Chemical romance? Forget it. Substances in household items may lower her libido, a US study reports. Women with the most exposure to additives called phthalates were up to 2.6 times as likely to report low libido as those with the least. These chemicals in plastics may interfere with the production of testosterone and oestrogen. Look for “DEHP free” or “phthalate free” on labels and buy fresh foods, which are less likely to have picked up phthalates from packaging.
Chemical romance? Forget it. Substances in household items may lower her libido, a US study reports. Women with the most exposure to additives called phthalates were up to 2.6 times as likely to report low libido as those with the least. These chemicals in plastics may interfere with the production of testosterone and oestrogen. Look for “DEHP free” or “phthalate free” on labels and buy fresh foods, which are less likely to have picked up phthalates from packaging.
HIT THE GYM FOR BETTER SEX
According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health, men who exercise more have better erectile and sexual function, regardless of race. “This study is the first to link the benefits of exercise in relation to improved erectile and sexual function in a racially diverse group of patients,” said Adriana Vidal, senior author of the study and investigator in the Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and Department of Surgery in the US. It’s time to get off the couch, lads.
HOBBIES CAN BE HOT
A paintbrush as sex toy? For a recent report in the Journal of Creative Behavior, researchers asked women to rate the sexual attractiveness of various activities. Playing sports finished on top because it indicates fitness, notes lead researcher Scott Barry Kaufman.
SPRAY ON MAGNOLIA
Researchers at the Ruhr-Universitat Bochum and University of Dresden in Germany said that the magnolia scent is a proven pheromone receptor. According to their study, the aroma generates sex-specific activation patterns in the brain, giving wearers a unique sex appeal.
DON’T TAP IT TOO MUCH
Your smartphone, that is: New research from Penn State and Brigham Young universities in the US suggests that paying too much attention to digital devices can hurt your relationship. Using phones and tablets during conversations, dinner and leisure time (“technoference”) correlated with lower satisfaction in women. The behaviour conveys that the device matters more than the other person, says study author Brandon McDaniel. Silence your device during “together time” – or at least during dinner.
COITUS RESURRECTUS
The problem Your relationship has hit the doldrums (“What’s on Netflix?”) and the passion has faded.
The fix Go on double dates with new friends. When you hang out with others, they often respond positively to you and your mate, says Dr Keith Welker, whose study appeared in the journal Personal Relationships. This can give you a fresh, appreciative view of your wife or girlfriend. Dates that promote conversation are best, he says.
