If you’ve been feeling a bit underwhelmed in the bedroom, your libido might be the problem. Many people think that low libido is a natural result of getting older, and while there’s some truth to that, it doesn’t mean that you can’t improve your sexual drive.
Improving libido isn’t always easy. There are a few tips and tricks that you can try to make it better.
Keep reading to learn all about the steps that you should take to try to get your libido back.
Libido-Enhancing Medication: Yes or No?
Many people who find themselves struggling with low libido want to turn to performance-enhancing “medications.” Is this really the answer?
The truth is, it depends. You want to make sure that you get the facts about the pills that you’re taking before you commit to them. While some are safe, others can have serious health consequences.
Always talk to your doctor to make sure that the enhancer that you plan on using is safe. If you notice any adverse effects, stop using it right away.
A quick tip: if you can buy a “performance-enhancing pill” for a few dollars at a gas station or sex shop, it’s unlikely to be high-quality. Use your best judgment.
Health: Is It a Factor?
Did you know that your overall health and wellness can contribute to your libido? It’s true! Remember, your entire body is working together in order to function. If you’re not functioning well, your libido won’t be as high as you want it to be.
If you’re struggling, it always helps to talk to a doctor. Regardless of your gender, a doctor that specializes in sexual health will be able to give you a checkup to see if there’s anything obviously amiss.
Sometimes the problem is hormones. People going through menopause or people with low testosterone often discover that they have lower libidos than they did before.
A doctor can help.
You may also find that your weight is impacting your libido. You could also have an underlying illness. You won’t know these things until you visit a doctor.
Exercising for a Better Libido
Regardless of whether or not the problem is your weight, exercise is a great way to improve your libido! Exercise gets your blood pumping and it fills your body with mood-boosting endorphins. You’ll be ready to go in no time.
Developing a well-rounded exercise routine is great for your mind and body. It will relieve stress (which can also impact your libido) and give you more stamina.
Try to find a balance between strength training and cardio. Aim to do some form of exercise at least five days per week to get the most out of your routine.
You will be tired at first (which could reduce your libido), but once you adapt to your new workout routine, you’ll be ready to get back into the bedroom.
Do Aphrodisiac Foods Help?
Have you heard of aphrodisiacs? Do they work at all?
There’s very little evidence to suggest that natural aphrodisiacs in food are effective. Sure, many fancy restaurants have aphrodisiac menus that include things like chocolate, oysters, and spicy foods, but these don’t actually do anything.
That said, the fact that people think that they work might actually make a difference. The foods could act as a placebo to enhance your libido if you have a mental block.
In other words, have a nice dinner full of “aphrodisiacs,” but don’t expect a miracle.
Mental Health Checks
Your mental health is a key player in your libido. Don’t neglect it.
If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health problem, that could be what’s behind your low libido. Even if you don’t think that you’re struggling, you could be under enough stress that your libido is taking a hit.
Take some time to introspect to determine whether or not your mental health could be the problem. It’s a good idea to talk to a counselor (or even a sex therapist) to start fixing the problem.
If you take medications for your mental health, this could also be part of the problem. Certain SSRIs impact your sexual function. Talk to your doctor about trying a different medication (but never quit cold turkey).
Ditch Smoking and Alcohol
Speaking of quitting things, how much do you smoke and drink? If the answer is “a lot,” you might have found the culprit to your low libido problem.
Sure, people often partake in risky sex after a night of drinking, but too much alcohol will kill the mood. Too many cigarettes can cause erectile dysfunction.
You don’t have to quit completely, but if you cut down on your smoking and drinking, you might discover that your libido starts to return. Bonus: you’ll be healthier.
Talking to Your Partner
Sometimes your low libido is going to be a result of interpersonal issues between yourself and your partner. If there’s something wrong, you may not perform as well in the bedroom.
Having a conversation with your partner about your libido issues is a great idea. If your relationship isn’t the problem, it will help them feel more secure (as they may blame themself). If it is the problem, you can start working together to find a solution.
There’s nothing embarrassing about talking to your partner about your libido struggle.
Improving Libido Can Be a Challenge
There’s no surefire answer when it comes to improving libido. You may have to try several things to get your sexual energy back where it once was.
Remember, when in doubt, talk to a doctor and a mental health counselor. You may find that there’s an underlying problem getting in the way of your sexual drive.
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