A healthy sex life has many benefits for both our mental and physical health. The expected benefits include improved libido, a healthy immune system, lower blood pressure, improved sleep, and reduced risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, among many others.
Of course, to enjoy the abovementioned benefits, we must make a few lifestyle changes. To explore the natural ways to boost your sex drive, here’s a guide we have prepared for you.
Factors Influencing Sex Drive
There are two common factors influencing sex drive. To learn more about them, continue reading the following sections.
Biological Factors
As you get older, the hormonal changes within you can lead to diminished libido. If you have a low libido, you will also suffer from poor sex drive. For women, excess estrogen and insufficiency and imbalance of androgens can lead to low sexual attraction. Low testosterone levels in women could also result in a lack of libido.
As men age, hormonal changes happen, resulting in a decline in sex drive. When their testosterone levels drop, their libido also diminishes, thus affecting their sex drive. Older men are also prone to heart-related diseases like hypertension and dyslipidemia, triggering erectile dysfunction.
A patient can find relief through some medications like cialis and Viagra, among other oral medications. The cialis generic cost $10 to $15, while Viagra’s cost per pill starts at $8.50. However these medicines may have side effects for your body. So do consult with a doctor or professional before you proceed.
For both genders, a drop in sexual desire is expected as they age. For men, the changes could manifest in their 60s or 70s. For women, a drop in sexual function and desire could manifest in the late 40s to 50s.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors like stress can result in a drop in sex drive. When your body detects stress, it will release hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. With high levels of these hormones, a decline in sex drive could follow. When you’re also busy and stressed, you will be distracted from wanting sex or being active during sex.
Lifestyle Factors
Poor lifestyle choices like drinking, smoking, and overeating can lead to poor self-care and sedentary living. Note that a healthy diet and exercise can boost your libido, thus improving your sexual drive and performance.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Sex Drive
Our sex drive and function could decline as we age, but there are natural and doable ways to maintain a healthy sex life while you still can.
Prioritize Self-Care and Stress Management
As mentioned, stress can be a critical factor that causes the decline of libido. That’s why learning a few stress reduction techniques is essential to help you manage and overcome stress.
You can try meditation and deep breathing exercises to direct your sexual energy. Through breathing exercises, you allow oxygen to circulate throughout the body leading to increased interest and receptivity to sex.
In addition, sleep deprivation can result in reduced arousal and sexual desire, so it’s essential to get enough sleep and rest to allow your body to recuperate and boost sexual drive.
Optimize Your Diet for Sexual Health
There are aphrodisiacs or food that increase libido that you can incorporate into your diet. For instance, spinach allows more natural erection. You can also have garlic that keeps the heart healthy for sexual activities, dark chocolate that boosts serotonin and dopamine levels, and sweet potatoes that can help men look better in bed by counteracting salt’s bloating effect.
Regular Exercise for Enhanced Sexual Desire
When you exercise, you also allow blood circulation and stimulate the release of “feel-good” hormones like endorphins. These hormones reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common reasons for declining libido. In addition, exercise also contributes to increased stamina and self-confidence. You can engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise every week. These exercises include walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming.
Explore Natural Aphrodisiacs
There are some herbs and spices that are traditionally used to increase libido. You can try Ginseng since it can improve sexual performance. Maca, a root vegetable from Peru, can also help with sexual function. To improve your sexual mood, you can try a spice called Saffron. A traditional aphrodisiac like Damiana can also help stimulate libido and enhance pleasure in bed.
Enhance Intimacy and Communication
You must practice open dialogue to foster a healthy connection with your partner. You can also try to participate in shared activities like a new hobby. You can go to the gym together or schedule picnics every weekends.
You can also try non-sexual activities to encourage physical intimacy. It’s also important to practice emotional vulnerability, where each of you can express yourself without judgment.
Focus on Self-Confidence and Body Positivity
You will feel more comfortable and confident during intimate moments if you love your body. Embrace your sensuality by exploring what brings you pleasure. Connect with your body through different activities like massage and meditation. Also, educate yourself about body positivity by engaging in positive self-talk and surrounding yourself with body-positive influences.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing stress affecting your sexual drive, a medical professional can help you determine the underlying physical and psychological factors and address them through treatments.
Experts in couples therapy can also give counseling to enhance communication between you and your partner. They guarantee a non-judgmental space where you can open up sensitive issues in your relationships and get targeted solutions from them.
Conclusion
Be proactive in prioritizing your sexual well-being by following the seven natural ways we have mentioned here to boost your sex drive. Lead a fulfilling sexual relationship by incorporating these lifestyle changes, boosting your libido, and promoting deeper connection between you and your partner.
