Take steps toward a healthy, satisfying sex life
By Sylvia Davis
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic - Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Importance of sexuality
Sexuality is part of being human. Love and sexual intimacy contribute to healthy relationships, and to our happiness.
Research has shown that sex is more important to happiness than money. After analyzing data from 16,000 people, English researchers estimated that the happiness gained from increasing intercourse from once a month to once a week is equivalent to the happiness generated by getting a $50,000 raise.
Along with the positive aspects of sexuality, however, there are illnesses that can affect your sexual health. But by taking precautions, you can stay well.
Among the issues that can affect your sexual health are:
- Birth control
- Impotence and desire issues
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Body image
- Sexual satisfaction
How your health affects your sex life
Experts agree: There is an important relationship between overall health, overall lifestyle, and sexual satisfaction. Research also suggests that certain physical conditions that go along with obesity also affect sex drive, further dampening the desires of those who are overweight.
The good news: You can make some lifestyle changes to enhance your libido, experts say. Those changes include:
- If you're overweight, lose a little weight (even 10 pounds) to stimulate sex hormones.
- Eat more nutritious foods, which control cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Choose heart-healthy foods such as grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and lean sources of dairy and protein.
- Exercise regularly. To strengthen your heart and help build endurance, add a few high-intensity bouts to your fitness routine. Strength training is also a good idea, to build shapely muscle and to keep your body strong enough to handle all your day-to-day activities (including sex).
- Get enough rest. It's hard to be in the mood for love when you are exhausted!
- Keep a positive attitude. Accept your body, whatever its size, and believe in your sensuality.
Get help if you need it
Although small changes in lifestyle -- along with some healthy "self-talk" -- can go a long way toward improving both drive and desire, if you still are experiencing sexual problems, professional help may be in order.
It's not as simple as getting a prescription for Viagra; sexual problems may be physical or psychological in nature, and can affect both men and women.
If the problems are persistent, or cause distress for you or your partner, it's time to see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Published February 2006.
SOURCES: WebMD Medical Reference in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic: "Sexual Health." WebMD Feature: "Sex Better Than Money for Happiness." WebMD Weight Loss Clinic Feature: "Better Sex: What's Weight Got to Do With It?" Weight Loss Clinic Expert Column: "3 Secrets to a Steamier Sex Life" by Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD. WebMD Medical Reference in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic: "Male Sexual Problems."
©2006 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.
QUESTION
Which chemical is known simply as the "hormone of love?" See AnswerTop Sexual Health Related Articles
Barrier Methods of Birth Control
Many barrier methods of birth control are available for a man or woman, for example, the sponge, female and male condoms, diaphragm, spermicides, male condoms, female condoms, contraceptive sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap. Side effects and efficacy (in preventing pregnancy) depend on the type of birth control used.
Contraceptive Measures After Unprotected Sex
Contraceptive birth control measures after unprotected sex include: emergency hormonal contraception (the morning after pill), and emergency IUD. The morning after pill is not meant to be a long-term contraception. Once the emergency is over, a woman should consult with her physician so that an appropriate contraceptive method can be chosen if the woman continues to be sexually active. The emergency IUD can provide a woman with long-term contraception. Emergency IUD insertion does however, increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Does Sex Make You Lose Weight or Gain Weight?
Unlike many work-outs, sex is an exercise that can help you burn some calories and still have fun while doing it.
Impotence Quiz
Did you know that certain medical condition may be responsible for ED? Some causes of impotence are medically treatable and reversible. Learn more about what can be done about erectile dysfunction with the Impotence Quiz.
Impotence Slideshow
Having erection problems? What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? Learn about erectile dysfunction causes and treatments such as drugs (pills), pumps, and more.
Innie vs. Outie Vagina: Which Is More Common?
Both innie and outie vaginas are equally common, although some studies suggest that over 50% of women have outies. Both are normal.
Menopause & Perimenopause: Symptoms, Signs
What is menopause? What are the signs of menopause? What age does menopause start? Learn about menopause and perimenopause symptoms. Find the latest treatments for menopause.
Natural Methods of Birth Control
Natural methods of contraception are considered "natural" because they are non-mechanical and non-hormonal. Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) are based upon knowing when a woman ovulates each month. Natural methods of birth control include: the calendar rhythm, basal body temperature, mucus inspection, symptothermal, use of an ovulation indicator testing kit, withdrawal, lactational infertility, douching and urination, and abstinence.
Sex & Love Quiz
Relationships, sex, and love! Could it be that what motivates physical attraction in us may be all in our minds? Take the Sex & Love Quiz to challenge yourself on healthy human sexuality!
Benefits of Sex
How would you like a stronger immune system or better sleep? Action between the sheets can help you get all of this and more. Read on to discover the surprising health benefits of sex.
STD Quiz
There are more sexually transmitted diseases than just the ones you've heard of. Find out what you've been missing with the STD Quiz.
STDs in Men
Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men include painful urination, bumps or sores on the penis, and penile discharge and itching. Learn about the most common STDs in men.
STDs Facts Slideshow
Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and genital herpes are common STDs. Think you might have an STD? You’re not alone. Find pictures of herpes, gonorrhea, and more. Learn how venereal disease can harm your health, and how to tell your partner if you have an STD.
Surgical Sterilization
Surgical sterilization is considered a permanent method of contraception. In certain cases, sterilization can be reversed, but this is not guaranteed. For this reason, sterilization is meant for men and women who do not intend to have children in the future. Types of surgical sterilization include: vasectomy, tubal ligation, STOP (selective tubal occlusion procedure), and hysterectomy.
What Ages Are Women and Men at Their Sexual Peak?
Sexual peak refers to a period of your life when you are most capable of having frequent sex that is high in quality. Research suggests that women reach their sexual peak in their 30s whereas men peak in their late teens.
What Are the 4 Genders?
There are four different types of genders that apply to living and nonliving objects; however, many believe there are more genders beyond masculine gender, feminine gender, neuter gender, and common gender.
Why Sperm Is Good for the Baby During Pregnancy
During a normal, low-risk pregnancy, sex is considered safe. Intercourse during sex has a lot of potential advantages, though specific claims require further research.