Even celebrities don't have the kind of hot movie sex that seems to set our standard for passion these days.In real life, "there is no normal barometer for sexual activity," says Dr. Jan Shifren, an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "It's only when you feel distressed about it that you have a problem."
If your sex life is troubling you, the following solutions could help.
Get your z's
Snoring away and having passionate sex may seem like exact opposites, but experts insist that getting enough sleep is the number-one aphrodisiac. "It's important to feel rested, even if that means changing your schedule to include intimacy and fun at other times of the day," says Suki Hanfling, a certified sex therapist and the founder and director of the Institute for Sexuality and Intimacy in Belmont, Mass.
Exercise
A good workout pumps up dopamine and, through a domino effect, may boost levels of testosterone, a hormone that can enhance libido, says Helen Fisher, an anthropologist at Rutgers University and author of the book Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love.
Health.com: The Best Workouts for Your Sex Life
Hitting the gym can also make you feel sexier and more confident in bed, adds Sallie Foley, a senior clinical social worker in the Sexual Health Counseling Services at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, as well as co-author of the book Sex Matters for Women: A Complete Guide to Taking Care of Your Sexual Self.
Go shopping
Spend a little "mad" money on yourself, recommends Leiblum, who is also the author of Getting the Sex You Want: A Woman's Guide to Becoming Pleased, Proud, and Passionate in Bed. "Take the time to discover what turns you on, from silky-smooth satin pajamas to a Victorian bustier," she says.
Health.com: 6 Surprising Libido Boosters
See your doctor
She can help determine the origin of your problem. If you're experiencing pain during intercourse, for instance, this could indicate a medical condition or a drop in estrogen levels, which naturally decline with aging, Shifren says. Your doctor may also recommend a qualified relationship counselor or sex therapist for you to talk to.
Check your medicine cabinet
Common antidepressants like Prozac and Paxil may lift your mood, but they can kill your sex drive. Certain prescription painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, and even laxatives can also zap your libido.
Someday, that will change, says Dr. Sandra Leiblum, a professor of psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology and the director of the Center for Sexual and Relationship Health at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, in New Jersey. Leiblum predicts that in the next decade we will have "clean drugs" that don't interfere with one's sex drive.
Until then, take heart: Even if your doctor recommends that you continue your current medication, you can still enjoy sex. You'll just need more time and stimulation to become aroused and achieve orgasm, Hanfling says.
Health.com: 10 Reasons Why You're Not Having Sex
Take your time
You've heard it before, but it's worth saying again: Be patient with your partner and yourself as you work to make things better. "Sex is like cooking," Hanfling says. "The end result can be delicious, but it's important to savor the steps along the way."
