Christmas time can be overwhelming and exhausting, with the week leading up to Christmas being one of the most stressful times of year as prepping for the big day is underway, along with last minute present buying.
"Stress and worries can impact your sex drive, as well as other areas of your life, which is why it’s important to improve the ways you manage stress.”
Setting time aside for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle and saying no to plans if you feel overwhelmed are just some of the ways you can combat the dreaded Christmas creep.
3. SAD
Many of us will have already noticed how the fewer hours of daylight at this time of year might be leaving us less sprightly than usual.
Dr Ashrafi said: “A lack of daylight and shorter days can result in low mood and SAD (seasonal affective disorder) for some people, but it also affects your libido.
"Less sunlight equals less serotonin, which is a natural mood stabiliser, and without this it can affect your mood.”
Symptoms of SAD, also known as 'winter depression', include:
- A persistent low mood
- A loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
- Irritability
- Feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
- Feeling lethargic and sleepy during the day
- Sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
- Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased sex drive
You should consider seeing a GP if you're struggling to cope with these symptoms, the NHS advised.
Getting natural sunlight if you can might help manage your mood, but you can also supplement that with a special lamp called a light box.
Exercise can also help give your mood a boost, as well as talking to specialist or trusted friend.
4. Seasonal fatigue
Dr Ashrafi added: “Less sunlight exposure and spending more time indoors also results in vitamin deficiencies which can make you feel more tired in winter months."
Or you might also be feeling burnt out and in need of some well-deserved time off as we approach the end of the year.
Whatever the cause, your energy levels are probably lower due to tiredness, which certainly won't be doing your sex drive any favours.
But the GP emphasised: "There are many ways to combat low libido."
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He advised you speak to a pharmacist or GP to find solutions.