Here are ways to boost your libido this Valentine's Day

A recent study found that almost one in 10 women admit they do not have sex with their partner at all anymore.

It turns out that libidos fluctuate depending on what is going on in a person’s life, and personal and external influences that impact it.

Everything from stress, children, body image and hormones are just a few of the factors that impact libido.

However, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, no one wants their libido to fail them the special day.

Here are a few libido lifting tips for you to consider.

For women:

Consider your contraception: The Pill can actually lower sex drive. Synthetic oestrogens increase levels of a substance called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the body, which is associated with low libido. Swapping to a progestogen-based contraceptive may help, or you could choose a non-hormonal method like condoms.

Balance your body: Stress kills libido, but if you can’t stop it, fight it with the hottest health trend of the moment: adaptogens. These herbs can help manage the release of stress hormones from the adrenal glands. One such adaptogen is the Ayurvedic herb shatavari, which may also help improve sex drive.

Take the sex vitamin: If libido has dipped, a lack of vitamin D might be to blame. One may make this from sunlight, but no rays mean no vitamin D and low levels equal a low sex drive, according to a study by Istanbul’s Sisli Etfal Training And Research Hospital.

Kiss more: Saliva passed from men during kissing contains testosterone, which raises women’s libido, researchers at Rutgers University have found.

“Most therapists agree that sex begins in the head and your body’s physical reaction follows,” says hormone expert Dr Marilyn Glenville. Masturbation also piques your interest.

For men:

Go easy at the gym: University of North Carolina found that excessive working out lowers testosterone, thus lowering a person’s libido.

Professor Anthony Hackney, who led the research, says: “Right now, research findings don’t indicate the exact threshold of training that might affect libido.”

Drink maca: The herb maca is a traditional aphrodisiac in Peru. Maca is known for its ability to boost energy and stamina. It also directly improves the quality and quantity of sperm.

Keep your hands off your penis: Recent masturbation is one of the main habits associated with lowered interest in sex for men. According to experts, the more you DIY it, the less interested you are in doing the deed with a partner as sexual tension doesn’t get a chance to build up.

Cut back on sugar: Male libido is fuelled by testosterone, but the sweet stuff depletes it for a whopping two hours after you tuck in.