With every cycle comes fluctuating hormones and feelings–– this includes your impulse for sex. Sometimes you may feel like it’s going haywire, and on other days, you barely think of it at all. But did you know that whether you’re in the mood, or feeling prude, there is a right time to do the deed? Your body knows when, and it’s tryna to tell you how to read the signs! 

Let’s listen to what your body has to say, and break down each cycle phase in relation to your sex drive: 

What’s A Libido?

Libido, is what you normally refer to  as your sex drive or the desire for sex. For women, our hormones and the four phases of our menstrual cycle heavily influences our libido.  As you move through each phase, you’ll notice that your mood, desire and body sensitivity changes.

Sex Drive and Cycles 

Menstrual Phase and Sex: During your period, your hormones like progesterone and estrogen are at an all time low. It’s at this phase where your inclination for sex varies – you either want it or barely think of it all. While some might want to do the deed during their thing, others may not feel the need to at all, and that’s totally alright. Your body’s got a lot of things going on, so sometimes sex just isn’t a priority as this stage.

Flirtatious Follicular Phase: As you move over to the follicular phase, your estrogen levels start to rise. These are mostly the days where you feel most confident, sensual and flirty. As your body anticipates the ovulation phase, you’ll notice your fantisation for sex to increase.

On It with Ovulation: Here at ovulation, your estrogen levels and libido is at its highest peak. As your body readies itself for possible fertilization, discharge increases, and natural lubrication means a greater sexual experience. If you’re not planning on motherhood soon, we suggest you use protection, or be cautious during this special time of the month.

Desire Leaves at Luteal Phase: Another period is on the rise and estrogen starts to drop, during your Luteal Phase. So, you probably won’t feel the need for sex at all at this stage. PMS starts to kick in, you’re moodier and sensitive – right now, you’ve got better things to worry about, so it’s completely normal to put sex at the backburner for now.

Let’s Normalize The Sex Talk 

Although women have been taught to bow our heads down and stay silent when it comes to sex, it’s important for us to realize that sex is normal and shouldn’t be something to be embarrassed about! The more you get to know your body and sexuality, the more confident you become on what makes you feel good inside and out, how to handle it and make the most out of those hormones! The science behind your sex drive can educate you to track your emotions and keep them in check so you’re more in tune with yourself.

So don’t be embarrassed and let your libido do its thang!