An expert guide to boosting libido

Men might find this difficult to believe, but half of women have faked an orgasm, according to a study.

United States researchers questioned more than 400 women and found 53.9% of them had pretended to reach the heights with their partner, with many saying they did so to prevent him straying.

So why are so many women secretly dissatisfied with their sex lives?

A lack of libido is a common problem, with an astonishing 30% of women claiming to have no sex drive at all, according to the Sexual Advice Asso-ciation.

The experts stress that lack of libido - the desire for sex - can be caused by a variety of factors, including a deteriorating relationship with your partner or as the result of a medical condition or decline in hormones, such as with the menopause.

However, the “problem” of low libido in women is controversial. Other experts are far from convinced it is a condition requiring medical treatment, arguing the concept has been created by drug companies in order to sell more of their products - and there is nothing intrinsically problematic about not having a high sex drive.

But if you do believe treatment is the answer, which, if any, can actually boost a woman’s flagging love life? We asked experts for their opinion and we then rated each product...

TESTOSTERONE GEL - 9/10
The thinking is that women’s low libido is linked to low levels of testoster-one - and they can benefit from a small dose of the testosterone gel men are given for the same problem.

EXPERT COMMENT:
“The first-line treatment for women suffering from poor libido should be to adjust the hormones,” says Professor Studd. “It nearly always works and it costs virtually nothing. “Contrary to popular belief, testosterone is a normal, essential female hormone and women have ten times greater concentration of it than oestrogen. It’s responsible for energy, mood and libido - which is why depression and loss of libido often go hand in hand.

TESTOSTERONE PATCH - 5/10
The Intrinsa patch is the first approved drug specifically to address a woman’s sexual needs and is available on prescription. The patch constantly releases small amounts of testosterone. It is used to treat women who have had a full hysterectomy and suffer hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or low sex drive.

EXPERT COMMENT:
“Research shows that women who used the patches had an extra two sexual events a month, “ says Professor Studd.

PELVIC TONER- 7/10
Strong pelvic floor muscles can increase sexual enjoyment. A number of devices are available that claim to boost these muscles.

EXPERT COMMENT:
“I believe anything that increases pelvic floor sensation is a good thing,” says Clive Spence-Jones, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at The London Clinic and Whittington Hospital, London. “It’s also likely to give women who have had children more confidence in the bedroom. They will feel better about themselves - which in turn will boost their libido.”

ALOE VERA GEL - 8/10
This helps with dry, sensitive vaginal skin, which can occur as a result of the menopause and the drop in hormone levels.

EXPERT COMMENT:
“Many women go off sex because it’s uncomfortable, especially after the menopause,” says Mr Spence-Jones “Silicone-based gels tend to be effective.”