Whenever you turn on the television or check out the latest on social media, there always seems to be a sex scandal lurking in the news. We’re always seeking sexual satisfaction but, in a long-term relationship, sexual excitement and enjoyment may decline with time.

Successful sexual relationships with ever-growing intimacy take a lot of work. Routine, unexciting sex can cause any relationship to fizzle. It could even cause couples to feel isolated and disconnected. It’s not uncommon to hear about a mid-life sexual crisis when sexual boredom infiltrates a marriage or relationship. Some people often consider a partner change or stray from the relationship.

The introduction of sexual novelty can not only heighten vibrancy in a relationship, it can also directly “pleasure” your brain. Pleasure hormones, such as dopamine and oxytocin, are released with sexual novelty. Exploration and novelty within a relationship can recharge sexual hormones and neurotransmitters which, in turn, improves the sexual response cycle.

Some simple suggestions to increase sexual satisfaction include using fantasy, playing with sexual props, role playing, and changing up sexual positions. There are a variety of products, such as  enhancement creams, couples toys, and clitoral stimulators, that can heighten any experience.

Talking about potential boredom in the bedroom can also help. Just make sure to do so when the two of you are relaxed and not in the heat of the moment. Here are some helpful hints to keep the spark alive and well.

Practice Sexual Exploration

Explore each other with vibrators or other sexy accessories. Try erotica, sexually explicit books, and varying positions to add some flair to your sexual repertoire. Remember to take your time and enjoy the journey together!

Practice Mindfulness

Unlock your erotic potential by exploring your erogenous zones to see what you like best. According to Monica Geller from “Friends”, there are 7. Try to find them all! Stay focused and get curious as you first explore; it’s important to take time to see what makes you feel good and what doesn’t. Cherish the discoveries you make alone and with a partner.

Practice Sexual Feng Shui

Consider sprucing up the space where you normally have sex. Create a safe haven with some sensual touches like mood music, scented candles, and even tasty treats. Try to de-clutter and cut down on distractions by turning off the TV, phones, and other electronics. Add some color and drama by draping a tapestry over a wall full of photos. Try turning the temperate low and delight in the warmth of each other. The key to enjoying a sexy night is letting your imagination take over.

Practice Sexual Health

Sexual health matters. Sex has many health benefits including boosting immunity, increasing physical endurance, and promoting restful sleep. Vaginal dryness can make sex painful or uncomfortable. It has many causes including lack of estrogen, side effects from medications, or poor stimulation. Try over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, or even vaginal dilators to offset dryness or discomfort. It’s also worth figuring out if lack of stimulation is the problem, and if it is, talk to your partner about slowing down and devoting time to foreplay. Rushed sex can fail to satisfy both partners if the two of you aren’t on the same page. If a partner’s endurance is a problem, try prolonging enhancements and/or c-rings to help keep them in control and able to pleasure you longer.

A Final Word

Sexual satisfaction is related to overall happiness, increased pair bonding, and improved quality of life. Have sex for sex’s sake to enrich your relationship—that should be reason enough. Transforming your sex life is possible! Gratifying intimate experiences can make you happier both in and out of the bedroom.

Michael Krychman
Michael L. Krychman, MDCM, is the Executive Director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine located in Newport Beach California. He is the former Co Director of The Sexual Medicine and Rehabilitation Program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer. He also is a clinical sexologist and has completed his Masters in Public Health and Human Sexuality. Dr Krychman has a degree in Erotology, Sexual Education and Forensic Sexology. Dr Krychman is also an AASECT certified sexual counselor. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California Irvine, Division of Gynecological Oncology and the Medical Director of Ann’s Clinic, a high-risk program for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Survivors.

His special interests include menopausal health, hormone therapy, sexual pain disorders, and loss of libido, chronic medical illness and medical devices and their impact on female sexual function. He is a well-known speaker who is featured locally, nationally and internationally. He has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been featured in many scientific journals and lay magazines. Dr Krychman is an active reviewer for the Journal of Sexual Medicine. He was the Scientific Chairman for the 2010 International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health annual educational meeting. He is an active member in good standing in North American Menopause (NAMS), International Society sexual Medicine (ISSM), European Society Sexual Medicine (ESSM), International Society Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), American Society of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). He was a member of the Standard Committee for ISSM and has been a guest professor at the ESSM Sexual Medicine Summer School in Oxford, England. He was the creator of the recent WISH Initiative (Women’ Initiative on Sexual Health: www.yourvoiceyourwish.com) and the 2013 recipient of the WISH Outstanding Achievement award given by the ISSWSH. He is also on the professional advisory board for the Patty Brisben Foundation.

Dr. Krychman’s has published 7 books including his most recent one: The Sexual Spark, 20 Essential Exercises to Reignite the Passion, 100 Questions & Answers for Women Living with Cancer: A Practical Guide to Female Cancer Survivorship has been recently published, 100 Questions and Answers about Women’s Sexual Wellness and Vitality and Breast cancer Sexuality, Sensuality and Intimacy. He has been featured on the Today show and in the New York Times and US News and World Report World Report, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Health Magazine and many others. He was named one of Orange County Top Doctors for 2015 and 2016 in Menopause, Sexual Dysfunction and Vulvar Pain. In 2019 and again in 2020, he has been named an Orange County Physician of Excellence by Orange Coast Magazine in Survivorship, Sexual Medicine and Menopause.