If you’re looking for ways to curb sexual desire, a healthy lifestyle can help. Meds that reduce libido may also be an option, but talk to your doctor about potential side effects first.
It’s normal for horny thoughts to pop into your mind from time to time, but if they become an ongoing problem, consider talking with a therapist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques can help, too!
1. Exercise regularly
Exercise isn’t just good for your waistline, but it can help with libido as well. The more you move, the more your body will produce mitochondria—little organelles that convert food to energy—which in turn boosts libido.
In addition to increasing libido, a workout can also help prevent premature ejaculation (or “edging”). Edging is when you start masturbating and then stop just short of an orgasm. This trick trains your brain to delay the onset of an orgasm, and can be done by yourself or with your partner. A doctor or physical therapist who specializes in biofeedback can help you learn a number of different exercises and visualizations to increase your ability to stay on the “edge” during masturbation.
However, if your libido is low, it’s important to see your doctor before trying out any self-prescribed solutions. They’ll be able to run some tests and determine the cause of your low libido, whether it’s a chronic health condition or a medication you’re taking for a separate health problem. They may even recommend some lifestyle changes that will put you in the mood for sex more often.
2. Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep can help you calm your libido. It’s also important to get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol and drugs.
If you’re taking a drug that can decrease libido, talk to your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen. For example, finasteride (Propecia, Proscar, Entadfi) — a common medication for men with male pattern baldness and noncancerous prostate growth — can suppress libido.
Sexual desire is normal and natural, but if it’s affecting your relationships or causing distress in your life, it might be worth seeking help. There are a variety of treatments available, from dietary changes to cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some people find relief, pleasure and pride by channeling their libido into other activities that may be more meaningful. Popular pursuits include long-distance running, dance, music, DIY, abseiling and yoga. Another option is to try edging — stimulating the penis until just before orgasm, and then stopping. The goal is to train yourself to recognize the arousal stage, which can prevent premature ejaculation. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can also reduce arousal by blocking hormones that raise them.
3. Eat a healthy diet
The foods you eat play an important role in how your libido behaves. A diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats will boost libido. In contrast, junk food will lower libido. Coffee acts as a stimulant and can make you feel jittery, which can reduce your sexual desire. Likewise, processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats can lead to low testosterone levels and increase your risk of erectile dysfunction.
Several foods have aphrodisiac properties, including spinach, chocolate, avocados, oysters, and walnuts. These foods are high in magnesium and folic acid, which are both known to enhance sexual performance. Oysters are also a natural source of L-arginine, which helps to dilate blood vessels in the penis and promote an erection.
It is possible to stop male arousal permanently by implementing certain lifestyle changes and engaging in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT can help you identify the triggers of your sexual urges, such as pornography or romantic movies, and challenge any irrational thoughts that may be contributing to them. You can also try to divert your attention away from these activities by practicing relaxation techniques, exercising, and participating in recreational activities that bring you satisfaction and pride.
4. Get plenty of water
While there isn’t a pill that will quell sexual desire, there are ways to help control the urges. Arousal is part of a man’s natural body function and is normal, but if it interferes with daily life or your relationships, you may want to seek medical help to reduce your sexual drive.
Drinking plenty of water is a great way to fight off arousal because it helps to hydrate the body. Being dehydrated can cause the blood vessels that supply erectile tissue to narrow, which can make it harder for men to get an erection.
Another benefit of drinking water is that it helps the body produce more pre-ejaculate, which lubricates the penis for intercourse. This can prevent the need for external lubricants and help you last longer in bed during sex.
You can also try to clear your mind by thinking about something else besides your erection or sex. Distracting yourself will also help you stay away from masturbation, which can be an unhealthy and ineffective way to deal with arousal. If you’re experiencing priapism, which is an erection that lasts more than two minutes, see a doctor immediately to avoid permanent damage to your penis.
5. Talk to your partner
Sexual desire varies between individuals, and it’s common for partners’ sexual drives to be out of sync. Often, this happens due to changing life circumstances, such as kids or a new job, but it can also be a result of mental and physical health issues. Talking to your partner about these changes is a good idea, especially if they’re having an impact on your relationship.
If you’re interested in taming your libido, there are some medications that can do the trick by tinkering with hormones that affect sexual desires, but it’s best to speak with your doctor before trying these. There’s also a range of herbal remedies that can help, but again, make sure you consult your medical expert before taking anything.
Finally, some people find relief and pleasure by channeling their sexual energy into something else. Popular options include sports, creative pursuits, DIY, abseiling and even yoga and Tantra. Ultimately, what’s most important is that you feel comfortable and happy in your own body and in your relationship with your partner. If you’re having trouble, a couples counselor could be the answer.
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