How to Increase Sexual Desire

We're going to show you some factors that can have a decisive influence on your sexual health. Reflect on all of them and go to a specialist if necessary. Keep reading!

When trying to identify difficulties in intimacy, people often wonder what to do to increase sexual desire. In this way, they seek to find alternatives to help reactivate libido and feel better about themselves and their partners.

The decrease in sexual desire can appear as a symptom of health problems and can affect both men and women. For example, a study indicates that sexual problems can affect both sexes during the climacteric, a stage in which there’s a decrease in estrogen and testosterone.

This same article points out that, in particular, women are affected by their sexual desire due to pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, when this situation occurs, it’s worth exploring our physical and mental condition in search of other causes that can be more easily treated.

How to increase sexual desire?

Decreased sexual desire or Hypoactive Sexual Desire is one of the most common sexual disorders.

An investigation cites the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) which defines this disorder as a “decrease (or absence) of fantasies and desires for sexual activity on a persistent or recurring basis, and the disorder causes marked discomfort or interpersonal relationship difficulties”.

This study, which addresses possible treatments for women, indicates that, in addition to the use of drugs, sex therapy and other options could work. Here are some alternatives that could help increase sexual desire, both in men and women.

Avoid and treat anxiety

Anxiety is defined as one of the most common emotions or moods that can occur in response to certain stimuli that can be physical and emotional. When it exceeds a person’s adaptive capacity, then it can be exacerbated and require professional support.

According to one study, the relationship between sexual dysfunction and mental disorders such as anxiety and depression is quite close. In fact, it’s very common in patients with depression, who can develop low sexual desire because of this condition or vice versa.

If this is your case, you can try to resolve sources of anxiety, such as work or family problems. Also, you can seek professional help if you feel that anxiety is overwhelming you.

Sleep well

It’s common knowledge that lack of sleep can affect several areas of our lives and influence physical and emotional health. In addition, it can cause fatigue and affect sexual desire.

This was confirmed by an investigation that evaluated the results of clinical examinations and interviews with female patients and concluded that sleeping for only a few hours reduces sexual arousal.

Serious sleep disorders such as apnea can cause, in addition to poor concentration and memory loss, conditions such as depression, lack of sexual desire, and impotence. This has been shown by other studies.

Because of this, you should try to sleep a minimum of six hours each day and consult your doctor if you have sleep disorders such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea.

Eat healthily

Eating healthily will help people to remain in good physical condition. In addition, it can prevent malnutrition, overweight, and obesity, as well as non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Added to this is its impact on people’s sex lives.

It’s difficult for those who eat unhealthy food, and whose nutritional contribution is almost nil, to increase their sexual desire, especially if, due to these bad habits, they have circulation problems or heart disease. There are also some foods that can inhibit libido, only compounding the problem.

So, make sure your diet isn’t lacking in vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid sugar and salt consumption, and increase the consumption of foods such as broccoli, avocado, and seafood, which all increase testosterone in men.

This includes fruits such as watermelon, which contains citrulline, a non-protein amino acid that, according to a study by Texas A&M University, contributes to stronger erections.

Do Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic and sexual muscles. Constant practice increases sexual health, arousal and makes it easier for women to reach orgasm, as it increases blood circulation in the vagina and stimulates lubrication.

Pelvic floor muscle workouts help men to have more control over their ejaculations, keeping them away from premature ejaculation, which can cause anxiety and a lack of confidence, thus affecting sexual desire. These exercises also contribute to stronger and longer-lasting erections.

Avoid alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages are harmful to the body in every way. Studies have determined that alcohol increases blood lipids, facilitates the process of atherosclerosis, and helps reduce the secretion of hormones such as thyroid and testosterone. The latter maintains libido.

Boost the relationship

Research has indicated that when there are difficulties with a partner or one of the two has something against the other person, then low sex desire can occur. This is common when the stage of infatuation passes, and, as time goes on, things can get increasingly worse.

So, if you’re looking to increase your sex drive, then try talking to your partner, and try to solve the problems that may be driving you away from each other – this really can boost your relationship. Try exercising together, watching movies, or doing activities that you both enjoy, in order to relax and encourage new sexual encounters.

Play before sex

Knowing that sexual desire is the first of the human sexual responses, induced by testosterone and the mind, then we should bear in mind that foreplay is extremely important.

To increase sexual desire, create space for seduction, flirting, and the sensuality that can “warm up” your mind and thoughts and increase your desire for one another.

Take sex therapy

For some people, it isn’t easy to leave aside their prejudices as they practice their sexuality. This is a factor that often slows down sexual desire and, if this is true in your relationship, then it’s important that you ask for sex therapy. You can do it alone or as a couple in order to identify the barriers that prevent you from desiring your partner.

Take natural remedies

Another way you can increase sexual desire is through the consumption of natural products that have stimulating properties. One of them is maca, a tuber that has been studied in order to identify its properties and action on sexuality.

A study indicates that maca has stimulating properties for sexual desire in women. In addition, it was found that consuming a powder dose increases sexual satisfaction and the ability to reach orgasm. This happens without causing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Although maca has stimulating properties for men, they could also consume ginseng, a root that has an influence on the improvement of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

In any case, it’s recommended to consult your family doctor about the consumption of these products in order to avoid contrary or adverse effects.

See a specialist

Although this is the last point, it isn’t the least important. When you have looked for a way to increase sexual desire and nothing is working, then you really do need to consult a specialist. They’ll be able to identify the best way to help you regain your sex drive.

For example, it has been identified that hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women can be treated with some drugs that inhibit phosphodiesterase and agents that modulate dopamine or melanocortin receptors. These medicines can only be prescribed by a professional after conducting the pertinent evaluation.

Ready to increase sexual desire?

We’ve given you several options that you can try in order to increase your sex drive. By now, you should be ready to try them out and start identifying what works best for you and your partner.

Sexual desire is born in the head; it depends largely on mental calm and the ability to let the imagination run wild. So, if you have a low libido, don’t add more pressure, stress, and anxiety to your life.

Try to relax and carry out activities that favor getting together as a couple. However, if you identify health symptoms such as high blood pressure, chest pain, or any other condition, then consult your doctor.