New fathers also lose their sex drive

Sleepless nights, regular feeds, endless crying…Taking care of a new-born baby can be a stressfully challenging time for any new mother.

Therefore, any woman could be forgiven for losing her sex drive in the short-term whilst trying to battle a constant feeling tiredness on top of feeling worried about still being appealing in the eyes of their partner following post-pregnancy weight gain.

However and perhaps surprisingly, it is not just mothers who have their libido impacted during the initial stages of parenthood, with a new study suggesting that fathers are also quite prone to losing their sex drive.

Researchers at Notre Dame University conducted the largest study of its kind, analysing how the biology of 400 new fathers in the Philippines altered following the arrival of their children.

Lead researcher Dr Lee Gettler, found that the men participating in the study experienced a decrease of testosterone by about a third within the first year after the birth of their child. In addition, hands-on dads who spend at least three hours each day with their child typically see a further decline of an estimated 20%.

Those behind the study claim “the sensitising effect” is created by both the psychological and cultural impulse to protect a new-born baby and would have a similar result on adoptive fathers; making them more caring and less of an aggressive nature.

Past studies have demonstrated evidence that suggests men with high levels of testosterone tend to have less sympathy in general and less urgency to react when a baby is crying.

What the findings mean for new mums is perhaps a lesser risk of their partner straying after the birth of their child, and women should have less concern about upsetting him if she does not want to have sex often in the initial first year. Women are simply programmed to prioritise taking care of their children, with sex drive put on the backburner so to speak.

“If you think about fathers in other mammalian species, they don’t really help taking care of the children,” commented Dr Gettler.

“So it seems that natural selection has stepped up men’s hormone system to respond to the needs of their offspring.”

Weight Loss Can Boost Your Libido

If you have lost your mojo, replacing certain foods in your diet and dropping a few pounds can increase your libido therefore not needing to take Viagra according to a new study.

The risks associated with obesity are widely known, and adult-onset diabetes is the largest risk associated with it. But did you know that the disease can cause male impotence? It's true. According to The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, nerve damage or reduced blood flow puts male diabetics at risk for sexual problems and bladder issues some 10 to 15 years sooner than their healthy counterparts. In fact, as many as 75 percent of men with diabetes suffer from such problems, and most of the time, the symptoms go undiagnosed. 

A recent study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine points to some good news: Losing just 5 percent of body weight can improve erectile function and enhance sexual desire in obese men with Type 2 diabetes. Only a small number of men were studied, but the results were remarkably consistent across the board. Whether they lost 5 or 10 percent of their original body weight, the subjects showed increased testosterone levels and better erections for as long as they maintained their weight loss. 

So how do I lose the weight without taking Xenical I hear you saying, well I will list a few easy pointers to guide you in the right direction to losing that midriff.

Limit Tran’s fats

A little fat won't hurt you, unless its Tran’s fat. According to a Harvard University study in the US, you could cut your risk of a heart attack in half by eating just 4g less of Tran’s fat each day.

Swap to Olive Oil

It's one of the richest sources of oleic acid and everyone should have a bottle of olive oil in their kitchen to cook with, instead of butter, margarine & Vegetable oil. Olive oil also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that will strengthen your immune system and may lower high blood pressure.

Eat Porridge

Pretty simple this one, just eat it at least twice a week and it's full of B vitamins. Studies have also shown that adding a spoonful of antioxidant-packed honey will improve spatial memory, according to studies by the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

Stock up on Fish

Try and eat fish as much as possible especially Sea Bass which tend to be very low in fat, so are an excellent choice for people who are trying to lose weight

Eat your greens

What ever your favourite vegetables maybe add them to your meals, meaning you will be eating more food but fewer calories especially if you swap them for chips.

Exercise

Exercise is a must for weight loss even if it is just 15mins per day. Try and work out as hard as you can for those 15mins and within a month you should notice some toning.

Follow these guidelines and within 2-3 months noticeable weight loss and toning should be showing, and not only that your erectile problems may have gone altogether.

Ginseng and Saffron May boost your Libido

Adding ginseng and saffron to your daily diet could boost up your libido say Scientists. Experts found the plant extracts helped to boost ­performance in bed. They looked at hundreds of aphrodisiac studies that included claims of mental and physical enhancement.

Prof Massimo Marcone, of the University of Guelph, Canada, said: “­Aphrodisiacs have been used for thousands of years around the world. “But the science behind the claims has never been well understood or clearly reported. Ours is the most thorough review to date.”

But before you run to the shops to buy ginseng or saffron, the experts said more research was needed. They also found prescription medication such as Viagra, Cialis & Levitra, despite helping erectile dysfunction, did not increase libido. And booze made people feel frisky but impeded performance. And, disappointingly, ­chocolate was not linked to arousal or satisfaction.