Although relationship experts tout the importance of intimacy, that doesn’t mean everyone is having the kind of sex life they should. According to a recent survey, about 14 percent of Americans describe the intimacy in their relationships as unsatisfactory. In another survey, 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men noted that there was some kind of sexual dysfunction that affected intimacy in their relationships. However, of that number, some of them may benefit from simple lifestyle changes like adding certain foods to their diets.
When 2,000 American couples were asked about their sex lives, it was found that they had sex an average of four times per month. Gen Z couples were found to have the most sex at 5.3 times per month, while Millennials had sex 5.1 times per month. Interestingly, having a regular date night was found to have a positive correlation to a more active sex life. Couples who had sex more than twice as much as average often had date nights more than three times per month.
Keeping in touch with your partner throughout the day may also improve your sex life. Couples who noted that they exchanged text messages frequently were more likely to describe their sex lives as being satisfactory than those who didn’t send messages daily. According to the experts, this may be associated with maintaining an emotional attachment to their partners.
Interestingly, that finding would tie in with what an earlier study found. In this study, researchers not only explored the prevalence of sexual dysfunction but also the factors that were associated with it. Couples who noted that they were having libido issues were usually dealing with various physical and emotional issues as well.
Yet another survey from the American Sexual Health Association paints a deeper picture. Of the over 3,000 people who were surveyed, only 38 percent of them said they were satisfied with their sex lives. Even though 64 percent of the participants noted that having a healthy sex life contributed to the overall satisfaction with their lives, several of them weren’t likely to talk to anyone about it.
After noting that they were dealing with sexual dysfunction, about 26 percent say they wouldn’t be comfortable talking to their doctors about the issues. Only 24 percent said they could talk to their partners about their problems. Worse yet, more than 33 percent of those surveyed were resigned to having a bad sex life within the next 20 years.
Relationship and health experts encourage people to take a different route. It’s a good idea to talk to your partner or partners about what’s going on and make changes to your lifestyle, if necessary. One thing that can make a difference is changing your diet, and the following foods may be exactly what you need.
RELATED: How To Talk To Your Partner About Sexual Dysfunction
This sweet root vegetable is thought to boost the libido when you eat 1 ½ to 3 ½ grams for up to 12 weeks. Since it contains magnesium and fiber, maca is likely good for stamina and overall well-being. That may be why it has earned the nickname, ‘Peruvian Viagra’.
It may not surprise you to find oysters on this list, as they have been called an aphrodisiac for many years. Experts estimate that its high zinc content may be the reason for this, as the nutrient is associated with normal sperm function and fertilization. Zinc also helps you to maintain a healthy level of testosterone and dopamine.
Research has shown that pomegranate juice can increase testosterone levels. Since it has antioxidant properties, drinking it can reduce oxidative stress and improve blood flow, which can help maintain an erection.
Chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat. It contains a stimulant known as theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. Chocolate can also have phenethylamine, which works with theobromine to trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine. These happy hormones can help you to feel more amorous toward your partner.
Although more research is needed, a small study showed that men who ate 3 ½ ounces of pistachios every day for three weeks saw improved blood flow and firmness in their genital area. This effect may have happened because pistachios improve cholesterol and enhance blood flow.
You may have heard of this root being good for your memory, but it’s also used as an aphrodisiac in Chinese medicine. It’s believed to help with the dilation of blood vessels, which can improve blood flow to the genitals.
While this plant is frequently used in South Asian cooking, it also contains compounds that can produce hormones like estrogen and testosterone. That may explain why a small study showed that women who took 500 milligrams of fenugreek extract daily experienced a pronounced increase in arousal. The same was true for men who consumed 600 milligrams of fenugreek extract for six weeks.
This expensive spice is native to Southwest Asia and is well known for its aphrodisiac effect. One study showed that men who took 30 milligrams of saffron daily for four weeks experienced significant improvements in organ function. In another study involving saffron, in which participants were women, researchers found that they experienced higher arousal and increased lubrication.
Roses aren’t just beautiful. These symbols of love may be beneficial for your libido as well. Research shows that a rose tonic can help reduce anxiety. It’s possible that it can be particularly helpful to people who have depression caused by low serotonin levels.
Most people are familiar with ginger’s anti-nausea properties. However, the root also has a history of improving circulation. Some studies suggest that ginger can also help you maintain healthy blood pressure, which can help with intimacy. Another study also suggested that women and men who consumed ginger experienced increased arousal.
While the experts don’t advise you drink more than is healthy, a glass or two of red wine may increase your arousal. You should never depend on it, though, as drinking too much can lead to decreased inhibitions.
Strawberries are nutrient-rich fruits that may improve your intimacy. It’s high in Vitamin C, which can help with the production of hormones like oxytocin that have been linked to increased arousal.
Avocados are chock full of nutrients, but when it comes to sexual health, Vitamin E is the one you need to know about. This vitamin is linked to increased fertility, higher energy levels, and the production of hormones that are essential to libido.
This herb is also called Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry. Given its use as an aphrodisiac, it can also go by the name of ‘female Viagra’. Regardless of that name, though, it has been known to help both men and women who are dealing with sexual dysfunction.
This herbal supplement has been shown to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. These benefits can result in you feeling more aroused and responsive during intimacy.
Although it can be normal to experience a decreased libido throughout your life, this is generally temporary. If you are continuously thinking about sex less often or not at all, and you’re not interested in having sex with anyone or even masturbating, this may be a sign that something else is wrong. While the issue may still be an emotional one, there are several physical causes as well.
Some of the conditions that may affect your libido include cancer, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, chronic headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an underactive thyroid, and rheumatoid arthritis. Your sex drive can also take a hit from poor mental health. Issues such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and past sexual trauma can significantly affect your interest in sex.
Furthermore, certain medications can affect your libido. These include antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, contraceptives, chemotherapy medications, and the drugs you need to keep your blood pressure under control. This effect isn’t limited to prescribed drugs. If you drink, smoke, or use recreational drugs, they could affect your sex drive.
Finally, changes in your hormone levels can lead to sexual dysfunction. If you’re going through menopause, you may find that your libido is lower. Men who are experiencing low testosterone levels can also lose interest in sex.
With so many potential issues that can contribute to a low libido, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you feel that your loss of interest in sex is prolonged. Your doctor may recommend different tests to get to the bottom of the situation, so you shouldn’t expect an immediate solution. Still, knowing what the issue is can put you on the right path.
Multiple surveys and studies show that many Americans are dealing with sexual dysfunction. Since the reasons for this can vary, it’s good to explore ways that you can fix the issue on your own. If none of them work, though, it’s best to talk to your doctor so they can find out what’s wrong.
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