10 Quick Ways to Fire up Your Sex Drive
Low libido? Fear not. According to statistics, a loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem that affects many men and women.
Relationship issues, stress, tiredness or an underlying medical problem could cause a drop in your sexual desire. Here, we take a deeper look at what libido actually is and how to increase sex drive.
What is Libido?
Simply put, libido is another word for your sex drive. Influenced by hormones, brain function and learned behaviours, libido can vary from one person to the next. While some people may have a high libido and others low, there's no such thing as a normal libido.
It's also worth noting that your sexual appetite can fluctuate from time to time due to your emotional state, hormone levels and even physical health. In fact, according to research, being overweight can lower libido with many studies proving a positive relationship between weight loss and an increase in sex drive.
What you must remember is that everyone's sex drive is different. However, if you find your lack of desire for sex distressing or it's affecting your relationship, then it's a good idea to get some help.
Can You Increase Your Sex Drive in 24-Hours?
The best and fastest ways to increase your libido is through sleep, diet and exercise. All help re-energise your body, reduce stress and make you feel better.
How Often Should a Couple Be Having Sex?
Ask five different sex therapists about how often you should be having sex and you'll get five different answers. For some couples, once a week is enough, for others, it can be once a month. Age, lifestyle, and health are just a few factors that can impact your sex life on a daily basis.
At What Age Do Men's Sex Drive Decline?
Once you hit 30, testosterone levels will begin to fall by about 1% every year, which means – albeit slowly – your libido will start to decline.
How to Increase Sex Drive
1/ Boost Your Hormones with Zinc
If you feel your libido has seen better days, take zinc. 'Deficiencies can impact on your body's production of testosterone, making you feel lacklustre,' says Dr Sara Brewer, author of Better Sex. Zinc-rich foods include seafood, cereals, beans and pulses. Click here for the 14 best foods that will help boost your testosterone.
2/ Lower Your Alcohol Intake
Although the occasional glass of wine can undoubtedly do wonders for oiling the machinery, don't overdo it. Studies from Newcastle University show that excess alcohol intake destroys the testicular cells that manufacture testosterone.
3/ Get Some Vitamin D
Some 30% of cases of loss of libido are caused by depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder. A study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology found a direct and positive relationship between serum vitamin D level and overall semen quality, male reproductive potential, and testosterone levels. Getting outdoors and/or supplementing with vitamin D could help negate this.
4/ Relax
Stress is one of the biggest suppressors of libido, so take time to work through the main worries in your life, and ask your partner for a massage before you sleep. 'Continued tension without relief can stunt sexual desire,' says psychologist Dr Eamon McGann. And we all know where a massage can lead...
5/ Make Plans
Book a five-hour slot in around a week's time with your partner to build up the anticipation. 'Don't expect to last five hours, just take your time over the whole process and definitely don't stop short, even if you're just post-coital cuddling,' says sex therapist Phillip Hodson.
6/ Go the Distance
For an evening of lovemaking, you'll need stamina. To build endurance before sliding between the sheets, your best bets are low-impact aerobics, which will do the job without straining your body. Do three sessions a week of 20 to 30 minutes each, mixing running, swimming, stair climbing and rowing.
7/ Control Your Ejaculation
Control your ejaculation by masturbating just shy of orgasm. Then stop until the urge recedes and start again. 'You should reach the point where you can control your level of excitement,' says Dr Helen Kaplan, author of How to Overcome Premature Ejaculation.
8/ Sleep More
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that men with sleep apnea experience lower testosterone levels which in turn leads to decreased sexual activity and libido. Further studies have produced similar results, showing those who only sleep for five hours a night have decreased testosterone levels by up to 15%.
9/ Stop Smoking
Research has found smoking to have a negative impact on sperm production and movement. A 2022 study has also shown the impact smoking has on erectile dysfunction. Examining 6,755 men who were either current smokers, former smokers, or non smokers, the researchers found that current smokers reported having ED more frequently than non smokers, at 31% versus 26% respectively.
10/ Improve Your Self-Esteem
It's important to love yourself – the way you feel your body will affect the way you feel about sex. Viewing yourself in a negative way, eating an unhealthy diet and not doing enough exercise may discourage you from having and enjoying sex. According to a poll by health insurance company AXA PPP, low self-esteem has left 46% of Brits fearful to work out, while one in 10 said they’re afraid of being seen wearing gym gear. Of those polled, 33 per cent say their sex lives are being affected, too – and one-fifth of millennials surveyed rank ‘being seen naked’ as their biggest fear.
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