Can Lower Libido, 12 Everyday Habits that Damage Sex Life

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JAKARTA - Healthy sex life is influenced by many factors, including diet, lifestyle, and mental health. Unfortunately, some daily habits can unknowingly damage sexual passion and performance.

Quoted from the WebMD page which has been reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD, the following are some habits that should be avoided so as not to damage your sex life.

1. Too Much Unhealthy Food Junk food is practical, but foods high in sugar, saturated fat, and processed carbohydrates can slow blood flow and interfere with sexual performance. Choose healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, tofu, and tempeh. In addition to being healthy, your energy for having sex also increases.

2. Excessive Salt Consumption Too much salt can increase blood pressure, which lowers libido. Avoid packaged foods high in sodium and limit salt additions when eating. Use spices or natural seasonings instead of salt to add flavor.

3. Continuous Stress Chronic stress drains energy and reduces sexual desire. High stress hormones in the long run can damage health and reduce passion. Find the cause of stress and do relaxation activities, such as walking, yoga, or watching your favorite comedy.

4. Skip Foreplay Warming up before having sex has been shown to increase satisfaction. Activities such as oral sex or additional stimulation can make sex longer and more satisfying.

5. Too Busy Busy often makes sex the last priority. In fact, intimacy in a relationship must be considered. Scheduling time for sex may sound rigid, but it helps maintain closeness with your partner and improve the quality of your relationship.

6. Stuck in a Routine The same routine can make sex life feel boring. Try variations of positions, places, or times, or add new elements such as massage or sex toys to make the relationship more exciting.

7. Don't Express Wishes or Problems If there is something bothering you or a new idea you want to try, communicate with your partner. Focus on your own feelings and use the phrase "I feel ..." to avoid conflict.

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8. Underestimating Your Own Body Feeling confident greatly affects libido. Negative messages about the body can lower self-confidence and sexual arousal. Focus on the positive things about the body, take care of yourself, and spend time with people who support you.

9. Drinking too much alcohol Alcohol can make you relax, but excessive consumption can damage sexual performance, especially in men. Limit one drink a day for women and two drinks for men.

10. Lack of Sleep Lack of sleep can lower libido and the quality of sexual relationships. Research shows that women who get enough sleep tend to have a more satisfying sex life.

11. Not Maintaining Body Weight Excess weight can affect sexual performance, especially in men. Losing a few kilograms can increase vitality and performance in the bedroom.

12. Smoking Cigarettes interfere with blood flow and can cause sexual problems, especially in men. Quitting smoking is very important to maintain health and increase libido.