How to transform your sex life: GP CLARE BAILEY shares the tricks to boost women’s desire – and reveals the secret foods to boost men

Question: Can I do something about my declining libido? My husband and I have been married for 25 years and we have never really had a problem in that area.

However, over the past six months, my interest in intimacy has waned. I thought it might be related to menopause, but I have been taking HRT for a few years.

I’ve been doing light exercise to see if it helps. Is there anything else I can do?

Answer: I’m sorry to hear that you are having problems with your libido. Unfortunately, this is all too common, and there are plenty of reasons why sexual desire can decline as we age, from a decline in estrogen – leading to physical symptoms like vaginal dryness – to concerns about body image. If your main problem is dehydration, over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers can help.

Libido problems can come and go at any age, with stress, boredom or familiarity playing a role. It’s great that you’re proactive. Well done for starting regular exercise. Also try to incorporate strength training. Studies show that exercise can increase sexual arousal and satisfaction. It can also boost mood and self-confidence. Pelvic floor exercises also improve satisfaction.

As for other non-medical solutions to a faltering sex life, it’s worth considering the impact of food. We know that eating a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, not only benefits your mental health and sleep, but also helps keep your sex drive in shape. In one study, women who followed this diet scored higher on desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction than women who did not.

There are plenty of reasons why sexual desire may decline as we age, from a decline in estrogen – leading to physical symptoms like vaginal dryness – to concerns about body image.

Phytoestrogens, found in foods such as flax seeds, sesame seeds and chickpeas, work in a similar way to the female sex hormone estrogen. Consuming these foods can help with menopause symptoms. Foods high in zinc, such as oysters, nuts and seeds, can also have positive effects.

And it’s not just women whose sex lives diminish with age. If your man needs a boost, there are certain things he may find worth adding to his diet. For example, beetroot has long been considered an aphrodisiac. Actually, it works a bit like Viagra. It is high in nitrates, which the body converts into nitric acid, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to your organs, including genitals.

And he might be interested to learn that foods rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as salmon, anchovies, tuna and mussels, can boost testosterone levels in men.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add some fermented foods, such as kimchi, to your diet. Fermented foods are packed with probiotics, vitamins and minerals and have been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, perhaps due to their impact on your gut microbiome. Less stress and anxiety equals a more fulfilled sex life.

Vitamin D levels can be low at this time of year, so consider supplements as this can also improve your mood and wellbeing.

But perhaps one of the best things you can do to improve your sex life is to talk to your partner about your likes and dislikes, or just try different things. Couples who can talk to each other in an open manner are likely to have a closer and more trusting relationship. Maybe all you need is a little shake-up to put some spice back into your sex life.

If the situation does not improve, it may be worth discussing your declining libido with your doctor at your next HRT check.