Did you know that your satisfaction with your body shape and size can also affect how satisfied you are with your sex life?

Research has shown that middle-aged women with a positive body image have better sexual function than women with a negative body image. But you probably didn’t need an expert to tell you that it’s hard to get in the mood when you don’t like the way you look.

Does this mean you need to be skinny to have a happy, healthy sex life? Of course not!

But being overweight or obese can affect much more than your self-esteem. Extra weight can make you feel sluggish and less excited about sex. Furthermore, being overweight or obese puts you at greater risk for diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes – all of which can dampen your sex drive.

Heart disease and high blood pressure can make it harder for blood to reach the genitals, thus making it more difficult for you to feel aroused. Sex could even become painful. Diabetes can damage blood vessels, making vaginal lubrication, arousal and orgasm more difficult.

One study found that urinary incontinence can also lead to a decline in sexual activity and arousal. Researchers observed that urinary incontinence was associated with increased levels of depression. Urinary incontinence can have negative effects on your overall quality of life as you’re constantly worried about leakage and embarrassment. With stress incontinence laughing, coughing, or jumping can cause urine leakage.

But studies have shown that weight loss can reduce the frequency of stress incontinence, too.

Related Reading: 7 Ways to Rev Up Your Sex Drive

Weight Loss and Sexual Health

The same healthy habits that can help you lose weight can also boost your libido.

1. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help you shed pounds but also promotes good blood flow, which supports arousal. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week and do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet. Giving your diet a makeover could give your sex life a makeover, too. Let’s face it — there is nothing sexy about feeling bloated or having bowel irregularity. But eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein can help fix digestive problems, can help you lose weight and can improve overall health – including your sexual health.
3. Get adequate sleep. Getting more sleep – 7 to 8 hours per night – can help you avoid weight gain and give you the energy you need for a healthier sex life.

Should You Consider Vaginal Rejuvenation?

While weight loss can help with urinary incontinence there are other treatment options, too. Treatment for urinary incontinence will vary depending on the type of incontinence you are experiencing, but options include pelvic floor exercises (which strengthen muscles that help to control urination), medication, surgery, or medical devices such as the Viveve Device – a vaginal rejuvenation machine that treats sexual function and incontinence. For patients who may have mild symptoms or for women who want optimal results after vaginal rejuvenation, we have medical grade pelvic floor muscle stimulator that can be use in the comfort of your home for the treatment of stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence in women.

The Viveve is a monopolar radiofrequency machine that tightens the vagina internally and externally, to improve sexual function. Our new machine not only helps decrease urinary incontinence but can also improve sexual pleasure and the cosmetic look of the labia, which can change as we age.

Whether you need help with weight loss, incontinence or you’re considering vaginal rejuvenation, to improve your sexual function MiBella Wellness is here to help. Call Dr. Mia today to schedule your appointment.