See How Alcohol And Herbal Mixtures Affect Your Sex Life

Some lifestyle choices you make can mess up your performance in bed. For instance, if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol with your friends lately, you may score low points with your spouse under the sheets. Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. James Onore, notes that while a little alcohol can help lower inhibitions, too much of it can impair the nervous system and lead to fatigue, making it difficult to get aroused. The trick, he says, is to know when to stop on the bottle. 

According to Onore, “Men who take alcohol so they can be more efficient in bed are actually doing the opposite. Alcohol inhibits sexual performance, it does not boost it. “If you must indulge in it, a glass of wine is all you need to feel good about yourself, which may make you more receptive to the idea of sex. It does not make you enjoy it. It is better to steer clear of alcohol when you are already experiencing low desires for sex.”

Some recreational drugs and herbal medications which some men use to get it up may be getting in the way too. It is common knowledge that there are recreational drugs, like Viagra or herbal medications that are sold to improve sexual performance; doctors have warned that this social habit could dampen libidos and also lead to some serious medical problems.

Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. Olusola Akinniyi, explains that these recreational drugs increase pulmonary actions abnormally and cause heart attacks or sudden death in some cases. Akinniyi said,“We have been saying that these drugs are very dangerous. We see the consequences every day. Viagra, for example improves the activities of the heart abnormally and this could lead to heart attack during sex. This is what happens most times, a situation that Yorubas erroneously call ‘Magun’ ”.

A research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reveals that bad lifestyle choices have been associated with male sexual dysfunction. Although sexual libido is expected to decrease with age, doctors are saying that, unlike before, younger men and women are experiencing less desire for intimacy due to some social habits.

Danish researchers, after surveying more than 5,500 adult men and women, found that unhealthy habits increased their chances of not having sex by up to 78 per cent in men and 91 per cent in women.

Professor, Morten Frisch of Statens Serum Institute, Denmark concluded that bad lifestyle choices, such as smoking, high alcohol consumption and the use of hard drugs are associated with sexual dysfunction, particularly in men. He said,” Hopefully our findings can be used in future counselling of patients with unhealthy lifestyles. Knowing about possible negative consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle to one’s sexual health may help people quit smoking, consume less alcohol, exercise more and lose weight,” added Frisch.

On how important a good sexual health is to healthy living, another gynaecologist, Dr. Olarenwaju Ekunjimi, says the act of love making is just not for pleasure or satisfaction. Ekunjimi states that a good sexual relationship between couples does not only improve bonding, it has been proven to protect the heart, boost the body’s immunity against diseases, reduce stress levels and increase longevity. He explains further that some hormones released during love making, such as oxytocin, endorphins and antibody immunoglobulin A reduce aches, pains , stress levels and the chances of developing diseases like cold and fever.

Ekunjimi said, “Sex is a form of exercise that improves the condition of the heart. You lose calories and shed fat that could be injurious to the heart. It is a recreation that reduces stress. Its benefits range from keeping families together, reducing divorce rates to preventing heart diseases.”

Other benefits of sex according to the experts include increased blood circulation, good sleep, body fitness and increased levels of oestrogen and testosterone, hormones which help protect women against heart diseases.

Is your sex drive not what it used to be? Here are some natural libido boosters, from Dr. Catherine Hood that may put the spark back into the family:

Eat the right things 

If your body becomes frail due to bad health, sex invariably suffers. Five to nine fruits and vegetables a day can provide the cornerstone to your health. The vitamins and antioxidants will help maintain good blood flow to the sex organs and prevent certain chronic diseases.

Lose weight 

Being overweight can affect not only your self-esteem and your feelings of sexuality, but you’re likely to suffer from blood vessel disease which can reduce essential blood flow to the genitals.

Keep fit 

Moderate regular exercise will help improve blood flow to the sexual organs. In addition, exercise helps you feel good about yourself. Anything that improves self-esteem will improve libido.

Stop smoking 

It is well known that smoking can have a terrible affect on blood flow to the sexual organs as it causes the blood vessels to narrow. It also saps your stamina and so kiss the ashtray goodbye.