If your bedroom’s been a little chilly lately, maybe it’s not the thermostat that needs adjusting. Whether you’re seeking a bit of extra spice or want to kick-start your libido, supplements might offer the help you seek.

The Right Tool for the Job

The type of supplement you choose will depend on the nature of the problem as well as its probable cause. Here are some of the most popular types of supplements you can use to give your sex life a lift.

• Aphrodisiacs. Many types of supplements are available to boost a flagging libido. You can take them to increase your desire for sex, whether you’re experiencing a lull due to pregnancy hormones, stress in your life, menopause, or any other reason. (If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, though, be sure to check with your doctor before using a supplement of any kind.) One of the most popular aphrodisiac supplements is—don’t laugh—horny goat weed. It’s been used as a sexual enhancer in China for centuries. Now typically available in capsule form, it’s offered by many manufacturers, including Pinnacle and Opus One. Some aphrodisiac supplements contain additional vitamins as well.


• Supplements to fight illnesses. There are many illnesses that can interfere with sex, from the serious to the seemingly mundane, and there are supplements to help all of them. Some will simply create better general health by way of vitamins and herbs, making you feel better and therefore want sex more. Specific conditions can also be fought with certain types of supplements, such as tea tree oil (for instance, Desert Essence’s Tea Tree Oil), which can be helpful against urinary tract infections or yeast infections.


• Supplements to maintain vaginal health. Not only are there supplements that fight infections and inflammation, which both interfere with sex, there are also supplements that can help repair and prevent vaginal dryness. Whether the dryness is due to hormonal changes or is just a natural occurrence, there are supplements that can help. With a choice of creams and suppositories or oral tablets, you can easily find the exact type of supplement that will offer you and your sex life the most benefits. Ayurceutic’s Shatavari is one such supplement.


• Sexual enhancers. Besides aphrodisiacs, many other supplements are intended strictly for sexual purposes. PrimaForce’s Yohimbe is one popular supplement that will increases blood flow to the sexual organs, heightening sensitivity and intensifying orgasms. Since this increases your pleasure during sex, you’ll probably feel more desire for sex again later. Herb Pharm’s Aura Glow Cream and Vigel’s Topical Feminine Sexual Enhancement Gel are two other enhancers that work in the same way.


• Supplements for better general health. Face it: When you feel lousy, sex is the last thing on your mind. When you improve your overall health through use of supplements, you’ll feel better, and when you feel better, you’re more likely to desire sex. Since a fear of losing your youthful looks can dampen libido, using supplements that leave your skin and body looking and feeling younger can help turn things around in this area. Some supplements are even aimed solely at creating better health for a better sex life, such as Only Natural’s Sexy Lady.

As you can see, many supplements can enhance a woman’s sex life. This is true whether you’re just looking for a little extra oomph or are seeking to revive a waning libido. Whichever applies to you, there are many options that will suit your needs and have you feeling your best and sexiest.

—Joni Mitchell