In Pursuit Of The Big O

When it comes to good sex, women often play martyrs, at the expense of being deprived of the many physical benefits that come with it.

Casual or not, sex plays a crucial role in our lives. Women, especially, kid themselves that good sex is not important for a thriving relationship. For them, it's more about staying connected to their partner. "I was in a relationship where my partner got aroused easily. Since I was taking too long to get into the mood, I started having sex for the sake of it; each time feeling empty and incomplete," remembers 24-year-old writer Rachna Singh.

Emphasising the importance of foreplay, Aditi Acharya, consultant psychiatrist, Healthenablr India, says, "While 90 per cent of males experience an orgasm during intercourse, as many as 30 per cent of women have never experienced an orgasm in their lifetime. One reason for that is, the latter is not directly related to reproduction. Moreover, a woman takes a while to empty her mind and enter into the game. This could take anything between 15 to 40 minutes."

Blissful escape

Foot spa rituals and body massages are rejuvenating, but you cannot possibly engage in one every day, can you? In The Orgasms Answer Guide, sexologist Beverly Whipple cites a study done by psychologist Carol Rinkleib Ellison in 2000, in which Ellison interviewed 2,632 women between the ages of 23 and 90 and found that 39 per cent of these women stimulated themselves in order to relax. Experts give credit to oxytocin. "When a woman hits the high spot, a feel-good hormone called oxytocin is released from the nerve cells in the hypothalamus into the blood stream. Oxytocin not only relieves stress, but also stimulates feelings of warmth and relaxation. It facilitates social bonding and strengthens relationships," points out psychiatrist and sexologist Dr Shyam Mithiya.

B for benefit

The big 'O' comes with a myriad of physical benefits too. It improves blood circulation to the organs in the pelvic cavity, speeds up the body's natural detoxification process, increases fertility, improves memory, boosts infection fighting cells, promotes healthy oestrogen levels and protects against osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer. "However bad the day may have been, my husband and I ensure that the night ends well with good wine and intercourse. This act certainly beats popping an Asprin! Also, who needs makeup when you wake up with a natural post-coital afterglow?" quips 36-year-old language consultant Mugdha*. It is the best way to beat those Monday blues as it induces a sense of positivity. Endorphins, released during the process are natural pain relievers that alleviate headache, menstrual cramps as well as arthritis.

Remember the time when you made out with your crush at the bar and later flaunted an obvious glow? That's thanks to the hormone DHEA (Dehyrdoepiandrosterone). An increase in DHEA released during the act restores skin, repairs damaged tissues and keeps it looking radiant. It also strengthens the bones and muscles. There have been ample studies to show that people who had intercourse at least three times a week looked 10 years younger.

On your own

So what if your couch potato boyfriend fails to arouse you or your long-distance lover is not a phone sex person or you're just single? "Seducing yourself doesn't mean scattering rose petals all over your bed. It could be anything low-maintenance to get you in the mood. Think aroma therapy candles and the like. Dim the lights, shut your eyes and let your imagination run wild," shares sex coach Anindita Sen.

Crossing the finish line

Films portray women as being in a constant state of sexual ecstasy. But in reality, only 20 per cent of women orgasm through penetrative sex. "The rest 80 per cent women need other methods like clitoris stimulation, oral sex and vaginal stimulation. Multiple orgasms are quite rare and they can be reached only if the partner is extremely skilled," says Dr Mithiya. So can the absence of a good sex life affect your relationship? "Of course, you are entitled to your off days, but if you're in a relationship, it's important to communicate with your partner. If you're not too comfortable being direct it's best to tell him what works and what doesn't with vocal cues," says fitness trainer Shivani Joshi.              *Name changed on request

Sex tonight won't trigger heart attack

If you have suffered a heart attack and feel that exertion between the sheets can be further detrimental to the health of your heart, just chill and plan some real action tonight.

According to researchers, sex can never trigger a heart attack and for those who has suffered one, its is absolutely safe to resume sexual activity.

"Based on our data, it seems very unlikely that sexual activity is a relevant trigger of heart attack," said Dietrich Rothenbacher, professor and chair of the institute of epidemiology and medical biometry at Ulm University in Ulm, Germany.

