Video courtesy of Carvaka Sex Toys

Studies show that women are more commonly affected by lower libido. Libido is a fancy word for sex drive and having a low libido means you have have less desire for sexual activity. Having a low libido can cause a lot of stress on a person, especially if they are in a relationship. However, there is a way for you to “reignite the spark!”

There is a myth that your libido lowers the older you get, which is not true. Your lowered libido could come at any time in life and be caused by many things, one of which is being on medication. Medication that can lower your sex drive includes birth control, certain antidepressants, antihistamines, medical marijuana, and more. Other causes include stress, depression, drug/alcohol abuse, weight issues, personality, low testosterone, medical conditions, not exercising enough, and relationship issues. Thankfully there are natural ways that one can increase their libido without causing harm to themselves or removing themselves from medication they need.

If you are struggling with weight issues, studies show that obese people are 25 times more likely to report sexual problems. The good news is that even losing a small amount of weight can help both male and female sex drives.

Certain foods are aphrodisiacs, meaning that they help stimulate sexual desire.

Foods you can eat to help trigger your sex drive include: figs, bananas, avocados, nuts, red meats, dark chocolates, seafoods, hot chilies, asparagus,  cherries, strawberries,  honey, watermelon, vanilla, pomegranates, spices (clove, nutmeg, etc.), whipped cream and red wine in small doses.

Incorporating these foods into meals to eat with your significant other (or foreplay) could be a fun way to increase both you and your partner’s libido.

Erotic massages with your partner could also help with lowered sex drives. Tender touches have been shown to release a hormone called oxytocin, which boosts arousal and closeness. Essential oils such as sandalwood, rose, jasmine, and ylang ylang have also been shown to help raise libido of both men and women, so sexy oil massages are a win/win.

As stated earlier, exercising has benefits when it comes to increasing one’s sex drive. Experts say that couples and individuals should try yoga. Yoga helps one become more familiar with their own body, which can help you become more in tune with your sexual desires. Yoga can also help improve your orgasms by increasing blood flow.

If you are a woman who experiences dryness during sex, it can make sex uncomfortable and a good way to fix that problem is to incorporate lube!

Smoking decreases sexual desire and satisfaction. Smokers reported having sex half as much per month than non-smokers.

Stress is a huge issue when it  comes to lowered sex drive. If stress is causing issues for you in the bedroom some ways to fix the problem include taking time to de-stress and focus on yourself and your partner. Just make time for yourself! The focus should be on yourself or your relationship, not on the sex itself because putting all the focus on the sex will create more stress. The sex will come naturally when you start focussing on yourself and your relationship.

Trying new things in the bedroom can also help increase sexual desire. Try using sex toys, watching porn or reading “steamy novels.”

If you have tried natural ways to increase your libido and it still is not working, see your doctor! It’s okay that things are not working and you do not need to stress yourself out over it. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help fix your lowered libido. The biggest thing with a lowered libido is figuring out what helps you increase your sexual desire.