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Increasing Your Sex Drive With Natural Foods

By Piper Li 

 

Certain foods may help boost your libido.

Few things in life remain constant. This includes your sex drive. Many men and women experience periods of low interest in sex, also known as low libido. A number of factors, including illness, medication, hormonal changes, stress and fatigue, can all contribute to a lowered sex drive. While some cases of low libido may require professional treatment, good nutrition may also help increase the desire for sex. Certain types of food may boost your overall health and improve your libido.

Nutrition

Your endocrine glands secrete specific hormones that control much of your body's sexual function. These glands require proper nutrients to perform at their best level. Your pituitary gland and adrenal glands also contribute to your sex life and rely on your diet to provide good nutrition.

Vitamins and Minerals

Your body, including the glands that control your sex drive, rely on certain vitamins and mineral for optimum health. Vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E all play a large part in reproduction. The B-complex vitamins can help balance your hormone levels and fight stress; both are important factors in increasing your libido. Zinc and folic acid may help improve sexual desire and increase sperm count.

Improving Circulation

Nutrients that improve circulation may also help your sexual organs function properly. Niacin helps to dilate your blood vessels, improving your circulation. Certain spices, such as chili pepper, ginger, cumin, cayenne and curry, can also help improve your circulation.

Food Sources

To get the necessary nutrients, you may need to alter your diet to include healthy sources of these ingredients. Consume eggs, salmon, whole grains and asparagus to obtain B-complex vitamins. Vegetables, beans and seeds contain vitamin E, while citrus fruits and dark green vegetables provide vitamin C. Eating fish, peas and beans can increase your intake of niacin. Sunflower seeds, oysters and spinach supply your body with zinc.

Other Considerations

In addition to improving your diet and including foods that support your sexual health, you can improve your sex drive by reducing your intake of certain substances. Caffeine, alcohol and cigarette smoke may all produce a decrease in your libido. The Mayo Clinic warns that cigarette smoke can restrict your blood flow, decreasing the amount of blood to your sexual organs and reducing your arousal and orgasmic response. Too much alcohol may have a depressive affect, while caffeine can cause stress, reducing your ability to enjoy sex.

How Can I Increase My Sex Drive?

By Robin Hewitt 

 

Sex drive can be increased.

Loss of libido (sexual drive) is relatively common in women; it is estimated that between one-third and two-thirds of all women report loss of sex drive at some point in their lives, according to a study by Patricia Koch, Ph.D., associate professor of Biobehavioral Health and Women's Studies at Pennsylvania State University. Reasons for loss of libido can range from medical issues to stress to exhaustion, but the important factor to remember is that there are remedies available to increase your sex drive.

Step 1

Visit your doctor and have a full physical examination. This is important, as it can rule out medical causes for a diminished sex drive, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary disease. Conditions, such as pregnancy and peri-menopause, can also cause low sex drive due to the changes in your body's hormone levels.

Step 2

Ask your doctor if any medications you are taking currently can be interfering with your libido. According to the Mayo Clinic, prescription drugs, such as blood pressure medications, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs and antihistamines can all lower a woman's sex drive, as can some forms of birth control.

Step 3

Examine your diet, sleep and physical activity level to determine that your lifestyle isn't contributing to your low sex drive. Proper nutrition, adequate sleep and regular exercise will all contribute to increased sexual desire.

Step 4

Schedule some me time. Taking an hour or two a day to pamper yourself, read a novel or indulge in a lunch with friends will ease the stress level in your life, which can be a major cause of low sex drive.

Step 5

Talk to your partner about your concerns, and discuss things you can do as a couple to increase your sexual urges. Often instigating open conversations about sex will be invigorating in itself; a romantic evening or weekend, trying new positions and integrating oils, creams and toys into your sexual experiences will give a boost to your sex drive.

Pregnancy & Pain During Sex

By Piper Li 

 

Sexual pain during pregnancy differs from common discomforts.

Pregnancy can cause many changes in your life, including your sexual activities. You may notice that you desire sex more frequently or that you have little interest in this pastime. While your increasing level of certain hormones may make you want to sleep more, your changing body shape can cause discomfort during sex. Knowing what is normal during pregnancy, as well as understanding the difference between painful sex and sexual discomfort, can help you know what to expect and when to call your doctor.