According to the researchers, sexual activity generally involves moderate physical activity comparable to climbing two staircases or taking a brisk walk.

"Less than half of men and less than a third of women are getting information about sexual activity after heart attack from their doctors. It is important to reassure patients that they need not be worried and should resume their usual sexual activity," he explained.

To reach this conclusion, the researchers looked at 536 heart disease patients between the age 30 and 70 to evaluate sexual activity in the 12 months before a heart attack.

During 10 years of follow up, 100 adverse cardiovascular events occurred in patients in the study.

Sexual activity was not a risk factor for subsequent adverse cardiovascular events.

Researchers also evaluated the timing of the last sexual activity before the heart attack.

Only 0.7 percent reported sex within an hour before their heart attack.

"In comparison, over 78 percent reported that their last sexual activity occurred more than 24 hours before the heart attack," the authors noted.

Despite the benefits of sexual activity outweighing risks, the potential of erectile dysfunction as a side-effect from medications and the risk of a drop in blood pressure from combining certain heart medications with erectile dysfunction medications should be clearly communicated to patients.

Sexual activity can be a concern for many heart attack patients who worry about exertion triggering another heart event, but data on the harms and benefits of sexual activity in heart disease patients is limited.

The research was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.    http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Sex-tonight-wont-trigger-heart-attack/articleshow/49056761.cms

10 Sex Secrets I Wish I Knew Before I Was Married

I'm 41 years old, and I've been married to the same beautiful woman for almost two decades. Over the years I've had to work through some myths and misconceptions about sex. Many of these misconceptions started early, before I was married, and they've taken years to straighten out. If I could send ten sex and intimacy tips to myself before I was married, this is exactly what I'd say...

Dear pre-married self (circa 1994),I know you're so pumped about getting married because you found the girl of your dreams and you plan to spend the rest of your lives together and, well, SEX!

However, I'm writing this because you have some preconceived beliefs about sexual intimacy that are totally WRONG. And before you get married, I'd like to clear them up for you, because, you know, we're pals. So let's get started.

10. Sexual intimacy doesn't happen like it does on TV or in the movies.

Much of what you know about sex comes from advertising, TV and the movies. In other words, sex looks like a spontaneous, flawless connection of love-making filled with romance, Marvin Gaye and candles in windowsills. Sexual intimacy does NOT work like that. There is rarely Marvin Gaye. Don't be disappointed; real sexual intimacy is different than the movies, but it's much better in the long run.

9. A note on frequency. Brace yourself.

Right now you're thinking marriage is filled with sex almost every second of the day and thousands of times a week -- because, why wouldn't you!? You should live in this dream world for as long as you can and ride your trusty unicorn into the Skittle-stained sunset where you pet your wild Ewok and cross the Bridge to Terabithia. Stay there. As long as you can. That is all.

8. Sex is like fine wine -- it gets better with age.

Sexual intimacy is something you get better and better at. It takes communication, practice and time. This is the way God intended it. Right now you think your sex IQ is at a genius level, but you couldn't pass the Sex ACT with what you know. (No, there is no Sex ACT; I'm using an illustration -- you really should read more too.)

7. Sex is not just about getting, but giving.

Are you laughing? I'm serious. God made sex in such a way that it requires both of you to give. And it's good to give. Don't be a taker all the time. Sexual intimacy is a great place to model sacrifice and service. If you get that into your head now, the getting will be even better. There's great beauty and mystery in the giving. Be generous.

6. Men and women don't think about sex the same way.

For you, sex is wrapped up in physical attraction and it's very visual and instantaneous. However, you might want to sit down for this one, women think about sex in terms of the relationship, their security and how much they feel loved and pursued. For you, sex is like a light switch without a dimmer: you're totally ready at any moment (unless you're asleep... like dead asleep). For her, sex is like a crockpot that takes a good part of the day to come to a simmer. You will both be frustrated by this. That's OK; it's part of God's wiring to bring you together on a deeper level.

5. Sex doesn't complete you.

Right now, you're putting a ton of stock in the power, importance and value of sex. Let's be honest, you think about it constantly. You need to know sexual intimacy is fantastic and satisfying and incredible in so many ways, but it's not meant to be an idol. You will need to fight this and work to keep sex in proper perspective: as a gift from God to be enjoyed in marriage.

