5 absolute libido killers
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In spite of the stereotype that it is mainly women who don't feel like having sex ('not tonight, dear…'), men sometimes don't feel like it either. The good news is that in most cases low libido can be prevented and cured. Dokteronline.com has compiled a list of the five biggest libido killers that may be destroying your sexual appetite. Avoid these problems and put the spark back into your sex life!
1. Alcohol
When you need to relax, there's nothing like a drink to help you get into the mood. A beer, a glass of wine, or something stronger, we tend to think that alcohol boosts our performance in bed. But does it? No! While it's true that one or two drinks can have a sedative effect, it's not going to help you perform better in the bedroom. In fact, for many people, drinking large amounts of alcohol actually decreases libido. What’s more, alcohol has also been linked to erectile dysfunction. So it’s best to drink in moderation or skip alcohol altogether.
2. Fat, sugar and salt
Do you love junk food, salty snacks and sweets? We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unhealthy eating is the biggest driver of weight gain. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a problem, were it not that there is a link between belly fat and low testosterone. And it is precisely testosterone that makes men active between the sheets. So, stay away from sweets, cookies, and avoid junk food for a while. See what happens. Losing a few pounds is usually enough to get your libido back.
Feeling good about yourself is also good for your sex drive
Eating a healthy diet plays a big role in how you feel about your body. Do you feel a bit overweight? Your state of mind can affect your sexual desire. If you start eating better, you will feel better and your sex drive will soon return!
3. Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep can be a real libido killer. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can cause a significant decrease in testosterone production. So lack of sleep not only makes you irritable, but it also makes you lose interest in sex. New parents in particular experience sleep deprivation. Try to get some shut-eye whenever your baby is napping. Go to bed on time or catch up on sleep at weekends. Here are some more tips to maintain your sex life after having children.
4. Lack of exercise
Do you sit at your desk all day and then spend your evenings on the sofa watching TV? No wonder you’re unable to muster up the energy to have sex. Research shows that men who exercise have a higher libido than those who don’t. Physical activity also improves the quality of men's erections. This is because workouts boost blood flow throughout the body, which includes your penis. What's more, exercise increases levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, and these substances contribute to the desire for sexual activity. So get up off the sofa and get active!
5. Stuck in a rut
You’ve been together for ages and sex has become a routine. Sexual complacency can cause sexual attraction for your partner to dwindle. In fact, a relationship rut is the number one libido killer. The good news is there are many ways a couple can break their sexual complacency cycle. Try something new: give each other an erotic massage, surprise your partner with a sexy gift, or try a new sex position. This is your first step out of the rut. You can find countless tips online to spice up your sex life.
Boost your sex drive
Has your sexual desire decreased? Are you still experiencing low sex drive despite our tips? There are treatments available that increase libido and can give your sex life a boost. If you have low libido, talk to your GP. They can refer you to a sex therapist if they find the problem is not caused by a medical issue.