Sex During Pregnancy

Like many expectant mothers, you may wonder how sexual activities will affect your growing baby. Some worry that sex might harm the baby or threaten the pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic assures expectant mothers that they may have sex during pregnancy as often as they like, as long as everything is going normally. However, bleeding or pain during sex can cause concern.

Discomfort

Your stretching skin, increasing girth and extra weight may cause discomfort during numerous activities, including sex. Many women experience back and hip pain during the later stages of pregnancy. Certain sexual positions may aggravate this discomfort. You can expect some discomfort during sex, but you shouldn't feel actual pain.

Causes of Pain

Pain during sex can indicate the presence of a problem. A variety of conditions may cause pain during sex. Many of these have nothing to do with your pregnancy. Medical conditions, such as contact dermatitis, vaginismus, pelvic inflammatory disease, scar tissue and ovarian cysts may cause pregnant and non-pregnant women to experience pain during sexual activities.

Relieve Discomfort

Experiment with new positions to ease back pain and discomfort during sex. Pregnancy can be a great time for you and your partner to try new things. Many couples find that lying side by side, or with the woman on top can be more comfortable than the missionary position.

Exercise Caution

Pain during sex requires a trip to your doctor, whether you are pregnant or not. Painful sex may indicate a problem with your pregnancy or a simple condition that requires medical treatment. Don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you feel pain at any time during your pregnancy, including during sexual activities. A thorough exam can uncover the reason for your pain.

Painful Intercourse During Pregnancy

By Johnna Boyd Walker 

 

Intercourse during pregnancy is safe for most women.

During pregnancy, many couples express concerns about whether intercourse is safe. According to the March of Dimes, intercourse during pregnancy is completely safe for most women. Unfortunately, the experience for many mothers-to-be is anything but pleasurable. Finding out the causes of painful intercourse during pregnancy can help resolve your discomfort.

Causes

There are many reasons why intercourse during pregnancy might be uncomfortable, one of which is the woman's changing body. Morning sickness and fatigue early on in pregnancy can sap your desire and lead to vaginal dryness. Similarly, formerly erogenous zones, such as the breasts, become hypersensitive and painful to touch. As the pregnancy progresses, your enlarged abdomen becomes too cumbersome and decreases sexual satisfaction. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that emotions also play a big part in the ability to become aroused. Fears about hurting the baby or a man's inability to separate his partner mentally from the baby can make sex unenjoyable. Increased blood flow to the vagina, which swells the walls of the vaginal canal, can create a feeling of tightness and make penetration hurt. Untreated yeast infections or sexually transmitted diseases are also another cause of painful sex during pregnancy. Lastly, pain during early pregnancy could indicate an ectopic pregnancy.

Limitations

Anytime you experience pain during intercourse, you should speak to you health care provider to diagnose and treat the underlying problem. A physician might advise you to limit or to abstain from sex altogether early in pregnancy if there is a history of miscarriage or preterm birth. Similarly, couples should not have sex if the women experiences heavy bleeding or leaking fluid. Painful intercourse with vaginal itching or burning during urination could be a sign of infection.

Effects

Unfortunately, painful intercourse during pregnancy often creates a vicious cycle of abstinence, avoidance and feelings of confusion. The mom-to-be might feel torn between wanting to satisfy her partner and yet avoid pain; her partner likely feels responsible for her discomfort. As a result, he may grow emotionally and physically distant. It is important for couples to maintain an open dialogue regarding their sexual relationship and to recognize that pregnancy is simply a stage in their lives.

Prevention/Solution

Sometimes, preventing pain during intercourse is as simple as changing positions so that the pregnant woman is not lying flat on her back. The Pregnancy website suggests couples spoon with the man in back. Likewise, the woman can be on top. However, this position promotes deep penetration, which can sometimes lead to pain itself. Some couples benefit from using a synthetic lubrication or finding alternative ways to mutually satisfy each other. In the case of an infection, the woman's physician can prescribe a vaginal suppository, antibiotic or cream to help clear up the infection and relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

Considerations

Doctors advise against anal sex during pregnancy, which aggravates hemorrhoids. More importantly, anal sex introduces harmful bacteria from the rectum to the vagina. Oral sex is OK, but a pregnant woman should not allow her partner to blow air into her vagina due to the risk of embolism. Some pregnant women worry that the contractions from orgasm can trigger labor. However, contractions felt during labor are different than labor contractions and do not change the uterus.