4. Sex can be fun and funny and playful.

There are many angles of sexual intimacy, and some of them you're totally unaware of right now. You think of sex in one dimension -- serious pleasure. However, sexual intimacy done right is a form of vulnerability and authenticity, and when you totally love someone and have nothing to hide -- and I mean nothing -- you are free to be your truest self.

3. Pursuing her is like a legal sex drug for her soul.

I hinted at this previously, but this is probably the best secret I can give you. Pursue her. Make sure she knows you want her in more ways than just the physical. Pursue her mind. Pursue her heart. Pursue her in every way possible. Remember, she doesn't think about sex like you do --you're all skin and eyeballs, and she's all heart and soul.

2. It's more mysterious than you think.

Again, right now your thoughts about sex are pretty simple. You're stuck in the physical, but God designed sexual intimacy to be way more complex than two bodies finding their way together. That whole one-flesh thing you've read in the Bible -- that stuff is real. It's hard to explain and I don't fully understand it, but something magical happens in the act of sex, something cosmic that links you to her in a way that's soul deep.

1. Sex in marriage is a form of worship.

Most of your thoughts about worship are confined to church and singing right now. So when I say sex is worship, you probably think I'm nuts. But soon you'll get a bigger picture. It's a fun point in our spiritual journey. Along with that is the beautiful command from Scripture to have sex with your wife -- unashamed, unabashed, unadulterated and often. This act is a form of worship, plain and simple, like singing an ancient hymn with your bodies. That sounded a little creepy. Let's just call it worship.

I really hope you'll take these thoughts to heart, because when it comes down to it, sex is more wonderful than you can imagine.  Sincerely, Brian from 2015

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-orme/10-sex-secrets-i-wish-i-knew-before-marriage_b_8133538.html?ir=India&adsSiteOverride=in

For seniors, sexual activity is linked to higher quality of life

Older adults who value sexual activity and engage in it have better social lives and psychological well-being, according to a small study in Scotland. 

Older adults said "they miss and want to engage in sexual behaviors, whether that be a kiss to intercourse," said study coauthor Taylor-Jane Flynn in an email. "For many, these behaviors remained an important element in their life."

Flynn, a psychology PhD candidate at Glasgow Caledonian University, said the study was inspired by her work as a health care assistant for elderly people.

Although quality of life is a key consideration for older adults, sexuality is rarely studied, write Flynn and Alan Gow, an associate professor of psychology at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, in the journal Age and Ageing.

The researchers recruited 133 Scottish adults aged 65 and over by distributing questionnaires at local clubs, small businesses and older people’s groups.

About half the participants lived with a spouse or partner.

The questionnaire asked how often in the last six months participants had engaged in six sexual behaviors: touching/holding hands, embracing/hugging, kissing, mutual stroking, masturbation and intercourse.

Participants also rated how important those behaviors are to them, on a five-point scale ranging from “not at all important” to “very important.”

Additionally, the questionnaires assessed participants’ quality of life based on physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environment.

Between 75 and 89 percent said they'd engaged in kissing, hugging and holding hands or touching. Men and women scored about the same for frequency and importance of sexual behaviors overall, and for quality of life.

Although people with frequent sexual activity also placed higher importance on it, the analysis found the two measures were associated with different aspects of quality of life.

Participants reporting more frequent sexual behavior rated their social relationships as higher quality, while people who found sexual activity to be important had higher scores for psychological quality of life.

Overall, however, seniors’ health status had the strongest impact on all aspects of quality of life.

John DeLamater, a sociology professor at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, said the fact that participants were recruited in community settings - which may attract more healthy and active older people - might affect the results.

“If they are generally healthier (which the results show to be associated with quality of life), they are probably more sexually active,” DeLamater said in an email.

For people who have valued sexuality throughout their lives, he noted, “continuing activity provides protection against a sense of aging and loss, and of continuity if the person is in a long-term relationship.” That may explain the links between sex and well-being found in the study, he said.

While the current study only looked at associations and cannot determine whether sexuality raises quality of life, Gow noted, he hopes that future research will focus more on this subject.

“What we hope is that our current findings encourage other researchers interested in the determinants of health and well-being in older adults to also consider sexual behaviors,” Gow said in an email.

