Many factors can negatively impact your sex drive, from aging, to illness, to stress. It's perfectly normal to feel less-than-excited about sex sometimes: Research has shown that about 43 percent of American women and 31 percent of American men have experienced sexual dysfunction.
Getting back in the mood is easier than you think, and you don't have to resort to drugs. Here are five natural ways to boost your sex drive and get down to business.
1. Add aphrodisiacs to your diet
There isn't a lot of scientific evidence that aphrodisiac foods like oysters, figs, chocolate and hot peppers actually work to increase your libido, but there's certainly no harm in trying them. While they may not have biological effects, they can have psychological effects. Plus, the nutrients found in many of the foods are good for you and can help with any physical pursuits, including sex.
Helen Fisher, an anthropologist at Rutgers University, led a study that found when people look at a photo of a lover for 30 seconds or longer, their brain begins producing dopamine, which is a libido booster. Grab your favorite picture of your partner and spend a few minutes each day looking at it.
3. Get in some cardio exercise
Aerobic workouts like running, biking and swimming help improve blood flow to your sex organs. Exercise also boosts endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and put you in the mood for sex. Plus, working out can increase your testosterone levels afterward and make you feel sexier, so consider a romp when you come home from the gym.
4. Drink red wine
It's no secret that a little alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make you a little more flirtatious, but red wine is better than liquor or beer when it comes to boosting your libido. Research has shown that those who drink moderate amounts of red wine had a greater sex drive than those who didn't drink or drank white wine. The color of the wine and the fact that it increases circulation were thought to be the reasons behind the results. Both men and women are attracted to members of the opposite sex who wear red.
5. Hug it out
Studies have shown that 20-second hugs can increase levels of oxytocin, which helps people feel bonded. Hug and cuddle whenever you can, and try to touch your partner more often to spark feelings of intimacy, which tend to trigger sexual desire.
