The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
A drop in sex drive isn’t always a problem. Sex drive naturally fluctuates and if you’re happy having sex occasionally – or even not at all – that’s fine. But it can be a problem for couples when there are mismatched expectations. Want to lift your libido? Then follow our guide... Just think of the health benefits sex provides If you’ve gone off sex , it’s worth ¬rekindling an interest if only for the health benefits. “Orgasm stimulates production of the body’s natural killer cells, which fight infection, boost immunity and even offer some ¬protection against cancer,” says ¬psychotherapist Marisa Peer, author of You Can Be Younger. “You also release oxytocin, dubbed the love hormone, which boosts mood, ¬alleviates stress and reinforces the bond between you and your partner.”
Chill out High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can lower sex drive, says the Society for Endocrinology. Set aside five minutes a day for relaxation.
Ditch the cigs Smoking damages arteries, affecting circulation. It affects a man’s ability to get and maintain an erection and impedes men’s and women’s ability to orgasm, says Dr Michael Roizen, author of The Real Age Makeover.
Get fitter Aim for at least five half-hour sessions a week of moderate exercise like brisk walking or three 25-minute sessions of vigorous aerobic exercise.
Sort your sleep out Men who had less than five hours of sleep a night for a week had reduced levels of testosterone, the libido hormone, a study in Chicago found. Not enough zzzzs also makes men and women grumpy – not an aphrodisiac!
Keep a diary “Record everything for a week – how much sleep you got, whether you exercised, what you ate, if you were stressed and how you and your partner got on. Then you can see what may be getting in the way,” says Dr Boynton.
Get talking If you’re rushed off your feet all day and flop in front of the TV every night, you may feel emotionally distanced from your partner, leading to a drop off in sex. Think what would make your relationship more enjoyable, regardless of sex, then share that with your partner.
Love your body Women who see themselves as ¬unattractive are more likely to report a drop in sexual desire with age. Concentrate on what you like about your body and remember that you’re almost certainly your own worst critic.
Consider a quickie Too busy? Satisfying sex need only take 10 minutes. Get out of your routine, try a different time of day, a different room, watch a sexy film or try role play, and don’t wait till you’re in the mood. If you’re not interested to begin with, once you get started, the chances are you soon will be.
Tone up down there A third of new mums and half of ¬menopausal women have a weakened pelvic floor – the muscles that support the uterus, bladder and bowel. Besides leading to accidental urine leakage, it also reduces sexual sensation.
Resolve niggles Unresolved resentment can lead to sex problems. Talking is key to addressing these issues.
Check your meds Certain medications, including some antidepressants and contraceptive pills, can affect libido. If you think this affects you, talk to your doctor, who may be able to prescribe an alternative. If you’ve tried all these with no result, see your doctor to rule out conditions that could affect your sex drive.
mirror.co.uk
photo:ashy2classy.net
join