The sexuality of older people should be considered and encouraged, DeLamater said. “We should encourage couples to spend time alone, provide arrangements in care facilities that enable sexual intimacy, provide sexual health information in medical settings.”

 http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/08/03/for-seniors-sexual-activity-is-linked-to-higher-quality-life/

More women watching online porn in India

More women watching online porn in India (Getty Images)

When it comes to watching porn online, women are slowly bridging the gap in India with as much as 30 percent of women in India now regularly visiting porn websites, says a new study.

 Last year, 26 percent Indian women were online searching for porn.

While lesbian porn was found to be the runaway hit among women, women across the globe are also watching more "hardcore" acts than men, revealed the study done by popular general interest website Pornhub in collaboration with New York-based news website, The Daily Beast.

The data came from nearly 40 million Pornhub users.

Compared to the worldwide average of 24 percent female porn viewers -- an increase of one percent over the previous year, the Philippines and Brazil took the lead with 35 percent female viewers.

India and Argentina came in a close second with 30 percent female porn viewers.

Using high-tech analytics software, the study revealed that women are also more selective than men when it comes to online porn viewing. "Women are spending more time watching porn - a worldwide average of 10 minutes and 10 seconds compared to men at just nine minutes and 22 seconds," the results showed.

Japan presented the largest proportional gap between male and female porn viewers (83 percent male and 17 percent female).

Women in the US ranked pretty low (23 percent women and 77 percent male).

Nearly 24 percent of women in France visit online porn websites regularly.

Earlier, global research firm Pew Research Centre in 2013 surveyed the online viewing habits of 1,003 Americans and found that 25 percent of men admitted to watching porn in comparison to eight percent of women. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/man-woman/More-women-watching-online-porn-in-India/articleshow/48294410.cms?utm_source=TOInewHP_TILwidget&utm_medium=ABtest&utm_campaign=TOInewHP

 Here's why you must have sex everyday
Have you ever heard that song called Sexual Healing? It's not just a metaphor. Sex can actually heal. It can heal your body and mind and prevent lots of diseases.

Some say it's the first medicine ever known to man and it should be administered daily. Sounds too good to be true? Let's discover the four reasons for which a man should have sex each day.

Great form of exercise
Making love is a form of physical activity. During intercourse, the physiological changes in your body are consistent with a workout. You must have noticed that the respiratory rate rises, which means you get tired. Hence, you burn calories. If you have sex three times a week for 15 minutes (but we know you can do better than that) you'll burn about 7.500 calories in a year. That's the equivalent of jogging 75 miles! Heavy breathing raises the amount of oxygen in your cells, and the testosterone produced during sex keeps your bones and muscles strong.

Pain relief
The "Honey, not today, I have a headache" cannot be an excuse any more. During sex, both male and female bodies produce endorphins, hormones that act as weak painkillers. A study conducted by Gina Ogden showed that during sexual stimulation and especially during orgasm, we don't feel pain. If she finds another excuse, remind her that sex is good for her entire reproductive system, because it trains the PC muscle, which keeps the reproductive organs in shape. In women, sex can also increase fertility, postpone the menopause and relieve PMS symptoms.

Prostate protection
Most of the fluid you ejaculate is secreted by the prostate gland. If you stop ejaculating, the fluid stays in the gland, which tends to swell, causing lots of problems. Regular ejaculation will wash those fluids out and ensure the well being of your prostate until old age. Problems may also occur when you suddenly change the frequency of ejaculations.

Prevents erectile dysfunctions
Fifty per cent of men older than 40 suffer from erectile dysfunctions and all young men fear the moment when they won't be able to get it up any more. The best medicine against impotence is...sex. An erection keeps the blood flowing through your penile arteries, so the tissue stays healthy. Plus, doctors compare an erection to an athletic reflex: the more you train the more capable you are to perform.

