A health expert has warned that this week’s heatwave could have a negative impact on your sex life. The Met Office says temperatures for parts of the UK are set to top 33C in the fourth heatwave of the year. Lovehoney’s sexual health and wellness expert, Sarah Mulindwa said dehydration could mean you have less sex.
Data commissioned by Lovehoney, in partnership with electrolyte hydration brand SULT found that over two in five Brits are drinking less than the recommended 6-8 glasses of water a day, with 8% consuming less than a single glass.
The data found that those that were drinking more than the recommended daily intake of water are having better sex; 22% of these rated the quality of their sex life as ten out of ten, compared to 13% of those drinking less than the recommended daily amount. On average, those that are sufficiently hydrated rated the quality of their sex life as 6.8/10, compared to 5.95/10 for those that don’t drink enough water.
Similarly, those that drink the recommended daily water intake have a higher sex drive than those that don’t, with 66% reporting a high libido (ranking 7 out of ten or above), compared to 52% of those nor drinking enough.
38% of Brits say that being dehydrated makes them less in the mood for sex, with 61% attributing this to a lack of energy, and 38% due to dry mouth.
What’s more, a quarter of people surveyed have experienced muscle cramps (often caused by a lack of electrolytes) during sex. Sarah Mulindwa said: “Hydration and libido are more connected than most people realise. Staying hydrated supports good blood flow along with your hormone regulations and energy levels, all of which are essential for sexual arousal and performance. Think of water as your body’s natural fuel – when you’re running low, so is your sex drive. This research shows dehydration is one of the UK’s most overlooked bedroom blockers.”
Henry Porpora and Amelia Goldsmith, co-founders of SULT, said: “We started SULT because we saw how many people were walking around dehydrated, tired, and burnt out – not just athletes, but everyday people juggling busy lives.”
Sarah said there are five ways to improve your hydration:
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Start early: Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, by then you’re already playing catch-up.
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Water first: Aim for 6 -8 glasses a day, more in the heat or if drinking alcohol.
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Eat your water: Foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges help hydrate too (and make for tasty snacks)
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Balance it out: For every cocktail or iced coffee, try matching it with a glass of water
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Electrolytes matter: Add a pinch of sea salt or try a low-sugar electrolyte drink after sweating or working out – proper mineral balance helps your body absorb and use water more effectively.
