When people think about what's ruining their sex life, they tend to think of something big. But according to relationship expert Amy Williams, it's often the day-to-day decisions that matter. Many of the things we do to ourselves every day can affect our sex life with our partner. What are they?
ContentWhat ruins your sex life: you eat wrongWhat ruins your sex life with your partner: poor oral hygieneWhat ruins your sex life: obsession with your phoneWhat ruins your sex life with your partner: alcohol abuseWhat ruins your sex life: too much perfume
WomanEL lists the worst habits and gives Williams advice on how to improve your sex life with your partner.
What ruins your sex life: you're eating wrong
A balanced diet is crucial for many aspects of our lives, including our sexual lives. Williams explains, “Poor dietary choices affect everything from circulation, which is vital for arousal, to hormone levels and self-confidence. Many people don’t realize that too much sugar and unhealthy fats can lead to a decrease in libido and even cause problems for both partners.”
The solution? “Focus on foods that naturally improve circulation and boost energy levels,” advises Williams. “These include salmon, avocados, nuts, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.” As for foods to avoid, if you hope to succeed, it's best to avoid large, heavy meals that can lower your energy levels.
What's bad for your sex life with your partner: Poor oral hygiene
Besides the obvious—bad breath isn't very pleasant when kissing—Williams says that neglecting oral hygiene can negatively affect your sex life. She explains, “Poor dental health doesn't just affect how your breath smells. Gum disease causes inflammation throughout the body and can disrupt blood flow, especially in intimate areas, where good blood flow is essential for arousal.”
Brush your teeth and use dental floss (even a tongue scraper) – it will please not only your dentist.
What ruins your sex life: phone obsession
“Social media creates unrealistic expectations and can destroy self-esteem,” says Williams. “That mindset makes you feel less confident and, ultimately, less open to intimacy.”
Be sure to set boundaries around social media, especially in the evenings when you could be talking to your partner. And keep scrolling through negative news to a minimum.
What harms sex life with a partner: alcohol abuse
Alcohol negatively affects people's health and sexual life, Source: freepik.com
Sure, a couple of glasses of wine can help you relax. But Williams says that regular alcohol abuse can wreak havoc on your intimate moments. She notes, “While alcohol may temporarily lower your levels of self-control, drinking too much actually interferes with sexual response. Both men and women can have a harder time reaching orgasm because alcohol desensitizes our nervous systems, and men can have a harder time maintaining an erection.”
If you still enjoy the occasional drink, try to limit yourself to two glasses or cut out alcohol altogether and focus on natural connection.
What ruins your sex life: too much perfume
Williams says that overdoing it with perfume — including artificial fragrances in laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and personal care products — can work against you. She explains, “They mask your natural scent, which plays a bigger role in attraction and arousal than many people realize.” She recommends switching to unscented laundry detergents for bed linens and sleepwear, and avoiding perfumes and scented body products.
Some experts say our bodies naturally produce pheromones that may play a role in sex drive.
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