Stress relief
It's a scientific fact: sex can be a very effective way of reducing stress levels. During sex your body produces dopamine, a substance that fights stress hormones, endorphins, aka "happiness hormones" and oxytocin, a desire-enhancing hormone secreted by the pituitary gland.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/man-woman/Heres-why-you-must-have-sex-everyday/articleshow/5215308.cms?utm_source=TOInewHP_TILwidget&utm_medium=ABtest&utm_campaign=TOInewHP

Health reasons why you should sleep naked

Pack away your pajamas and make way for your skin. Yes, we’re suggesting you ditch your clothes for good tonight while you go to sleep. There are endless health benefits of sleeping in the buff that science has agreed upon.

According to a study by the U.S. National Sleep Foundation, sleeping naked have proved to have all sorts of health benefits. Here, we have compiled the top benefits of sleeping naked.

1) Improves your sleep quality Sleeping naked prevents the body from overheating, and thus lets you have a good night’s sleep. Sleeping naked makes it easier for the body to stay cool and maintain a lower temperature, which the brain requires for a sound sleep. Russell Foster, professor of circadian neuroscience at the University of Oxford, says, “If you’re wearing lots of bed clothes, it’s going to be more difficult to regulate your temperature, so wear the least you can get away with.”

2) Helps lose weight A good night’s sleep is one of the best way to beat stress, which is known to cause belly fat. At night, when our body is resting, production of the growth hormone is said to increase while cortisol – the stress hormone decreases.

3) Boosts memory and production of growth hormone Deep sleep is key for memory consolidation and production of growth hormone which is important for cell repair and growth.

4) Good for the vagina and testicle Experts say that sleeping naked can be healthy for the vagina. Considering bacteria thrive in moist and warm environments, sleeping naked will reduce the probability of fungal infection. While for men, sleeping naked has been found to increase fertility and sperm quality.

5) Boosts your love life When you and your partner sleep naked, experts say, the skin-to-skin contact releases the “love” hormone – oxytocin, which increases physical and emotional intimacy between couples, leading to happier relationships. It also fights off stress and depression.

6) Burn more calories Sleeping naked can help activate brown fat. Known as the good fat, brown fat can generate heat and burn the calories piled on by the white body fat. Thus helping the body burn some calories.

7) Lowers blood pressure By now you aware that skin-to-skin contact generates a generous boost of oxytocin, a hormone that’s known for a whole lot of health benefits, including having a protective effect on the heart – it lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system and reduces anxiety.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Health-reasons-why-you-should-sleep-naked/articleshow/46541505.cms

How sex can help you live longer

Sex feels fabulous at any age. But what's not as well known is that a regular roll in the hay can also add up to eight years to your life expectancy. Yes! You heard right. By burning some calories in the bedroom, you can add some more years to live.

Studies show that having sexual intercourse regularly improves hormone levels, heart health and brain power and revs up your immune system, so you can hold on to your youth while you enjoy yourself. Research shows that the more orgasms you have, the longer you can expect to live. Being bad was never so good, right?

Aim for orgasm  It's not just the amount of sex you're having that counts when it comes to adding years to your life - it is the quality, too. A study discovered that a powerful orgasm is equivalent to a shot of Valium, a drug that relieves bodily stress, and works as a good relaxant. Added to that, it can also increase the body's infection-fighting cells by up to 20%

Several studies have shown that happily married couples are likely to live longer than singles or those who are in negative relationships. Even more impressive is the fact that having regular orgasms make men twice as likely to live into old age as those who don't have sex, and women to live up to eight years longer. Also women who have two orgasms a week are up to 30% less likely to develop heart diseases. So, make the most of it and boost your orgasm potential by investing in a good sexual intercourse. Years added +08

Time to cuddle up Cuddling up to your partner isn't just an enjoyable aspect of good sex - it also helps to release the 'bonding hormone' Oxytocin, which has been linked to life expectancy. Research has found that Oxytocin can dramatically boost longevity. So, people who are in good relationships are less vulnerable to chronic diseases and even depression. So, make the most of it by cuddling up with your lover after sex. This will also add intimacy to your relationship. A sensual massage, lots of stroking and intimate touches will help you go a long way in keeping your relationship alive. Also, studies show that Oxytocin is produced in greater quantities with a familiar partner. Years added +07

Cook up a storm To enjoy good sex, it helps if you're in the mood - which is why brain chemicals are so important. A lack of desire is the result of a reduction in one of the four brain chemicals - Dopamine, Acetylcholine, GABA and Serotonin. To get them up to speed again, certain herbs and spices can also help.

