Sex expert reveals the nine everyday habits you wouldn't think of that could be causing bedroom problems

It’s always easy to blame someone else. Of course, if you’re having problems in the bedroom, then it must be the other person’s fault – you’re a master after all. Sure.

But maybe it’s worth considering that you are perhaps responsible, at least partly.

It turns out those issues your having in the sheets could be down to things you wouldn’t even think would be related.

Yep, a sex expert has revealed the nine everyday habits you might not have considered that could be causing bedroom problems.

Spending too much time on social media

Sex and relationship writer Tracey Cox told MailOnline how scrolling through socials can make you ‘feel inadequate, unattractive and depressed’ and therefore, ‘less like sex’.

She advises: “Limit screen time, especially before you might be having sex.

“If you find you’re super critical of yourself after looking at your socials, you might want to consider taking yourself off social media completely.”

Those late night scrolls might not be helping. (Getty Stock)

Having too much sugar

Sure, sugar might seem to give you energy, but we all know from those sweet-induced rushes, the crash soon comes.

So, if you have it too close to having sex, Cox says you could be ‘too tired or sluggish to enjoy it’.

“Long-term, it’s linked to insulin resistance, weight gain, and reduced testosterone levels, all of which impact your sex drive negatively,” she adds.

“If you’re looking for a lift, go for a quick walk outside rather than reach for a chocolate bar. Or reach for a natural sugar by eating a piece of fruit.”

Poor dental hygiene

Not only is bad breath just off-putting anyway, but oral hygiene is apparently ‘directly linked to sexual performance’.

Cox says gum disease can trigger low levels of inflammation in the blood stream and body as well as impairing blood flow ‘to the sexual organs’. So, without good blood flow, you might not get an erection.

The expert of course advices to clean your teeth at least twice a day and ‘visit a dentist and hygienist regularly’.

Look after your teeth for your sex life. (Getty Stock)

Avoiding important conversations

A slightly obvious one here, but if you’re not resolving problems with your partner, it’s likely your desire to sleep with them will fall off.

And if you’ve got something in the back of your mind, then it can be hard to get an erection or reach orgasm.

“Sex becomes a source of tension rather than pleasure,” Cox says.

So, get communicating, and even see a counsellor if you think it’s worth it.

Not drinking enough water

This can make things pretty uncomfortable as for men, dehydration can lead to a ‘wobbly erection’ and for women, ‘it leads to vaginal dryness which makes sex feel unpleasant or painful’.

So, to avoid those awkward situations, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water every day.

Living off takeaways and ready meals

Sure, eating like this might feel convenient, but having too much fatty and processed foods can lead to ‘a reduced libido’.

Plus, a poor diet affects body image, leading back to that feeling of not wanting sex when you’re not feeling good.

Cox adds: “Foods like salmon, avocados, nuts and seeds are known to boost sexual health with their heart-friendly fats and circulation boosting properties.”

Too many takeaways isn't going to help. (Getty Stock)

Lack of sleep

We all know bad sleep makes us feel like sh*t, and it not only impacts our overall health, but also our sex life.

Having no energy and being irritable isn’t going to make you feel like getting into the bedroom for anything other than sleep.

Plus, Cox says: “What you probably didn’t know is that studies show poor quality sleep can drastically reduce testosterone levels.

“Testosterone is a critical component for creating sexual desire in both men and women.”

Medication and supplements

As many know, taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs lower desire for sex, but other things can too.

“Steroids shrink the testicles and reduce testosterone production, while excessive protein supplements (favoured by bodybuilders) can lead to hormonal imbalances that dampen our sex drive,” Cox says.

Too much booze and cigarettes

Sure, it might feel like a drink or a smoke can help you loosen up, but having too many can cause issues.

As you’ll probably know, over-indulging can make erections difficult and: “You will find it harder to orgasm because our nervous system becomes desensitised.”