Many people – both men and women – suffer from low libido at some point, and with today’s fast-paced, always-on way of life, it’s little wonder that stress in the leading cause. Add to that the likes of fatigue, relationship issues and sometimes, even underlying medical problems, and there are plenty of reasons you could be forgiven for experiencing a decrease in your sexual desire.
Whilst it may seem that everyone around you is constantly in the bedroom, the reality is often very different. Although people love to tell stories, many are less than honest about the true state of their sex lives. Even so, there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ libido, and everyone’s sex drive is different – so even if you’re a weekly or even monthly kind of person, it doesn’t mean there is anything to worry about.
That said, if your lack of desire for sex is affecting your life in some way – whether it’s impacting negatively on your relationship, hindering your chances of trying to conceive or simply causing you distress, then there are plenty of ways you can boost your libido. It’s always wise to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying cause first, but if you’ve already done so, then some of these might help.
Improve your mood
Asking for help when you need it is often easier said than done, but if you’re suffering from depression then it’s vital that you consult with a doctor to determine the right treatment plan for you. Recognising that something is wrong is the first step, as depression can have a huge impact on many areas of your life.
Some 30% of cases of loss of libido are caused by depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder, and as we head into autumn, it’s prime season. Try adding some serotonin rich Brazil nuts to your diet, get some exercise to boost endorphins, and be sure to get outdoors and soak up some natural sunlight for at least 20 minutes each day.
Boost your hormones
If you feel as though your libido is not what it once was, there could be a mineral deficiency at play. These can impact your body’s ability to produce testosterone – and the less testosterone, the more your desire will suffer.
Try adding some more zinc to your diet, as this can often help – to get it in food form, swap out a couple of your weekly dinners for something seafood based, or use beans and pulses to bulk out stir fries, chillis and salads.
Plan Ahead
Busy lives can often mean there is little time left for getting intimate, so it pays to chat to your partner and schedule a few hours to yourselves so you can work on reigniting your passion. Avoid putting any pressure on yourselves to make use of the entre slot, but take your time and enjoy yourselves,
For an evening of lovemaking, stamina is key, so try to get in some gentle cardiovascular exercise beforehand to get you all fired up. Remember not to go overboard though, as you’ll need your energy for later!
Get Help
If you’ve already taken steps to improve your libido but all to no avail, then see your doctor to find out whether they can help. Many men of all ages have found Viagra to be a useful tool, and once you have a prescription, you can discretely re-order online to avoid multiple trips into the surgery.
Too embarrassed to chat face to face? LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor is a doctor-led initiative providing safe, reliable, patient-centred and personalised online healthcare to anyone in the UK, and is a great place to get some advice from the comfort of your own home.
And Relax
With stress being the number one cause of a floundering libido, it pays to take steps to reduce the amount in your life. Set aside some time each week to do the things that help you unwind – whether that’s going for a long run, relaxing at a spa or simply staying at home and reading a book. Better yet, head out for a romantic meal with your partner or give each other a soothing massage. Not only will these both help to reduce your stress levels, but they can also help you to reconnect.
A low or decreased libido doesn’t have to spell disaster for your sex life, and it’s important not to worry or blame yourself for any impact it might be having on your relationship. The most important thing is to recognise if it becomes an issue and seek help at the earliest possible opportunity. Once you take some action to improve the situation, half the battle is won – and with any luck, you’ll be raring to go in no time.
