Emma Howard: Hello! I am Emma Howard and I am joined by Dr. Jonty Heaversedge. He is an expert on men's health problems. Hello Jonty!
Jonty Heaversedge: Hi!
Emma Howard: I have a question here from, I think, a young man, how effective he says, are aphrodisiacs, and are there any, specifically for men?
Jonty Heaversedge: I think, all aphrodisiacs are aimed at men, not the other, not that there are many, specifically for women. I think that just plays on kind of men's natural insecurity with regarding that kind of potency and their libido. But actually, I haven't seen any research by any of the aphrodisiacs that you see advertised to suggest that they work. There's lot to talk about oysters, chocolate, rocket, all of these sort of things, but actually there is no good research to show that they work.
Emma Howard: People just want to believe in them, don't they?
Jonty Heaversedge: They do, and I think you shouldn't underestimate the power of suggestion, when it comes to potency and libido. I mean, it's a very psychological thing of your sex drive. I think, if you believe in it, and it works for you fine, as long as it's not harming you or harming the environment. Of course, when it comes to things like rhino horn and so on, and then obviously, I personally believe, you should stay well clear, because they are a danger to species.
Emma Howard: And there is absolutely no evidence that they have any effect at all.
Jonty Heaversedge: None whatsoever. So yeah, avoid that. I suppose, the other side to this question is what can people be doing to help their libido naturally. Anyone knows that when you're under stress or pressure, your libido tends to naturally go down. So one of the first things to look at, I think, is your lifestyle. Actually, a lot of people getting home exhausted from a day's work, and really not giving themselves an opportunity to spend time with their partner, often I suggest going on dates, even when you've been together years, and making time, making space, and trying to make sure that you address issues of stress in your own life and tiredness, so plenty of sleep, and stress reduction, I think, will help their libido.
Emma Howard: And a healthy diet. I know it's often a healthy diet, but it's really true, isn't it? That can help your sex drive. If you're eating healthy fruits and vegetables and you have a little bit of exercise. I mean, it changes your mindset you feel good about yourself.
Jonty Heaversedge: Completely. I think, you absolutely -- that you need to feel good about yourself and I think that's why people are in too much depression, their libido is often reduced. So healthy diet, and the other thing you mentioned, exercise, which is great. So regular exercise is really good for the libido as well.
Emma Howard: We know we've all got to do it, it's just getting out there and doing it.
Jonty Heaversedge: Absolutely, solid.
Emma Howard: A very good advice, Jonty thank you! If you have a similar problem, we hope we may have given you some help, but remember, it's always best to go and see your own doctor for medical advice. Thanks for watching. We'll be back with more health questions and answers.
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