“I’m almost never in the mood for sex anymore. Is it my partner or maybe something else?”

Having trouble getting in the mood? You’re not alone. Loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem affecting up to one-fifth of men -- and even more women -- at some point in their life. It’s just like the Check Engine Light on cars, which keep coming back on sometimes even though we’ve been taking good care of the car.Sometimes, despite the fact that you know how mind-blowing orgasms can be, even the thought of having sex feels so...meh. Not to be discouraged! If your sex drive has been tanking of late, there are usually some things in your life under your control that could make a difference! One thing to note in this list of controllable factors: Almost everything that you do to boost your sex drive, also helps reduce your blood pressure - and visa versa.

Alcohol and sex

A glass of wine may make you feel amorous, but too much alcohol can spoil your sex drive. More than 3 drinks in one sitting, causes a transient increase in your blood pressure. Repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases. What’s more, booze (especially whiskey) is a depressant, and it can interfere with your sexual function.

Antidepressants and sex

Speaking of depression, taking antidepressants can also wreak havoc on your libido. Antidepressants change your body's response to the brain chemicals that affect your mood. These chemicals may also cause your blood pressure to increase and your libido to drop.

Prescription drugs and sex

Anti-depressants aren’t the only drug that can lower your libido; other everyday meds – hormonal birth control, pain medications, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) decongestants, and high blood pressure medications -- can do it, too.

Sleep and sex

You probably know that not sleeping enough (less than 5-6 hrs per night) can lead to weight gain, poor work performance or put you at risk of developing high blood pressure or worsening already high blood pressure. But there’s another place lack of sleep rears its ugly head: the bedroom. And it’s not just that you’re too tired to have sex, if you skimp on sleep, you may lessen your libido and also have a harder time climaxing in bed.

Body weight and sex

Carrying extra pounds may impair your sexual functioning, too. As body weight increases, blood pressure rises, sex drive decreases. Studies show that having a body mass index (BMI) that’s too high or too low messes with your mojo. When you gain or lose body fat, a slew of hormones affecting your libido are thrown out of whack.

High blood pressure and sex

It’s not just men whose sex life is impacted by hypertension, women with this problem have lower libidos and less interest in sex as well. They regularly find difficulty with vaginal dryness or in achieving orgasm. When was the last time you recorded your BP (iOS, Android)? Have you tracked trends (iOS, Android) to see if BP levels correlate with your interest in sex?

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Stress and sex

Having to go out and meet new people is great, and it’s really healthy to have a strong social network. But doing so can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, stress, and lack of intimacy with your partner -- meaning sex takes a backseat. Stress and fatigue left unchecked can contribute to other health problems, not least of which is high blood pressure. So find ways to destress - yoga, walks in the park, sex!

Take back control of your sex life and heart health

Taking control of any one or all of these sets you on the track both to get back in the mood and lower your BP.  It’s easier than you think to get revved back up again. Hold off on the horny goat weed or sexual enhancement drugs (e.g. Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) and try adjusting these factors first -- little changes can amp up your sex drive, reduce your blood pressure and leave you feeling sexier and healthier all day long.