Exercises for Better physical relations with wife

Exercises for Better Sex

WebMD Feature

By Wendy C. Fries

Reviewed By Michael W. Smith, MD

To "keep your sex life awesome," exercise physiologist Rich Weil suggests these top five "sexercises." Though the following exercises are geared toward men, they also work great for women who want a boost to their sex life.

• Pushups. If you're going to pick just one exercise to do, this is the one to go for, Weil says, "for all the obvious reasons." If you can’t do basic training-quality pushups at first, start with wall presses (essentially pushups done against the wall), aiming for 3 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions. When you're ready, progress to knee pushups on the floor, making sure to keep your back straight (squeeze your butt and suck in your gut) while you slowly touch your nose to the ground. Once you're ready to kick it up a notch, progress to traditional hand-and-toe pushups.
  
• Abdominals . Weil, director of the New York Obesity Research Center Weight Loss Program at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, says your abs are a critical sex-boosting body area to work on. "After all," he says, "you have to use your abdominal muscles during sex." Weil suggests starting your ab workout with good old-fashioned crunches. Lie on your back, hands supporting your neck, knees bent, and your feet on the floor. Then bring your body up just enough to get your shoulders off the ground. Do 3 to 5 sets of 15 to 20 repetitions.
  
  For additional ab oomph, Weil suggests men and women also do bridges. Lying on your back, knees bent, feet on the floor, lift your hips up and down for 3 sets of 15 reps. Men can also try pelvic tilts. Standing up or lying down, straighten your lower back and pull your belly button in until your lower back touches the wall or floor. Women can try Kegels. Contract your pelvic muscles -- the ones you'd use to stop the flow of urine; squeeze the muscles tight for 3 seconds, then relax for 3 seconds. Do 10 to 15 repetitions three times a day.
  
• Deadlifts . This exercise will keep your back as strong as it can be, Weil says, and give your legs and torso a workout too. Deadlifts, in which you start in a neutral bent-over position and raise a weighted barbell or dumbbells from the ground, are easy to do -- and easy to do wrong. So technique is important to prevent injury. Get some pro tips online or at your gym to be sure you're getting the most out of doing deadlifts.
  
• Torso side bends and twists. To get the most from this exercise, as well as the next one, head to the gym. The effort is worth it because torso side bends and twists will keep your upper body strong, Weil says, and give you stamina. "Do them on the cable crossover machine for maximum effect."
  
• Pushing or pulling exercise in the gym. Rows, flyes, and lateral raises on the cable crossover machine will do a great job of enhancing your performance in the bedroom, according to Weil. Remember to get a few quick tips from a pro on how to do these exercises most effectively.

If you want even more sizzle, exercise for 20 minutes right before sex and, Weil promises, "you’ll never do better!"

The Secrets of Sex Therapy

The Secrets of Sex Therapy

What really happens behind closed doors when a couple goes to a sex therapist's office?

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By Tracey Minkin
WebMD Magazine - Feature

Reviewed by Louanne Cole Weston, PhD

She (we'll call her Janice, age 41) was unhappy with her husband (we'll call him Pat, 42). After several years of Pat’s inability to sustain an erection, Janice started blaming herself and lost confidence in her sexual appeal. She began to doubt the value of their marriage and decided to see a sex therapist for counseling.

After her first few sessions with Rhode Island-based certified sexologist and sexuality educator Megan Andelloux, Janice gained the courage to ask Pat to see a doctor to rule out a medical condition. That turned out to be the case: He had weight issues that were affecting blood flow, leading to erectile dysfunction. At Andelloux's suggestion, the couple began to explore intimacy not based solely on erections while Pat worked to lose weight and improve his overall health. For Janice and Pat, it was a new beginning. For Andelloux, it was another day at the office.

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Read the Instant Fight Stoppers article > >

What Is a Sex Therapist?

