5 Unexpected Ways to Boost Your Sex Drive

Ah, the ever-elusive sex drive. In the first few months of a relationship, there it is, and all we can is think about is our lover’s voice, touch and getting into bed. But after a few months, when the love hormones subside and the bonding hormones emerge (or ... they don't), most couples will find themselves fighting a lack of sex drive. What used to be several times a week - or day - diminishes and perhaps continues to diminish. At least, that is, until you make a move to do something about it.

Boosting your sex drive is one of the most enduring human interests. Just think about the crazy number of pills, powders and drinks that claim to boost flagging libidos and restore lustfulness. Although these claims are generally exaggerated, there are ways to pump up your sex drive. And, fortunately, you don't have to swallow any shady pills from China to do it. Here are some of the more unexpected libido boosters.

Work Out

We all know it: exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy and helps keep you slim. But did you know that people who exercise regularly have higher sex drives?

A 2010 study showed that people who exercise often display personality traits of sexually successful people: self-assertiveness, social acumen and a dominant side. It all comes back to your metabolism: the better it is, the more you develop those traits … and the sex drive to go with them.

But you don’t need to become a "jock" to have fun in bed. Regular, moderate exercise can make all the difference. (Some might also say that time in the bedroom counts for exercise. Read more about it in Skip the Gym, Get in Bed: 7 Health Benefits of Sex.)

Skip the PJs

Getting your Z's in the nude can have a surprising effect on your sex drive. Aside from other health benefits (it can prevent yeast infections in women, improve sleep quality and reduce stress), sleeping naked may also increase your sex drive.

According to a survey of 100,000 people conducted by the University of Washington in Seattle, 34 percent of sexual satisfied women and 38 percent of satisfied men always sleep in the buff.

Lying skin-to-skin helps your body secrete the intimacy hormone and makes you want to get even closer. And think about it. Your partner is there, naked and available. And so are you. Easy!

Eat These

Herbal remedies aren’t always as effective as their supporters (and sellers) would like you to believe, but some herbs have actually been studied for their effects on the human body.

Ginkgo biloba may be an effective treatment to increase blood flow to the genitals. It can also alleviate symptoms of depression, both of which are good things if you want a healthy sex life. You can get this Chinese herb in natural health stores.

You could also try garlic. Despite its reputation for warding off the opposite sex (and possibly also lascivious vampires) garlic is believed to benefit sex drive because allicin, an element found in the raw bulb, increases blood flow to the genitals. If you think raw garlic is gross, you can also buy it in practical, smell-free capsules. (Read about more herbal remedies for sexual dysfunction in The Truth About Herbal Sex Pills for Men.)

Follow Your Nose

Aromatherapy can do more than help you relax during meditation. Certain smells can also increase your sex drive. Surprisingly, the smell of vanilla actually increases testosterone production in men, increasing their libido. Or at least in older men. According to a 2010 study conducted by Alan Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Research Center, the big winner for boosting penile blood flow overall was a combination of lavender ... and pumpkin pie.

You'd think that women would be the ones latching on to the pretty smells but, not so much. In fact, one of the best aphrodisiacs for them is actually the smell of male sweat. That's where the pheromones that help dictate attraction are found. Of course, it really helps if it's the right man doing the sweating. Otherwise, it just stinks!

Chill Out

If there's one proven libido-killer out there, it's stress. If you aren't happy and aren't sleeping well, chances are you won't feel like getting it on. This appears to be especially true for women. But getting your groove back on isn't the only reason to look for ways to kick stress to the curb; long term stress can also damage your health. A little change in your life could make you feel not only better and healthier, but sexier too.

When it comes to boosting your sex drive, you don't have to stick to oysters and asparagus. There’s a world of very practical things you can do to put more spring in your step - and more sex in your life. And hey, if all you have to do is sleep naked or get in an extra workout here and there, it sure can't hurt to try.