Beat the Blues
Depression can affect sex drive. We all feel a bit down at times, but if you're feeling sad and teary for days, have feelings of despair, trouble sleeping and have lost interest in life, see your doctor.Depression is an illness and nothing to feel ashamed of. Your doctor will help you decide whether medication, counseling or a combination of both is best for you.
Or try St. John's Wort, an herbal remedy that's been clinically proven to treat mild-to-moderate depression successfully.
Ditch the Energy Zappers
Tiredness is guaranteed to make sex seem like too much trouble. To maximize your energy, cut out smoking, as it hinders blood flow to the vital areas.Watch how much you drink. A glass of wine can make you feel relaxed and in the mood, but have too much, and you'll drop off to sleep.
And there's nothing like two to three exercise sessions a week to rev up your sex drive. Relate counselor and sex therapist Denise Knowles says, "Besides boosting levels of feel-good chemicals, it'll help you stay in shape, making you feel sexier."
Be wary of expensive remedies, although herbs such as ginseng and ginkgo biloba taken long-term may bring back some sparkle.
Get Personal
It's difficult to feel sexy if you and your partner have issues you haven't tackled or you've got into a rut and grown apart, so set aside time each week to talk about your feelings, fears and needs.
Denise says, "While sex isn't the be-all and end-all and many couples are happy with companionship as they get older, it's still important to stay close. We all have a need to touch and be touched, and regular cuddles are a great way to reinforce feelings of love."
It's difficult to feel sexy if you and your partner have issues you haven't tackled or you've got into a rut and grown apart, so set aside time each week to talk about your feelings, fears and needs.
Denise says, "While sex isn't the be-all and end-all and many couples are happy with companionship as they get older, it's still important to stay close. We all have a need to touch and be touched, and regular cuddles are a great way to reinforce feelings of love."
Dismiss the Droop
Although it's a taboo subject, erectile dysfunction (ED) affects around 50 percent of men over 45 at some point.
In around 70 percent of these cases, there's an underlying physical health problem such as diabetes, heart disease or poor circulation, so it's vital that your man gets any problem checked out with his doctor.
Sometimes psychological issues such as stress or feeling under pressure to perform play a role, but in most cases, drugs such as Viagra can help restore your sex life. Don't be tempted to get hold of them on the Internet -- they're not suitable for everyone. Also, many drugs sold illegally aren't genuine and may be dangerous.
Although it's a taboo subject, erectile dysfunction (ED) affects around 50 percent of men over 45 at some point.
In around 70 percent of these cases, there's an underlying physical health problem such as diabetes, heart disease or poor circulation, so it's vital that your man gets any problem checked out with his doctor.
Sometimes psychological issues such as stress or feeling under pressure to perform play a role, but in most cases, drugs such as Viagra can help restore your sex life. Don't be tempted to get hold of them on the Internet -- they're not suitable for everyone. Also, many drugs sold illegally aren't genuine and may be dangerous.
Pack Away Pain
Painful sex, or dyspareunia, may be due to infection, drug side effects or vaginal dryness -- a common symptom of the menopause.Try a lubricating jelly such as KY Jelly or a cream that helps to replace lost moisture, such as Replens Vaginal Moisturizer.
"However, if you've ruled out physical causes and your muscles contract so much that sex is impossible, you could have vaginismus. Talk to your doctor about counseling . . . "
Manage Menopause
Symptoms may begin up to 10 years before you reach the menopause at 50. As your body stops producing estrogen, your interest in sex naturally diminishes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be incredibly effective, helping to give your sex drive a boost as well as reducing symptoms such as hot flashes.
There are lots of treatments, including sprays and patches, so consult your doctor. Natural alternatives include the red clover and agnus castus supplements.
Symptoms may begin up to 10 years before you reach the menopause at 50. As your body stops producing estrogen, your interest in sex naturally diminishes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be incredibly effective, helping to give your sex drive a boost as well as reducing symptoms such as hot flashes.
There are lots of treatments, including sprays and patches, so consult your doctor. Natural alternatives include the red clover and agnus castus supplements.
Banish Guilt
Just because you're the wrong side of 50 doesn't mean that you shouldn't want sex. "There's no reason why you shouldn't enjoy your sensual and sexual side for as long as you're willing -- and able!" says Denise.
"You may even find your sex life is more enjoyable now without worries about pregnancy, kids or personal insecurities holding you back."
Just because you're the wrong side of 50 doesn't mean that you shouldn't want sex. "There's no reason why you shouldn't enjoy your sensual and sexual side for as long as you're willing -- and able!" says Denise.
"You may even find your sex life is more enjoyable now without worries about pregnancy, kids or personal insecurities holding you back."
Check Your Medication
Certain drugs are known to lower your libido, so it's worth checking out side effects.Culprits include medicines for heart disease, blood pressure, arthritis and high cholesterol, among others. Ask your doctor if there's an alternative you could try.
Test Your Hormones
Testosterone is important for sex drive in women and men, and a deficiency can lead to a dwindling interest.Other symptoms include depression, fatigue, memory and concentration problems. See your doctor for blood tests.