All relationships will have their highs and lows, especially when it comes to intimacy. There will be a point where it no longer feels exciting, no matter how desirable and sexually active you both are. Whether it’s because of stress, family issues, health concerns, or sex becoming a routine, the good news is there are ways to spice things up in the bedroom–just in time for Valentine’s month.
Dr. Frederick Mendiola, a urologist with a subspecialty in Minimally Invasive Urology and a special interest in Sexual Medicine, shares tips on how to bring back the excitement and intimacy to your relationships.
1. Discover something new.
Break the monotony by trying different romantic dinner spots, traveling to exotic vacation destinations, or exploring bedroom activities you’ve never done before. “This pushes you out of your comfort zone and could lead to more thrilling and satisfying encounters for couples,” says Dr. Mendiola.
2. Touch each other more often.
Giving your partner a massage, holding their hand, or hugging them (fun fact: according to researchers, people need at least 12 hugs a day to thrive!) are underrated ways to reduce stress and rekindle the passion in your relationship.
“There are different kinds of desires. Men are driven by spontaneous desire, which does not need any stimulus. On the other hand, women are driven by receptive desire, which is sparked by touch. This makes physical stimulation very important to them,” Dr. Mendiola explains.
3. Make intimacy a priority.
Everyday life can be so hectic that it’s easy to forget to schedule quality time with your partner. Schedule an evening (or a weekend) for just the two of you. No kids, no work, no errands. Here’s how to make them look forward to it: Send your partner a “meeting invite.” Tell them what they can look forward to during this “meeting”.
4. Seek treatment for ED.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be frustrating for couples, especially for men. It can lead to performance anxiety and self-esteem issues. ED can be managed with the right treatment, depending on severity and duration of illness. Mendiola recommends GentlePro machine by Zimmer, a non-invasive shockwave treatment that promotes better blood circulation for enhanced performance. It has no downtime and has no side effects.
5. Send your partner a playful text message.
It’s a sexy way to let them know that they’re on your mind. There’s a lot of things we can do to be romantic and a simple text message can be key to a beautiful evening.