Most couples begin dealing with relationship issues in traditional therapy settings with marriage counselors or therapists, Andelloux says. But sometimes this professional may not be educated in a range of issues connected to sexuality, so a referral to a sex therapist is in order.
While trained therapists, such as those with a master's degree in social work (MSW), receive a number of hours of sexuality training as part of their overall education, accredited sex therapists build on already-existing backgrounds in social work, medicine, psychology, or specific graduate work in sexuality.
The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, the field's central body of oversight and accreditation, requires 90 hours of graduate-level coursework plus supervised clinical hours.

What Goes On in the Session?

What happens in the offices of certified sex educators, counselors, and therapists is all about talk, much like any other form of therapy and counseling. "We are not allowed to touch our clients, nor would we consider doing so," Andelloux says. "No sex ever takes place in a sex therapist's office."
Her office is a venue where clients struggling with any range of sexual issues can feel completely safe and candid in discussing and working on these problems. "It could be about two people having different levels of desire," she says. "We see everything from couples dealing with aging and changes in sexual functioning to women dealing with rape trauma in their sex lives to men being concerned and ashamed about the content of their fantasies. It's a large range."

A Different Kind of Homework

As a sex educator, Andelloux's work focuses on far-ranging conversations about sex and sexuality, including a typical technique in traditional therapists' offices: homework. For couples having trouble with intimacy (a common problem), Andelloux may prescribe what's called purposeful touch. "I might advise 10 minutes a day of touching one's partner that doesn't lead to sex," she says.
For Janice and Pat, the homework continues. “They’re still together,” Andelloux says. “He’s lost weight and gained confidence, and they’re working on their sex lives as well as their marriage.”

''Why women think about sex more often'

	THE TIMES OF INDIA
	Dear Reader,
	Your comment on the article ''Why women think about sex more often'' is now displayed on timesofindia.com.
	''God made men women same with same feelings, desire, interests and emotions. It is the society which forced different set on rules for different gender. So in olden times it would be shameful for women to ask for sex and they had to suppress their personality to show they are sanskari ( in those days terms). Now the times have changed. There is a equality for all and that lets free women to not ot suppress their needs and be demanding like any men would. If a lady is forced to suppress because of her false self image before her husband then she is likely to be more shamelessly aggressive, demanding before her paramour. So it is good that women be open with her husband. ''
	To reply to this comment , or see the whole conversation, click here.
	Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
	Regards,
	Team TOI

QGold offers high-strength Coenzyme Q10

QGold offers high-strength Coenzyme Q10, Lycopene, and other antioxidant vitamins and minerals designed specifically for male factor infertility due to low motility, low counts, and abnormal forms of sperms. Continued usage has been proven to enhance these parameters leading to increased fertility rates and decreased failure rates in treatments of male infertility, subfertility or unexplained couple subfertility. Apart from these, New QGold also has unique bioenhancer piperine, which improves the absorption and serum concentration of Coenzyme Q10 and other minerals and vitamins leading to excellent efficacy. New QGold is presented in a strip of 10 soft gelatin capsules to be taken one capsule daily.

Each soft gelatin capsule contains Ubidecarenone USP (Coenzyme Q10 ) 100 mg; Lycopene 5000 mcg; Omega–3 Fatty Acids Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 90 mg; Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 60 mg; Mixed Carotene (10%) 10.33 mg; Wheat Germ Oil BP 25 mg; Calcium Ascorbate USP 75 mg; Vitamin B12 IP 5 mcg; Selenium dioxide Monohydrate USP 75 mcg; Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate USP 27.45 mg; Piperine 5 mg

Credits and thanks to: http://www.everydayhealth.com/specialists/sexual_health/berman/holistic-treatments-for-low-libido/index.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthSexualHealth_20130416   

Ask Dr. Laura Berman

Holistic Treatments for Low Libido?

Q: Are there any holistic treatments for a low libido? I am going through menopause and have chronic pain, which is affecting my sex drive.

