We sought to understand the biological causes of female sex drive so that we could learn about varying levels of sexual appetite, in genetically female individuals, in order to make educated choices involving sexuality and intimate partner relationships. Previous research has found that biological causes of sex drive in women include ovulation, nitric oxide levels, and red wine. In our correlational study, we tested the strength of these relationships by examining naturalistic daily changes in their variables longitudinally over a period of fourteen days. We measured ovulation by tracking the menstrual cycle, nitric oxide levels by using salivary nitric oxide test strips, red wine by tracking daily red wine consumption, and sex drive by completing a daily Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. Data pooled across participants in our correlational study showed that red wine intake showed no correlation to increased sex drive, days further from ovulation showed slight increase in sex drive, and that lower nitric oxide levels correlated with higher sex drive. These results can help inform future research on biological causes of the female sex drive for diverse groups.