Painful Sex & Pregnancy

By Stephanie Mojica 

 

Sex and pain don't need to come together even during pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes and the Baby Centre. Most women can safely have sex throughout their pregnancy. Some expectant moms are likely to enjoy sex even more while pregnant, due to the increased blood flow to all areas of the body, including the pelvic region.

Causes

Vaginismus, a condition where a woman tenses her vaginal muscles due to fear of being hurt from intercourse, can cause painful sex during pregnancy, according to Net Doctor. A woman experiencing an ectopic pregnancy also may suffer pain during sex; ectopic pregnancies happen when a fetus rests in a fallopian tube and not the uterus, according to the Mayo Clinic. Such pregnancies must be medically terminated, or the woman risks losing her reproductive organs or even dying as a result. Problems with the cervix or untreated infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, can also cause painful sex during pregnancy.

Considerations

Some women can experience painful sex during pregnancy due to their lovemaking position being all wrong, according to the March of Dimes. Woman on top is a great way to enjoy sex during pregnancy while controlling the depth of penetration in an effort to avoid pain or discomfort. Also, side by side intercourse, perhaps the spooning position, can alleviate any unwanted feelings of pain or bodily pressure. Another great position to try during pregnancy is getting on your hands and knees. But keep in mind that this suggested position probably won't be too comfortable during the third trimester, when your belly is usually rather large.

Warnings

A few women can't safely have any kind of intercourse during pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes. Not only can serious pain result, but also premature labor and, in some cases, even miscarriage. If your doctor has noted that you have a high-risk pregnancy, you should avoid intercourse during pregnancy and opt for alternative intimate activities, such as cuddling and sensual massage.

Time Frame

Sex is more likely to be difficult or even painful during the third trimester, according to the March of Dimes. During the first trimester, symptoms, such as morning sickness, can thwart potential sexual pleasure. Usually, pregnant women who stay sexually active enjoy intercourse the most during the second trimester.

Prevention

Foreplay and adequate lubrication is always a good idea to make sex pleasurable rather than painful, but it must be placed as priorities during pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes. Open communication with your partner, especially about what doesn't feel right during this time in your life, is another key toward avoiding unwanted pain during sexual relations.

How to Increase Sex Drive Naturally

By Johnna Boyd Walker 

 

Many women experience a decreased sex drive at some point.

A stalled sex drive is not an uncommon complaint for many women. In fact, reports by the Mayo Clinic claim nearly half of all women say they've experienced a decreased interest in sex at some point. The normal aging process, fluctuating hormones, stress, an underlying medical condition, lethargy and a poor body image can all affect your sex drive and ability to perform.

Step 1

Understand how sex works. Sex is more than just intercourse and, for women, it's just as much mental as physical. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports lack of desire as the main reason for a woman's low sex drive. It takes more time to jump-start a woman's libido. Therefore, arousal might not happen until you are already engaged in sex. So, even if you think you're not in the mood, give intimacy and sex a chance.

Step 2

Take stock of any sudden changes or stressors in your life. Maybe sexual intercourse has been physically painful lately, or perhaps you're under a strict deadline at work. A decreased sex drive might be the result of marital problems or the addition of a new baby. If you already have a great deal on your plate, there's not much room for sex. However, understanding the reasons for your lack of interest in sex is the first step in fixing the problem.

Step 3

Make lifestyle changes. One effective way to improve your sex life is to lead a more healthy life in general. Dr. Judith Gerber, researcher with the University of Vermont-Burlington, says satisfaction with sex increases the more you exercise. Exercising also helps you beat stress and lose weight, which can take a toll on your sex drive. Don't forget about eating healthy. Many foods that are good for you, such as garlic, avocados, strawberries and figs, are said to be great for your sex drive. Finally, don't skimp on sleep.

Step 4

Focus on your relationship. As the excitement of a new relationship wanes, it's easy to fall into a sexual rut. To perk it up again, schedule periodic date nights. Concentrate on sexual appetizers, such as back massages and a shared bubble bath, before the main course. Also, spice up your sex life by trying scented oils and sex toys.

Step 5

Get professional help. If you've tried to increase your sex drive naturally, but it's still lagging behind where you want it to be, talk to your health care provider. She can perform a complete medical evaluation to determine if there are any physical reasons for your decreased libido. Furthermore, speaking to a sex counselor might help you and your partner get back on track.