For Dopamine, which enhances mood and confidence, try basil, black pepper, chillies, cumin, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Acetylcholine helps improve alertness and focus so try all-spice, basil, peppermint, sage and thyme. GABA, a natural anti-depressant, is found in alcohol, so just one or two glasses of red wine will do the trick. Serotonin boosts happiness and relaxation, so try turkey, bananas and chocolate. So, make the most of it by cooking up a light vegetable curry served with saffron rice to get you in the mood. Years added +10

Work up a sweat   Exercise helps keep you fit. It also improves circulation and muscle tone and staves off the ageing process. Good news is that sex provides almost all the same benefits as regular exercise, without having to hit the treadmill. It increases circulation and metabolism and burns about 30 calories for 20 minutes of reasonably active sex. That means in an hour you've burnt off a glass of wine or a couple of biscuits.

Middle-aged women who have weekly sex have been found to have twice the bone-protecting Oestrogen levels of those who don't. So, make the most of it by keeping sex fun by trying new positions. If you always do it in missionary, speed up your heart rate by going on top for a change. Years added +10

More, more, more! It really is a case of use it or lose it. And having sex at least once a week will keep your hormones, heart and brain in top condition. And the more you have, the better the benefits. Men who have sex three or more times a week reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke by 50%. It's largely a myth that sex can trigger heart attacks, but if you're worried, don't overdo the aerobics and you'll still get the benefit of powerful relaxation hormones. Regular sex releases 'feel good' Endorphins at any age, as well as easing stress. Years added +2

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/man-woman/How-sex-can-help-you-live-longer/articleshow/10245026.cms

Cilas, Viagra

5 health benefits of sex revealed & related articles

Sex is not just good but healthy too. Here are ways how beneficial sex can be to your health.

Helps keep the immune system highly active  Research has shown that People who have sex have higher levels of what defends your body against viruses, germs and other intruders. Researchers at university in Pennsylvania found that college students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of the a certain antibody compared to students who had sex less often.

Lowers blood pressure  There are mountains of data emerged in studies that say that there is a link between sex and blood pressure. One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically lowered systolic blood pressure. reduces Heart

Attack risk  Having an active sex life is beneficial for your heart. It not only raises your heart rate in a good way, but it also sex helps keep your oestrogen and testosterone levels in balance. When either one of those is low you begin to get problems, like osteoporosis and even heart disease. During one study, men who had sex at least twice a week were half as likely to die of heart disease as men who had sex rarely.

Improves women's bladder control  Doctors say that a strong pelvic floor is important for avoiding incontinence, a condition that is will affect 30% of women at some point in their lives. Good sex is more like a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. Having an orgasm causes contractions in those muscles, which strengthens them.
Eases stress Touching and hugging can release the body's natural feel-good hormone. Sexual arousal releases a brain chemical that revs up your brain's pleasure and reward system. Also, sex and intimacy can boost your self-esteem and happiness. Another important factor is that being close to your partner can soothe stress and anxiety.         http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/5-health-benefits-of-sex-revealed/articleshow/46652911.cms?utm_source=TOInewHP_TILwidget&utm_medium=ABtest&utm_campaign=TOInewHP                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Top 7 factors killing your sex drive                                                   

A reduced sex drive can be very frustrating and a number of problems, from depression to physical disorders, could be to blame. However, if you are bothered that decreased libido is affecting your relationship, there is some good news for you.

With some basic lifestyle changes and sexual techniques you can overcome these problems easily. At the same time, it is equally important to know the main factors that affect your libido. From physiological to psychological factors, here are some common sex-drive killers.

Erectile dysfunctions: Poorly understood and mismanaged, erectile dysfunction is another major factor that can affect your sex drive. According to reports, this condition is very common in men above the age of 40 but only a few cases come to light. This is primarily due to lack of knowledge as most people believe that it is a psychological rather than a physiological condition that cannot be treated. However, on the contrary, the condition is eminently curable with the help of drugs and medicinal procedures.

Menopause: In women, physical changes like menopause can affect physical intimacy and sexual drive. Although, menopause itself does not affect your ability to have sex, the reduced hormone levels may cause certain discomforts like vaginal dryness and pain during sex. This may also prolong your period to reach an orgasm.

