48 simple ways to improve your sex life

Chronic stress is a serious libido killer, says McGough, and stress levels are reportedly on the increase. “While relieving stress isn’t always easy, especially when you have young children and busy schedules, it’s something to be aware of to help improve things sexually.”

Exercise is important to sexual health: it increases stamina, which is important when it comes to sex, says Dr Millheiser. One study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, found that exercise also improves body image and mood, which therefore improves sexual functioning. “The more confident a woman feels about her body and the better her mood is, the more likely she will be able to derive sexual satisfaction during the act,” Dr Millheiser adds.

As the saying goes, you are what you eat – meaning, if you’re eating fattening, fried foods, you will feel lethargic and will most likely gain weight (which probably won’t put you in the best mood for sex). “There is some evidence that diet, especially the Mediterranean diet, can positively impact sexual function in women with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes,” says Dr Millheiser. “When it comes to diet, loss of weight improves body image which, in turn, improves sexual function.”

Follow these six nutrition strategies for a better sex drive. 

“One really exciting possibility for dealing with reduced libido from antidepressants comes from an unexpected source, the spice saffron,” says McGough. “Saffron has historically been considered an aphrodisiac, but only recently has it gotten attention for helping with depression and helping women recover from low libido caused by antidepressants.” In fact, one study published in the Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental Journal found that saffron significantly helped women who had lost their libido from taking an antidepressant.

Who knew you could eat your way to a better sex life – quite literally? One of the most famous aphrodisiac food is oysters, which are high in zinc and long known to be sexually stimulating. In fact, one study found that the amino acids found in oysters boost production of the sex hormones, testosterone and progesterone. Other sex-boosting foods to add to your grocery list include chilli peppers, avocado, chocolate, bananas and watermelon.

While this fruit might not be considered an aphrodisiac, it’s loaded with good-for-you nutrients like antioxidants, flavonoids and dietary fibre. It also may help boost your sex drive. One study published in the journal Archives of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, linked apple consumption to better sexual satisfaction in younger women.

Dr Dweck points out that smoking can be a huge buzzkill for your sex drive. “It not only causes bad breath, stained teeth, worsened hot flashes for those in perimenopause or menopause, but mostly it can affect the vagina!” she explains. “Smoking causes vasoconstriction (constricted blood vessels) which can diminish the natural lubrication the vagina produces during arousal.”

Discover 15 mind-blowing ways your body heals itself after you quit smoking.

As most people know, alcohol is a depressant, so it makes people tired and sluggish. “It’s hard to be motivated to do anything when you’ve had a few too many drinks, let alone have sex,” says Dr Bitner. She recommends reserving alcohol for special occasions, rather than a nightly habit, and do something better for your health: have sex.

You might be thinking, “What on earth does my job have to do with my sex life?” Well, to your surprise, it very well may be causing you lack of enjoyment in the bedroom. “Poor self-image or lack of personal satisfaction from your job, especially if it’s causing you stress or you’re in a bad work situation, can affect more than budge – it can affect sex drive, too,” explains Dr Bitner. “Take control of your life and you will feel like having more sex.”

“Address the underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which can interfere with home life, work life and self-image,” says Dr Bitner. “Some medications to treat mood disorders also reduce sexual desire, response and ability to orgasm, but even short term treatment together with counselling can be effective for both.”

Follow these 16 science-backed ways to overcome depression naturally.