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Sex Drive Slowing In Younger Women

Experts Say Career, Stress To Blame

UPDATED: 1:29 p.m. EDT June 4, 2002

As women age, there are many physical reasons for a drop in sex drive. But lately, doctors are hearing from more and more young women with the same problem.

"I have found that men's sex drives are just greater than ours," said one woman.

"We're all trying to be superwomen," said another woman. "We're all trying to take care of our businesses and our homes, and I think that weakens our drive."

"I don't think our sex drive has decreased at all," said a third woman. "I think it's more of our responsibilities have increased."

"There's just not any time in her day to be quiet and just begin to have sexual feelings," said Dr. Eugenia Gullick, a psychologist.

Gullick and gynecologist Dr. Nancy Taeff believe much of the problem is women are overworked and overstressed.

"When you go on vacation with your partner, are you more interested in sex?" asked Taeff.

Taeff said birth control pills may blunt sex drive and affect a woman's lubrication. Antidepressants can, too, but your doctor can help you find alternatives that may not shut down your drive.

A doctor can look into whether a woman has problems with her physical and emotional health. Or problems with her relationship can be to blame.

"Can you delegate some of the responsibilities around the house, for example?" Gullick said.

But a lot of the time, experts say, couples just need to talk and to readjust their lives.

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