How to Improve Sexual Health: A Guide for Men and Women
Sexual desire is an integral part of a person’s life. Libido can be influenced by several factors and may vary from person to person. But what happens when you’re never quite ‘in the mood’? Having a low libido can be a cause of concern for both men and women, and unsurprisingly it can impact both mental and physical well-being. In this article, we discuss the possible causes of low libido in men and women and how we can best support healthy sexual function.
Causes of Low Libido
The exact cause of low libido can vary widely from person to person and can sometimes be difficult to decipher. Some of the common causes of low libido in men and women include medication, medical conditions, fatigue, psychological stress, poor nutrition, depression, sexual incompatibility, and performance anxiety. Other possible causes include a lack of intimacy between partners, loss of attraction, and relationship issues.
Loss of Libido in Women
Women may experience a loss of libido due to reasons such as poor diet, menopause, dyspareunia, vaginismus, urinary tract infections, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Loss of Libido in Men
Some of the reasons that can cause a man’s sex drive to lessen include poor diet, a decline in testosterone levels, hypogonadism, impotence, premature ejaculation, and inability to ejaculate.
How to Improve Your Sexual Health
Maintaining a healthy libido and sexual health is essential for overall well-being. While the above factors play a role in sexual health, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can significantly impact it. Here are some lifestyle changes you can make day to day to support a healthy libido and overall sexual health.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can improve blood circulation and increase testosterone levels as well as give us a hit of endorphins, which can enhance sexual desire and function and contribute to overall happiness.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve overall health and sexual function. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and processed foods can also help.
Manage stress: No surprises here: stress can have a huge negative impact on sexual function. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help manage stress levels and improve sexual health.
Get enough sleep: A lack of sleep can decrease energy levels and sexual desire. Let’s face it - it’s hard to find motivation to do anything when we can’t keep our eyes open. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support sexual health.
Communicate with your partner: Open communication with your partner can help build intimacy and enhance sexual pleasure. Be open to trying intimacy exercises, setting allocated time aside to be intimate or just having an honest, open discussion about how to make each other feel good.
Try natural remedies: Certain natural remedies and vitamins contain natural aphrodisiacs and antioxidants which have been shown to improve sexual function. It is of course essential to consult a healthcare provider before trying any new supplement.
A healthy sex drive is essential for a fulfilling life. Low libido can be caused by several factors and may require a professional diagnosis. However, in addition to seeking professional help, these small lifestyle adjustments may just be the inspiration your body needs to kickstart that libido and improve your overall sexual wellbeing.
It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new exercise or dietary activities.
