How to tackle libido loss as age beckons

Age often comes with a lot of wear and tear on our bodies, and our sex life is not exempted. The way one performed sexually in their 20s cannot compare with how we perform in our 30s, 40s and beyond. Our sex drive changes naturally over time due to age and life's challenges.

The good news, though, is that if the result of our libido dipping is age-related or caused by something we are doing wrong, there is hope of spicing up things once again. If the cause is a sexual dysfunction, it would be prudent to visit your doctor, who can advise you on how to resolve it and probably prescribe medication that can correct the dysfunction.

Doctors tells us low libido can be rectified by incorporating certain lifestyle changes in your life:

1. Manage your stress levels

Stress is no doubt part and parcel of our daily lives. Stress can be work-related, relationship-related, life-changing events, or different phases of life. Learning how to manage your stress levels and striking a healthy balance is usually the key to a healthy lifestyle.

Stress levels can mess with how our body functions. Chronic stress increases levels of the hormone cortisol and can suppress sex hormones and lower libido. Stress also affects your mental state and can adversely affect your mood, which can make it hard to get into the mood for intimacy.

You can manage your stress levels in a number of ways, like exercising, meditating, learning relaxation techniques like deep breathing, identifying your stressors and eliminating them, or doing yoga.

If none of these are helping, talk to someone you trust or see a professional counsellor or psychologist who can help you walk through it.

2. Exercise and physical fitness

According to research, even a small increase in physical activity can help boost your sex drive. Being physically active boosts your energy for sexual activity. Exercise rejuvenates the body, making you feel good about yourself and your body. When one is fit and feels confident in their body, it makes it easier to perform in bed.

Different studies also link obesity and inactivity with sexual dysfunction. It is not easy to move your body when you are overweight. Exercising away the extra kilos helps you stay active.

In addition to helping boost your sex drive, regular exercise has been linked to: an increase in energy and stamina; release of feel-good hormones; the potential to boost heart health; loss of weight, which comes with a confidence boost and better health; and improved mood and mental health.

Do not overdo it, though. Always make sure your doctor cleared you for any exercise regimen.

3. Eat your way to good sex

Research tells us that there are various foods that may help to increase your libido. Most of these libido-enhancing foods or aphrodisiacs work by improving your blood circulation or increasing your energy, which is no doubt important for erections in males and also in female sexual arousal.

Some libido-enhancing foods could also increase your libido or put you in the mood by changing your brain chemistry. Some aphrodisiacs include: raw oysters, dark chocolate, wild oats, strawberries, blueberries, watermelon and some herbs like cloves and sage.

Remember it is always advisable to talk to your nutritionist before you try out any new diets.

4. Steer clear from foods that lower your sex drive

Some foods can lower your libido and sexual function. There are foods that are not friendly to your sexual health and they can lower your testosterone levels or impair your circulation.

Foods that have the potential to wreak havoc on your sex life include: alcohol, soy and soy-based products, saturated fats like pork and fatty beef, and trans fats like fried foods and margarine. Consuming these foods regularly does not only put your health at risk but also has the potential to lower your sex drive.

5. Getting better sleep

Science links poor sleep patterns with a number of issues, like an inactive mind, low sex drive, low productivity, or fatigue, among others. Improving your sleep quality can help resolve a lot of these issues..

Use your bedroom for the right purpose. Ensure it is quiet, dark and cool, and avoid electronics at bedtime. Keep a consistent sleep schedule throughout the week and while on vacation and weekends, so that your body clock cooperates with you. Aim to sleep for between seven to nine hours a night.

Alcohol and caffeine are a bad idea before bed. Avoid bright lights, too, and limit your screen use at bedtime. A good night's sleep does not only improve your health but can also improve your libido.

However, if this doesn't help, you can always visit your health practitioner to rule out any sleep disorders and advise you on the way forward.

6. Rekindle your relationship with your partner

It is a no-brainer that being in good terms with your partner increases arousal and sexual desire. Feeling emotionally connected with your significant other also makes you desire them sexually. Learn to reconnect with your partner and keep the connection.

Pay attention to your partner and their needs. Turn off your phones and talk to each other more often.

If reconnecting with your partner feels like an uphill task, you can try couples counselling.

Cheers to good sex!