Sex isn’t just something that a lot of us enjoy; it’s also something that could improve health. Yes, sex is actually good for everyone! Studies prove that having sex regularly helps increase immunity from viruses, reduces stress, and also helps protect a man’s prostate gland by emptying the fluids held there. The release of endorphins, or chemicals that improve mood and ease pain, are also triggered by sex. In short, boosting one’s sex drive does a lot of wonders to his/her partner (and to the relationship) and also effectively improves health. While menopause in women usually affects one’s sex drive and function in one way or the other, it is never a reason for healthy people to be deprived of a pleasurable sex life.

Love and pleasure will always be the same, even if the nature and intensity of the sex changes over time. In revving up a stalled sex drive, neither jumper cables nor little blue pills are required. Try out some of these tips to jump start your engine again: Regular sexual intercourse helps maintain one’s sex drive in a higher notch by increasing the production of testosterone. This hormone is very important, as it is chiefly responsible for libido in both men and women. So, instead of watching reruns of Friends, turn off the TV, dim the lights—and have sex! Doing it more often will make you want to do it more often, too—and you’ll see that you are more capable of doing it.

Smoking is also a culprit for a lowered sex drive, although not all people are aware of this. Nicotine is a potent vasoconstrictor, and it can clog the blood vessels in the penis just as it clogs the arteries in the heart. What does this mean? Penile erection is brought about by the increased blood flow in the penis; if the blood vessels are clogged, it will be definitely harder to get it up. The medicines that you regularly take may help you in more ways than one, but some can be party poopers without your knowing it. Have a talk with your doctor and check which medicines might affect your sex drive.

Drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and stomach problems can cause erection problems. Since these drugs are also very important to your health, ask your doctor if you could switch to other brands, or change the dose and timing of your medication. A word to women: do Kegel’s exercises. No, it’s not just a post-partum exercise. Although this is usually recommended to women after pregnancy, or because of a problem with leaking urine, this is also great for strengthening the pubococcygeus muscle. No, don't bother with the spelling and pronunciation—it’s just a muscle which is very important for orgasm.

To do Kegels, identify the muscle you’re using to stop urinating. Practice contracting the muscle (as if you’re stopping yourself from taking a leak) and slowly release it. 20 contractions three times a day enough to keep this muscle in optimum condition. for men: consider natural supplements, such as gingko biloba. This wondrous herb promotes increased blood flow, getting more blood to the brain and even to the penis. You may want to check with your doctor first, but if you decide to take it on your own, simply follow the instructions on the bottle carefully. Spend as much time with each other as you can afford.

Don't hesitate to reach out and touch, or kiss and hug your partner. Just by increasing physical contact, you are acknowledging your partner’s presence. Often, couples take each other’s presence for granted, and this results to decreased sex. Most importantly, say exactly what you’re thinking—tell your spouse what pleases you, and where you want to be touched. don’t hold back with compliments. If it was very good for you, tell him/her so.