It’s common to think a decrease in libido as we age is just due to lower hormone levels, but it’s really more complicated than that. Your overall life situation plays a big role too. Your health, relationships, job stress, family obligations, and even the medications you use all influence your sex drive.
Sexuality isn’t just a simple formula, which is why relying on solutions like the “little blue pill” advertised everywhere might not be the answer. Menopause and its male counterpart, andropause, are natural life stages, not illnesses. While medications can sometimes mask low desire, they often come with significant and unwanted side effects.
People have been studying aphrodisiacs for ages, with ancient texts from various cultures mentioning them. Nowadays, there’s ongoing research into how these may boost sexual desire.
Instead of turning to quick fixes, it’s better to support your body’s natural processes. Look at your daily habits: Are you overworking yourself, eating unhealthily, or skimping on sleep and exercise? If so, these could be the reasons behind bedroom issues. Improving your overall health can lead to a better sex life.
Sometimes, sexual problems signal other health issues. For instance, erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of heart disease in men, and both men and women might experience sexual difficulties due to problems in the digestive or urinary systems. Imbalances in the pelvic area might be linked to inflammation, and probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can help.
Reducing sugar, white bread, dairy, trans fats, and fried foods can aid in restoring balance. Healthy vaginal tissue is key for enjoyable sex, and vitamin E can be useful here. You can use vitamin E oil or a suppository for lubrication.
Slippery Elm Bark is another aid. It increases tissue hydration and helps heal areas like the vagina and esophagus. Mixed with water, it becomes a soothing agent to calm inflammation and heal tissues.
A traditional Chinese medicine mushroom acts as a potent sexual tonic, boosting female energy and serving as an effective aphrodisiac through its yin and yang properties. Products using hot-water extraction are best as they capture the mushroom’s active components.
Ginkgo, known for enhancing memory, can also increase blood flow to the vulva and vagina, possibly restoring libido in those on antidepressants.
A robust Peruvian herb is beneficial for women in perimenopause or menopause since it contains plant sterols that balance hormones, boost sex drive, and alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and insomnia by supporting adrenal glands and reducing stress hormones.
A Chinese herbal blend enhances life-energy (chi) for women, balancing both nurturing (yin) and stimulating (yang) energies, hence increasing libido. It also helps balance hormones and manage symptoms of menopause.
L-arginine, an amino acid, enhances blood flow, including to the genitals, though you should consult a doctor before using it, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
Deep breathing can also help by reducing anxiety, which might otherwise raise stress hormone levels and affect estrogen and testosterone production needed for a healthy sexual response. Practices from yoga, like pranayama, enrich your natural balance and sexuality.
Regular exercise not only clears your head but also boosts your mood and body confidence, which can enhance libido. Activities like brisk walking and dancing improve blood circulation to all organs, including sexual ones.
Daily Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic muscles for better sexual satisfaction. Find your pubococcygeus (PC) muscles by pausing your urine flow, then practice clenching and relaxing them several times a day.
Breaking routines with new experiences, like a romantic getaway or a “staycation,” can reignite passion. Take walks together, have a shared lavender-scented bath, or enjoy a nice dinner to see what sparks.
Every couple is unique, so figuring out what works for your sex life might require some experimentation. Even when pursuing natural methods to boost libido, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to rule out any underlying issues. Understanding the cause of sexual health concerns makes finding a solution much easier.
