Healthy Hints For Better Sex

The body’s sexual response system can wilt in numerous ways. For men, this translates to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and low sex drive. In women, it's often libido, lubrication and orgasm problems. VIVUS, a pharmaceutical company, which produces treatments for erectile dysfunction, estimates that 43% of women between 18 and 65 experience some type of “sexual dysfunction,” while 39% of men over 40 experience erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Beverly Whipple, professor emerita at Rutgers University and co-author of Science of Orgasm, warns against attributing problems in the bedroom to just one or two causes.

“My definition of sexuality is holistic,” she says. “It’s not just the genitals and their functions, but it also expresses all the ways that make us who we are behaviorally, socially, culturally, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically.”

Removing obstacles that might block the mind or body, such as stress or physical inactivity, is an important first step in determining the source of sexual dissatisfaction. The chemistry of stress, for example, actually prevents the body from relaxing by releasing the high-alert hormone cortisol into the bloodstream. Erotic stimulation and arousal can be harder to achieve in this heightened anxious state. Research has also shown that chronic stress can lead to difficulty maintaining an erection for men and reduced lubrication for women.

While there are several ways to counteract stress, exercising dissipates the stress hormones in the bloodstream while improving circulation.

“Sexual activity is an entire body experience, and it is important to keep muscles, blood vessels and nerves performing at peak levels,” says Dr. Tina M. Penhollow, an assistant professor in the department of exercise science and health promotion at Florida Atlantic University. “Aerobic exercise improves blood flow, [which] is a key factor in sexual response.”

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