Better Sex Tips

Courtesy of Prevention

Reason: It's Dry Down Below
The lining of the vagina is extremely estrogen sensitive, and when hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause, women produce less lubrication prior to and during intercourse. Hormone therapy is a solution for some women. But there are other alternatives.

How Science Can Help
A lubricant that goes straight to the source
Whipple recommends Zestra (available at drugstores), a nonprescription feminine arousal fluid made from botanical oils, which stimulates nerves and blood vessels to increase arousal. Women who used Zestra five times in a 2- to 3-week period (many described a warm feeling in the genital area) boosted their sexual pleasure significantly, even if they were taking libido-dampening antidepressants or had sexual arousal disorder, according to a study on women ages 31 to 57 published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy.

Why Your Desire Is Lagging
Help Reaching Orgasm

Locally applied estrogen
This can significantly improve the lubrication situation--without the dangers (such as increased breast cancer) of oral hormone therapy. Whipple prefers insertable vaginal estrogen rings or tablets over vaginal estrogen creams.

Reason: You Feel Disconnected From Your Partner
The demands of family and work life can often make long-married couples feel like strangers in the bedroom.

How Science Can Help
An ovulation kit
Oxytocin, often referred to as the bonding hormone, spikes right before ovulation, a time when most women are in the mood. According to Amen, oxytocin also helps dull your memory of your partner's annoying traits (like his dirty socks on the floor) enough to let you feel attracted to him. Chart your cycle and schedule "date night" right before you ovulate.

More Science for Your Sex Life
Sleep Your Way Sexy
Snoring can hurt your sex life. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could be an unrecognized cause of sexual dysfunction. In one 2006 study, researchers found that women's problems reaching orgasm increased with the severity of their OSA. Treating men and women for OSA (using continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP) improved sex drive in all of them, according to another study. For tips on diagnosing and treating OSA, go to the National Sleep Foundation at sleepfoundation.org.

Coming to a Bedroom Near You: 2 Libido-Enhancing Drugs
Ask your doc to keep an eye out for these higher-desire meds that are in the works:

1. LibiGel. The only prescription testosterone gel to boost sexual desire in women, this hormone treatment should receive FDA approval by 2011.
2. Bremelanotide Nose Spray. First in a new class of drugs called melanocortin agonists, this nasal spray--just click once and breathe through a small inhaler, 15 to 30 minutes before sex--increases blood flow to the genitals. Unlike Viagra, it has no effect on the cardiovascular system (it works via the central nervous system). In clinical trials of both premenopausal and postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, it significantly increased desire and genital arousal. Expect FDA approval for women in 2011.

Previous: Why Your Desire Is Lagging
Help Reaching Orgasm