— Glenda, Maryland

A: 

There are many holistic treatments available tomenopausal women suffering from low libido. Speak with your doctor before beginning any herbal regime, though, and be aware that herbal products can have an effect on other medical conditions or interact with medications you are taking.

Here are some holistic treatments you can consider: Black cohosh may help reduce vaginal dryness, damiana leaf is said to increase circulation and sensation in the genitals, licorice root may increase testosterone levels (which in turn will improve your libido), and I-arginine may increase blood flow to the genital region, helping with lubrication and clitoral sensation.

There is also an all-natural botanical oil called Zestra. It can be applied to the genitals before foreplay and works to create a tingling sensation. In clinical trials, Zestra was proven to enhance sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm ability. It also works superbly as a lubricant.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Sexual Health Center.

Last Updated: 08/20/2007

Laura Berman, PhD, is a leading sex and relationship educator and therapist, popular TV and radio host, New York Times best-selling author, and assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Testing times for testosterone levels

Testing times for testosterone levels Hemant P Thacker, TNN | Apr 28, 2012, 02.01AM IST Tweet In an era when the metaphoric 'male dominance' is fast waning, the biochemical revelation about premature dips in testosterone 'T' levels is an eye-opener. There is a variation in 'T' levels in men of different races who also have different body composition with varied bone and muscle mass. While this may have a contribution from dietary and cultural differences across geographic regions, it is the alarming association of low 'T' levels with co-morbities like cardiovascular mortality, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), that needs attention. But here's the googly.Not all men who visit the doctor have classic symptoms of hypogonadism ('T' is secreted by the testes-gonads). From mood swings and depression to accumulation of body fat, lethargy and fatigue in the early stages, it is only later when reduced libido or zest come to the fore, that hypo 'T' is suspected. This enigma in identifying deficiency and its association with subsequent dire co-morbidities mandates increased awareness on the part of the physician and patients to undergo blood testing for 'T' levels routinely around the age of 40. Unfortunately today 'T' is only associated with sex and libido or muscle and macho. Most wannabes and gym enthusiasts want to pump muscle among other things and are looking for a 'T' zing. Unlike the female menopause, which is a physically manifested punctuation, the slide in 'T' levels is silent, creepy but ominous and is often missed unless suspected early. Premature 'T' deficiency emanates in the modern humdrum of competition and stress and is precipitated by smoking, excessive alcohol, drug abuse, consumption of chemicals and pesticides in diet, obesity and even radiation from groin-held cellphones. Endocrine changes like loss of bone mineral density leading to osteopenia and porosis, mild loss of height, wasting of muscles, frailty, anemia, male breast enlargement and low sperm counts are seen to affect the male profile. 'T' deficiency is more common in men with low education levels, those who have large body size, are inactive and have a poor health status. TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) is the answer in deserving cases. From transdermal patches and gels to intramuscular injections and subcutaneous pellets, numerous compounds are available and could be used to restore 'T' levels to normal consonant with age. Like HRT in females, TRT has a contrarole with the prostate, so the "good servant-bad master" dictum has to be strictly followed under medical supervision. For the man of today, early suspicion (4th decade) and quick detection with timely and adequate restoration of 'T' levels addresses the sexual, metabolic and non specific symptoms across the board which thus helps him to sail into the twilight of the 'climacteric' (7th decade) smoothly. This will provide the "Tezz" in life and ensure a "Housefull" of happiness far away from the "Hate Story." (Dr Hemant P Thacker is a consultant physician and cardiometabolic specialist in south Mumbai hospitals)

12 Common Causes of Low Libido

Has your desire disappeared? Once you get down to the root of your wrecked sex drive, you can take action to get it back again.

By Katherine Lee

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD

From a lack of sleep to having too much to drink, low libido is caused by a number of physiological, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Here are 12 common issues that can ruin the mood.

