Beauty Equals Health

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Problem: Low testosterone from antidepressants

How it interferes: Not having enough of this sex hormone can lead to decrease sexual desire, which would in turn make it more difficult to be aroused during sex.

Research: Some antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can lower testosterone. Think Paxil, Prozac and other drugs for depression. [Bupropion (marketed as Wellbutrin) doesn’t interfere here, and can help you quit smoking, too.]

Bottom line: Talk to your doctor if you think something in your medical history could be affecting your sex life. It’s not just your hormones that can be affected. An automobile or sports accident you had a long time ago could have left you with injured nerves that affect your sexual functioning today.

Problem: Diabetes, heart problems and/or obesity

How it interferes: Any of these health conditions can affect inflammation, blood flow and hormone levels that need to be at their peak functioning for sexual intercourse.

Research: For obese men with type 2 diabetes, losing 5 percent of their weight boosted sexual desire and alleviated ED within eight weeks. These effects lasted for a year.  

QUIZ: Do You Fall in a Normal Weight Range?

Try This: According to the study, there are two diets that can be effective in shedding pounds to get outside of the obesity range.

Low-calorie diet: 900 calories a day

• A liquid meal replacement (at breakfast and lunch or dinner) with a max of 450 calories
• The suggested daily allowances of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids
• One other small meal