2025 Guide: Why Lockdown Slashed Your Libido and How Much It Costs Your Wellbeing
Discover the scientific reasons behind the drop in your libido during lockdown, the impact of stress and lifestyle changes, and effective ways to rekindle intimacy while meeting today's SEO and wellness standards.
Feeling like your sex drive has vanished alongside your social life? You're not alone, and it’s completely normal during these challenging times.
Dr. Sarah Melancon, a sociologist and clinical sexologist from The Sex Toy Collective, explains that a lack of sexual interest amid a global crisis is expected. While a few may experience increased libido, most people notice a significant decrease.
Stay updated with the latest COVID-19 insights and expert advice on prevention, treatment, and coping strategies at our dedicated coronavirus hub.
The Primary Cause: Stress and Anxiety
The pandemic has introduced unprecedented stress and anxiety, which profoundly impact sexual desire.
Lyndsey Harper, OB-GYN and CEO of Rosy, an app focused on women’s sexual health, highlights that stress can suppress libido by triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Financial worries and survival stress especially signal the body to prioritize safety over reproduction, leading to hormonal shifts that lower sexual desire.
Additional Factors Behind Libido Decline
Your reduced sex drive during COVID-19 may stem from several common lifestyle and emotional changes:
Constant Proximity to Your Partner
Spending 24/7 together can diminish the excitement once sparked by brief encounters, while heightened tensions and imbalanced household responsibilities further dampen desire.
Altered Diet and Physical Activity
Changes in eating habits, reduced exercise, and disrupted sleep patterns affect hormone levels, which directly influence libido.
Increased Alcohol and Substance Use
While some turn to alcohol or smoking to cope, these habits can impair sexual function and overall health.
Concerns About Reproductive Health Access
Worries about contraceptive availability or reproductive services can make sexual activity less appealing.
Reduced Sexual Activity
Less frequent sex or masturbation can create a cycle of lowered desire due to hormonal feedback mechanisms.
Good News: This Libido Drop Is Temporary
Experts agree that libido often returns once stressors ease post-pandemic.
Managing Your Libido and Intimacy During Lockdown
Whether you’re experiencing low desire or want to maintain intimacy without sex, there are practical strategies to enhance your connection and wellbeing.
Boost Emotional Intimacy
- Regularly check in about each other’s feelings and daily experiences.
- Engage in intellectual intimacy by watching documentaries or reading books together followed by discussion.
Physical Affection Beyond Sex
- Incorporate skin-to-skin contact such as cuddling, massages, or hand-holding to reduce stress and foster closeness.
Communicate Openly About Mismatched Libidos
- Express your feelings honestly and compassionately.
- Encourage solo sexual activity as a healthy outlet.
- Explore responsive desire techniques to gently reignite interest.
Safe Sexting and Virtual Intimacy
- Set boundaries and communicate your mood clearly.
- Opt for non-sexual virtual dates to maintain connection without pressure.
Self-Care for Solo Isolation
- Prioritize stress-reduction activities like meditation, yoga, and limiting news intake.
- Practice maintenance masturbation to support libido and relieve stress.
- Stimulate desire through erotica, erotic films, or audio content.
Final Thoughts
The fluctuating libido during the COVID-19 pandemic is a normal response to stress and life changes. Understanding the science and adopting compassionate communication and self-care can help you navigate these shifts successfully.
Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a queer sex educator and wellness journalist dedicated to promoting body positivity and sexual wellbeing. Her work appears in Healthline, Cosmopolitan, and more. Outside of writing, she enjoys CrossFit coaching, hiking, and podcasting.
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