Depression: If you are constantly popping antidepressant pills or if you are suffering from signs of clinical depression, it's no wonder that your sex life is suffering a major set-back. One of the major hallmarks of depression is reduced interest in sex. Be aware that both depression and antidepressant pills can affect your libido. Thus, it is advisable to treat the condition at the earliest.

Less sleep: A consistent sleep pattern is another vital factor for boosting your sex life. In case you depend only on weekends to catch up on your sleep, you don't have to search for any other cause for your decreased libido. There is a direct connection between sleeplessness and reduced sexual urge. Researchers believe that fewer sleeping hours can trigger the production of the stress hormone cortisol which plays a major role in reducing the testosterone levels.

Parenting: It's true that parenting is a tough job and can even affect your physical and mental health at times. But, did you know that it can even affect your sex life? No, we are not talking at a hormonal level. It is just the fact that while taking care of your baby, you often don't find the zeal, time or energy to get intimate with your partner. Try hiring a part-time caretaker or plan for some "quickies" during your baby's nap time.

Excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcoholic consumption is linked to impotence and infertility in both the sexes. It is true that a few sips of your favorite wine helps you open up and puts you in the mood to indulge but it can also freeze your sex drive at the same time. Long term overuse of alcohol, in particular, affects the nervous system and interferes with impulses between the pituitary glands in the brain and the genitals. In fact, recent clinical researches have indicated that alcohol abuse can cause permanent damage to the nerves in the penis thereby leading to impotence. So, as long as you practice moderation, you can protect yourself from such conditions.

Relationship problems: Marital or relationship problems like lack of trust and proper communication can act as major hindrance to experiencing enjoyable and satisfying sex. Women, in particular, are closely tuned to their emotional sides at the time of sexual intimacy. Hence, it is vital to solve all issues like infidelity, unsolved conflicts or fight and poor connection to steer your sex life in the right direction. For this, you can even seek professional counseling to sort out any personal indifference between you and your partner.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Top-7-factors-killing-your-sex-drive/articleshow/9943254.cms

Health reasons why you should sleep naked!

Pack away your pajamas and make way for your skin. Yes, we’re suggesting you ditch your clothes for good tonight while you go to sleep. There are endless health benefits of sleeping in the buff that science has agreed upon.

According to a study by the U.S. National Sleep Foundation, sleeping naked have proved to have all sorts of health benefits. Here, we have compiled the top benefits of sleeping naked.

1) Improves your sleep quality Sleeping naked prevents the body from overheating, and thus lets you have a good night’s sleep. Sleeping naked makes it easier for the body to stay cool and maintain a lower temperature, which the brain requires for a sound sleep. Russell Foster, professor of circadian neuroscience at the University of Oxford, says, “If you’re wearing lots of bed clothes, it’s going to be more difficult to regulate your temperature, so wear the least you can get away with.”

2) Helps lose weight A good night’s sleep is one of the best way to beat stress, which is known to cause belly fat. At night, when our body is resting, production of the growth hormone is said to increase while cortisol – the stress hormone decreases.

3) Boosts memory and production of growth hormone Deep sleep is key for memory consolidation and production of growth hormone which is important for cell repair and growth.

4) Good for the vagina and testicle Experts say that sleeping naked can be healthy for the vagina. Considering bacteria thrive in moist and warm environments, sleeping naked will reduce the probability of fungal infection. While for men, sleeping naked has been found to increase fertility and sperm quality.

5) Boosts your love life When you and your partner sleep naked, experts say, the skin-to-skin contact releases the “love” hormone – oxytocin, which increases physical and emotional intimacy between couples, leading to happier relationships. It also fights off stress and depression.

6) Burn more calories Sleeping naked can help activate brown fat. Known as the good fat, brown fat can generate heat and burn the calories piled on by the white body fat. Thus helping the body burn some calories.

7) Lowers blood pressure By now you aware that skin-to-skin contact generates a generous boost of oxytocin, a hormone that’s known for a whole lot of health benefits, including having a protective effect on the heart – it lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system and reduces anxiety.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Health-reasons-why-you-should-sleep-naked/articleshow/46541505.cms