1. Stress. The body reacts to stress by releasing adrenaline and cortisol. Chronic stress, in particular, can interfere with your body’s hormone levels, and result in a low libido. The arteries can also narrow and restrict blood flow in response to stress, which can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Stress can also reduce your libido by distracting you and taking your mind off sexual desire.

2. Depression. Libido and depression share a complicated link. “Depression can change the body's biochemistry and therefore reduce libido,” says Mark L. Held, PhD, a clinical psychologist in the Denver area. “It's also harder to feel sexual when you're depressed.” Some medications commonly used to treat depression may also lower libido as aside effect.

3. Low Self-Esteem. It's hard to feel sexy when your self-confidence is down or when you have an unhealthy body image. “Someone who feels unattractive is less likely to want to engage in sex,” says Held. “Fears of rejection may also come in to play.”

4. Alcohol or Drug Use. While a little alcohol can help lower inhibitions, too much can impair your nervous system and lead to fatigue — making it difficult to become aroused. Other drugs can decrease your sex drive as well. For example, marijuana suppresses the pituitary gland, which regulates the production of testosterone.

5. Lack of Sleep. A good night's rest might be hard to come by, but you need sleep to keep a sharp mind, a healthy body, and an active libido. “When you’re exhausted, you’d rather catch up on sleep,” says Alan W. Shindel, MD, clinical instructor and fellow of andrology at the University of California at San Francisco. Physically, a lack of sleep can elevate cortisol levels, which also leads to low libido. Even more surprising in the sleep-ED connection? One recent study found that men with restless leg syndrome (a neurological disorder characterized by jumpy, creepy-crawly sensations as you’re falling asleep) are at higher risk for erectile dysfunction, probably due to low dopamine levels.

6. Medication. Some medications used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and other common illnesses can affect libido or cause sexual dysfunction.

7. Erectile Dysfunction. Low libido is a common emotional side effect of ED. “Once a man experiences ED, he may get anxious,” says Shindel. “His confidence is shaken, and he might be afraid it will happen again. His libido shuts down to preserve his ego.”

8. Hormone Imbalance. Libido is directly influenced by testosterone levels. Therefore, low libido is often caused by low testosterone levels — a hormone imbalance. “Low testosterone can be caused by injury, inflammation, or tumors in the testicles,” says Ira Sharlip, MD, clinical professor of urology at University of California at San Francisco and a spokesperson for the American Urological Association. Other causes of a hormone imbalance include cirrhosis of the liver or pituitary diseases. “The liver is responsible for breaking down estrogen; when it fails, estrogen level goes up, and this causes low libido. And pituitary diseases reduce the amount of testosterone in the body,” says Sharlip.

9. Menopause. Women may experience low libido during menopause for a number of reasons. Estrogen levels drop suddenly during these years, causing vaginal tissue to become dry. That, in turn, can lead to discomfort and pain during intercourse and discourage a woman’s sexual desire. Menopause can also lower testosterone, the hormone that boosts libido in women as well as men.

10. Health Conditions. Serious systemic illnesses, such as cancer or kidney disease, can suppress testosterone levels and reduce sperm production. “The body essentially goes into survival mode and doesn’t pay much attention to non-survival functions like producing testosterone and sperm,” says Shindel. Low testosterone is also a side effect of other illnesses, such as renal disease, HIV, and diabetes.

11. Relationship Trouble. When a couple is fighting or feeling distant from each other, they're less likely to want to be intimate. Communication problems, anger, conflicts, resentment — all these negative emotions can carry over into the bedroom.

12. Lack of Time. Have you ever been too busy for sex? The hectic schedules of daily life can put your sex life on the backburner. “Some people assume there will be time for sex at the end of the day when there is nothing else going on,” says Irwin Goldstein, MD, clinical professor of surgery at University of California at San Diego, director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital, and director of San Diego Sexual Medicine. “They don’t schedule sex.” But unless you make time for each other and for intimacy, it may not happen. Eventually lack of sex can lead to low libido.