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Every sexual health routine is generated from your own intake — goals, biology, budget and preferences. Start your intake or read how credits and usage work before you subscribe.

The levers that actually affect sexual health

Sexual health is downstream of general health more often than people expect — circulation, sleep, stress and alcohol move the needle before any product does. This is an honest read on the everyday levers and the supplements sold against them, written plainly and without euphemism.

How to think through a sexual health concern

Sexual health issues are usually a mix of physical, hormonal and situational factors, and the fix is rarely a single product. Work through the everyday levers first, be honest about what supplements can and cannot do, and know exactly when the right next step is a licensed provider rather than a routine.

1. 1. Separate a new change from a lifelong pattern

   A sudden change in libido, function or comfort during sex is a different situation from something that has always been the case. Sudden changes are more likely to have an identifiable, sometimes medical, cause and deserve a provider's attention sooner rather than later.

   • Note when the change started and what else changed around that time
   • New medications, stress, alcohol use and sleep are common triggers worth reviewing first
   • Sudden onset warrants a conversation with a provider, not a supplement trial

2. 2. Rule out the everyday levers first

   Sleep, alcohol intake, stress, cardiovascular fitness and relationship context affect sexual function more than most supplements ever will. A month of attention here often resolves mild, non-medical dips before anything else is needed.

   • Track sleep and alcohol for two weeks — both have fast, reversible effects
   • Cardiovascular exercise is one of the better-evidenced levers available
   • Situational stress often resolves on its own once the stressor passes

3. 3. Know which symptoms are a provider conversation, not a routine

   Erectile difficulty, pain during sex, a sudden change in libido, or fertility concerns can all signal underlying cardiovascular, hormonal or gynaecological conditions. These are not things to work around with supplements — they warrant a licensed provider, and Aura will always say so plainly.

   • Erectile difficulty can be an early cardiovascular warning sign
   • Pain during sex is never something to push through or self-treat
   • Fertility concerns and sudden libido changes deserve hormonal evaluation

4. 4. Use lubricants and moisturisers as a genuine first-line tool

   Dryness and friction-related discomfort are common, treatable and not something to be embarrassed about. Choosing the right lubricant type and, for ongoing menopause-related dryness, a regular vaginal moisturiser, solves a large share of comfort-related concerns on its own.

   • Match the lubricant to the condom material — oil-based breaks down latex
   • Ongoing dryness benefits from a regular moisturiser, not just lubricant during sex
   • Persistent pain despite lubrication deserves a provider visit, not more product

5. 5. Set honest expectations for supplements

   L-citrulline, maca and ginseng have modest to mixed evidence at best; testosterone booster blends are largely unsupported. None of them come close to the effect of an addressed underlying cause or, where appropriate, a prescription option from a provider.

   • Treat supplements as a minor add-on, not a primary fix
   • Prioritise the free levers — sleep, alcohol, fitness, stress — before spending on pills
   • Discuss any supplement with a provider if you take other medication

6. 6. Loop in a licensed provider for prescription options

   PDE5 inhibitors, hormone therapy and other prescription treatments are effective and well studied, but they require a licensed provider to assess safety, dosing and interactions — particularly with heart medication. Aura will point you toward that conversation rather than attempt to replace it.

   • PDE5 inhibitors interact dangerously with nitrate medications
   • Hormone therapy requires bloodwork and ongoing monitoring
   • This is a routine step Aura hands off explicitly, not a product it recommends

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Questions

What is the best lubricant for sensitive skin?

The best lubricant for sensitive skin is typically a water-based or silicone-based formula that is free from glycerin, parabens, fragrances, and warming agents. These additives are common irritants that can disrupt the delicate pH balance and cause discomfort or reactions. Look for products labeled as 'pH-balanced' or those with a minimal ingredient list. Water-based options are generally the safest and easiest to clean, though they may require reapplication. Silicone-based lubricants last longer and are safe for use in water, though they should not be used with silicone toys. Avoiding products with high osmolality can also help prevent tissue irritation, making the experience more comfortable and safer for sensitive individuals.

How to increase libido naturally?

To increase libido naturally, focus on managing stress levels, improving sleep quality, and fostering emotional intimacy with your partner. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can actively suppress sexual desire, while lack of sleep disrupts the hormonal balance necessary for a healthy libido. Regular physical activity can also help by improving circulation and body image. It is important to recognize that libido fluctuates naturally due to life stages, hormonal cycles, and relationship dynamics. Addressing underlying lifestyle factors is often more effective than looking for a quick fix. If lifestyle adjustments do not yield changes over several months, it may be helpful to look at the broader context of your overall health and well-being.

When does low desire warrant a visit to a healthcare provider?

Low desire warrants a routine provider visit when it causes significant personal distress or persists despite addressing lifestyle factors like stress and sleep. It is common for libido to fluctuate, but a sustained, bothersome shift may indicate underlying hormonal imbalances, medication side effects, or other health conditions. A primary care provider or specialist can help rule out physical causes like thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies. During a routine check-in, be prepared to discuss when the change started and any other symptoms you might be experiencing. Seeking professional guidance is a proactive step toward understanding your body and ensuring that your sexual health is integrated into your overall wellness plan.

Do libido supplements actually work?

Most libido supplements are largely unsupported by rigorous clinical evidence and often rely on anecdotal reports rather than proven results. While ingredients like maca root or tribulus terrestris are frequently marketed for desire, the data showing they work in humans is limited and inconsistent. The supplement industry is also less strictly regulated than pharmaceuticals, meaning the purity and actual content of these products can vary. Rather than relying on unproven pills, focusing on evidence-based lifestyle changes or speaking with a professional about potential hormonal or psychological factors is a more reliable approach. Honest assessment of the current science suggests that there is no 'magic pill' for desire that replaces fundamental health and communication.

What are the basics of intimacy and communication?

Intimacy and communication basics center on clear, honest dialogue about needs, boundaries, and desires. Building emotional safety is a prerequisite for physical intimacy, and this starts with active listening and expressing appreciation outside of the bedroom. Use 'I' statements to describe your feelings and avoid making assumptions about your partner's experience. Regular check-ins about your relationship health can prevent small misunderstandings from becoming larger barriers to connection. Remember that intimacy takes many forms beyond the physical, including shared activities and deep conversation. By prioritizing open communication, you create a foundation of trust that allows for a more fulfilling and resilient connection, regardless of how your physical needs might evolve over time.

Is this information kept private?

Yes. Health-related inputs are used only to generate your routine, are never sold, and you can withdraw health data processing consent at any time in Account Settings.

Is Aura sexual health guidance medical advice?

No. Aura is an educational product-recommendation service. It cross-references clinical sources such as Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus and the AAD, and it flags when a licensed provider is the right next step — but it does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.

How much does Aura cost?

Aura is $29 per month, or $199 per year. One membership covers all twelve areas, includes 60 credits a month, and can be cancelled at any time.

Do you earn commission on the products you recommend?

No. Essence takes no brand money, sponsorships, or commission. Products are ranked by fit to your inputs, and your subscription is our only revenue.

Also part of your membership

Your sexual health routine is built in the same intake as your supplements & vitamins routine, sleep routine and skin routine. Read how Aura ranks products, what’s covered in the Help Center, the educational-use disclaimer, or contact the team with a question first.

All twelve areas in your membership

• Skin
• Hair
• Makeup & Beauty
• Weight Loss
• Supplements & Vitamins
• Focus & ADHD
• Sleep
• Nutrition
• Fitness
• Movement
• Mental Health