Welcome surprises

As we stumble upon new research which reveals that wearing stilettos can improve orgasms, here's a look at other unusual libido-lifters...

Wear high heels
A pair of those can actually work wonders for your sex life, new research suggests.
Why?
They directly work the pelvic-floor muscles, urologists say. They also hope to prove that wearing heels can reduce the need to do tricky pelvic exercises to keep the vagina toned.

Drink coffee
A cup boosts female sex drive.
Why?
American scientists claim caffeine stimulates parts of the brain that control arousal. But the aphrodisiac only works on women who don't drink coffee regularly.

Hit the gym
Women who work out three to five times a week have more satisfying sex than those who do nothing, studies find.
Why?
Not only does exercise improve body image, reduce stress and boost energy, it increases libido-lifting testosterone levels and genital blood flow.

Eat salmon
Eating oily fish can intensify orgasms.
Why?
Researchers claim the omega 3s "can boost your levels of dopamine – a neurotransmitter vital in stimulating desire".

Enjoy a girls' night out
Good friends can be an all-round aphrodisiac, say psychologists.
Why?
Social life makes you happier and more appealing to your other half, studies have found. Outside friendships give couples more to talk about.

Turn off the TV
An Italian study found couples with a TV in the bedroom had half as much sex as those who didn't and that violent films and reality shows were passion-killers.
Why?
Couples with no bedroom TV reported sharing stories and cuddling, which led to more sex. With our entertainment industry growing manifold and the number of reality shows and post-eleven-o-clock soaps increasing, this might be a point to ponder for you.