7 Health Habits That Affect a Woman's Sex Life
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Susan Fishman, NCC, CRC on December 10, 2021
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Why Your Body Might Not Be in the MoodA healthy sex life is directly related to living a healthy life in general. In fact, some of your daily habits may be affecting you between the sheets. That’s good news because it means the same steps you can take to improve your lifestyle might give your libido a boost, too. Pay attention to these factors to keep yourself as potent as possible.
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Living With StressYour boss, your child’s report card, that incessant barking dog: these everyday stressors may be more damaging to your sex life than you think. Stress causes the release of cortisol, the “fight-or-flight” hormone that’s essential to the body in small doses, but in large quantities can kill the libido. So it’s important to de-stress before sex. Try a long walk, a good book, or a relaxing bath.
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Being OverweightExcess weight can do a number on your hormones. It shifts the balance between estrogen and testosterone, which women need to keep their mood, energy levels, and sex drive running smoothly (lower testosterone = lower sex drive). And certain health conditions linked to obesity, like diabetes and high cholesterol, can also have an effect on your libido. Plus, being overweight may contribute to poor body image, which can leave you feeling less than sexy.
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Eating Too Much FatA diet high in saturated fat not only can clog your arteries, it hinders the flow of blood to the genitals and makes it harder to achieve orgasm. Aim for a clean, heart-healthy diet that’s low in animal fats and whole-milk products and focus instead on healthy fats, such as avocados and almonds. These foods have also been found to enhance sexual function and desire, along with strawberries, oysters, and dark chocolate.
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Getting Too Little SleepIronically, choosing sleep over sex may be better for your sex life. Research shows women who don’t get enough quality sleep have lower libidos and less of an interest in sex. So the next time you’re too tired to do it, reassure your partner that catching some z’s will pay off for you both down the road.
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Riding a BikeCycling is a great way to get you revved up for sex. Exercise in general helps increase blood flow and boosts endorphins and energy, which helps lift your mood. But did you know the type of bike you’re riding may be affecting your sex life? Research has shown bikes with handlebars positioned lower than the saddle were significantly associated with decreased genital sensation in female cyclists.
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Drinking Too MuchWhile a nice glass of wine or a good stiff drink can often set the mood, too much alcohol can kill it. Not only does it make it harder to make good sexual decisions (or remember them), it can also decrease a hormone called DHEA that leads to the production of male and female sex hormones and is related to sex drive.
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Taking AntidepressantsA dulled libido is a common side effect of antidepressants, along with other prescriptions, including drugs for high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and anxiety. If you suspect a medication is the culprit, talk with your doctor about another treatment that may have fewer side effects. Exercise may also help. A recent study found women who were taking antidepressants improved their sexual satisfaction by doing three sweat-generating workouts per week.
7 Health Habits That Affect a Woman's Sex Life | Healthgradees