Rethinking Estrogen Risks
Some women who take estrogen have fantastic results; however, a pharmacist explains why it poses significant health risks.
go >
13. Hold hands. "Touch each other all the time to release bonding hormones," says Dr. Lori. "The touching doesn't have to be sexual -- simply hold hands, snuggle on the sofa, or stroke his shoulders as you walk past him ..."
14. Have a coffee. Whoever came up with the pickup line, "Can I buy you a coffee?" was onto something. Turns out that a mug of something hot really will get you going. Scientists from Southwestern University, Texas, have discovered that coffee boosts the female libido. You have to be an occasional drinker to feel the benefits so, for best results, ditch your six-cups-a-day habit.
15. Give good text. "Text your partner three times a day," says sex counselor Ruth Hallam-Jones. "Be flirty and tell them exactly what it is you like about them. It'll boost their day -- and libido."
16. Rent a movie. No, not that sort of movie -- a scary one! "Sit next to each other and watch a frightening film together," says Relate counsellor Christine Northam. "It'll raise your man's testosterone levels, and he'll want to protect you, plus clinging on to each other during the hair-raising moments will bring you physically closer."
17. Buy trainers. Thirty minutes a day of moderate exercise can help to increase sex drive, say researchers. It's not just the extra energy that will help get you in the mood; if you feel more confident about your body, you'll also feel sexier.
18. Eat chocolate. Ditch white or milk chocolate in favor of a rich, dark bar with at least 70 percent cocoa solids. Cocoa contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that boosts arousal and enhances your mood.
Lovers' Boost in a Bottle
Stick these on your shopping list to spice up your sex life:
19. St. John's Wort. We all know that this herb is famous for lifting a low mood, but did you know it can also do wonders for a flagging libido? Studies have shown it helped 60 percent of people with mild depression to get back their interest in sex.
20. Korean gingseng. This has been used as a libido lifter for more than 7,000 years. As well as improving blood flow to the genitals, it also stimulates your mental and physical energy, so it's good for people with stress-related low libidos.
21. Ginkgo biloba. Boosts blood flow enough to help maintain an erection. A Journal of Sex Education and Therapy study involving impotent men showed that taking ginkgo had a beneficial effect after six weeks, and within six months, half of the participants got their erections back.
22. Vibrance cream. A brand new cream can boost a woman's flagging libido within minutes. During trials, 50 percent of women felt a response within five minutes and the effects lasted between 30 and 45 minutes.
23. Zestra Feminine Arousal Fluid. In a small study, this oil was found to increase desire and arousal in women when applied during foreplay.