Women's Health Community

Some women report and increase in libido around the time of ovulation.

Gail

Dear livelaughlove: Gail has spoken correctly. Right before ovulation (at the time of the LH surge) there is a spike in androgens (male hormones) which can stimulate increased libido in some women. So if the timing of your increased libido was at midcycle that may be your answer.

Some other possible reasons for increased libido of a longer duration can include:

1. Coming off hormonal forms of birth control---Hormonal birth control methods can both stop LH surge of androgens and decrease biologic activity of androgens coming from the adrenal glands/ovaries.

2. Androgen secreting tumor--This is extremely rare, but if you are noticing increased facial hair, voice deepening, acne, etc. increased androgen levels should be evaluated.

3. Bipolar manic phase--Occasionally mania presents with high sexual activity phases. Yet this seems less likely in your specific case, unless you have other reasons to suspect bipolar disorder..

4. Persistent sexual arousal syndrome--Here is a citation on this from the National Library of Medicine site:

J Sex Med. 2005 May;2(3):331-7.
Persistent sexual arousal syndrome: a descriptive study.
Leiblum S, Brown C, Wan J, Rawlinson L.
Source

University Medical and Dental School of New Jersey-Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Newark, NJ, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:

Persistent sexual arousal disorder (PSAS) is a poorly documented condition characterized by persistent genital arousal in the absence of conscious feelings of sexual desire.
AIM:

To determine whether there are replicable features associated with PSAS, to describe salient characteristics of women reporting this condition, and to determine predictors of distress.
METHODS:

A 46-item Internet survey containing demographic information, symptom description, triggers, exacerbation and relief measures, distress ratings, and life and sexual satisfaction was placed on a secure server.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Frequency analyses of descriptive data, and stepwise multiple regression analysis to identify independent predictors of level of distress.
RESULTS:

Of the 103 respondents, most were in good health, well educated, and in long-term relationships. Ninety-eight percent of respondents met at least one criterion for PSAS and 53% met all five criteria. Involuntary genital and clitoral arousal persisting for extended time periods, genital arousal unrelated to subjective feelings of sexual desire, and genital arousal not relieved with orgasms were the most frequently endorsed features associated with this syndrome. Symptom triggers included sexual stimulation, masturbation, stress, and anxiety. Distress about the condition was low in 25%, moderate in 35%, and high in 40% of respondents. The strongest predictors of distress were intrusive and unwanted feelings of genital arousal (P < 0.0001), continuous symptoms (P < 0. 001), feelings of unhappiness (P < 0.03), shame (P = 0.0001) and worry (P = 0.01), reduced sexual satisfaction (P < 0.004), enjoyment of symptoms some of the time (P = 0.01), and relationship status (P < 0.004).
CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this research support the description of a condition (persistent sexual arousal) involving involuntary genital and clitoral arousal unrelated to subjective feelings of sexual desire which persists despite one or more orgasms and which usually feels intrusive and unwanted. Varying levels of distress were identified with this condition as well as a variety of primarily negative emotional reactions.

Bottom line, if you have other symptoms, or your feelings are troublesome, see your GYN. It's hopefully a good thing in your relationship at this time. Sometimes women just finally wake up to their sexual potential.

Yours,
Jane

Can I still ovulate even though I have my tubes tied? Can I be going through the "change" already? Just turned 27... ?

Yes, you continue to ovulate even though your tubes are "tied". Tubal ligations have no effect on the ovaries ability to release eggs.

Menopause would not begin at age 27.

Gail