London - 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 percent 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 percent of women claiming to have no sex drive at all, according to the Sexual Advice Association.
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.
“Libido is a complex issue - it’s a mix of brain, heart and hormones,” says John Studd, professor of gynaecology and libido expert based in Wimpole Street, London.
Kevin Gangar, a gynaecologist at the Princess Margaret Hospital, in Windsor, says: “If you’re tired or fighting with your partner all the time, it is going to have an impact on your sex drive.
“Is there a physical reason for not wanting sex, such as erectile dysfunction in men or endometriosis or vaginal dryness in women?
“And is there any sexual desire? If an erotic book or film has no effect on you, it’s likely there’s something wrong with your libido.”
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 testosterone - and they can benefit from a small dose of the testosterone gel men are given for the same problem (a quarter of the male dose is typically taken every two days).
Products include Testim gel or Testogel, available on prescription only, from a private doctor (because they are not licensed for use on women, they can be prescribed only on an “off-label” basis).
You can also get testosterone implants the size of apple pips inserted under the skin using local anaesthetic. They slowly release the hormone and are replaced every four months.
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 - about £2 a week on private prescription.
“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.
“Gels can be applied anywhere on the body, apart from the breasts. The gel isn’t licensed for women, so some GPs are reluctant to prescribe it, but a specialist should do.”
The testosterone implant “is probably the most effective treatment, but is considered old- fashioned,” says Professor Studd.
It is increasingly difficult to get hold of.
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, usually applied on the buttocks, constantly releases small amounts of testosterone. It is used to treat women who have had a full hysterectomy (where their ovaries and womb have been removed) 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.
However some women develop a skin sensitivity to the patches, says Clive Spence-Jones, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at The London Clinic and Whittington Hospital, London.
“This not only affects the rate of absorption, but can cause soreness. Also, the patch is not discreet.”
PELVIC TONER- 7/10
Strong pelvic floor muscles can increase sexual enjoyment.
A number of devices are available that claim to boost these muscles.
One such aid, the PelvicToner, was made available on NHS prescription from last December as a treatment for stress incontinence. You can also buy it privately.
The device has a positive effect on libido, too (a survey of PelvicToner users found 80 percent of respondents had an improved sex life, the manufacturer claims).
Use for five minutes a day.
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. “But one of the better-known lubricants, KY Jelly, tends to be the least useful because it dries up quickly.
“Silicone-based gels tend to be the most effective - you can find them on the internet. Test the gel for allergies on your arm before use.”
PEPPER GEL - 5/10
This contains plant and vine extracts (hop extract, tribulus terrestris) and cayenne pepper. The claim is that it improves blood flow and dilation of the blood vessels, enhancing sensation while also alleviating vaginal dryness.
EXPERT COMMENT: “This is one of those products where if it works for you, then great, but there isn’t much evidence for it,” says Professor Studd. “There is certainly no harm in trying it.”
OESTROGEN GEL - 8/10
Oestrogen levels fall after the menopause and can cause vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex, which in turn can lead to lack of desire.
Oestrogen replacement therapy, available on prescription, may help - apply with an applicator twice a week, last thing at night.
EXPERT COMMENT: “Taking oestrogen gel twice a week for vaginal dryness can help,” says Mr Spence-Jones. “Even women who are taking HRT tablets might find they need oestrogen gel, too.”
HERBAL REMEDIES - 2/10
These products claim to use plant extracts such as Peruvian maca, Brazilian ginseng and ginkgo biloba to boost blood supply to vital organs or to balance hormones.
EXPERT COMMENT: Peruvian maca is a root vegetable related to the turnip, says David Colquhoun, professor of pharmacology at University College London.
“It’s also likely to be as much of an aphrodisiac as eating turnips.
“There is one paper that suggests a rather small aphrodisiac effect, but that was financed by the company that sells the pills.”
Side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea, diarrhoea or allergic skin reactions.
HORNY GOAT WEED - 1/10
Supplements containing horny goat weed extract and black cohosh are said to reduce the ups and downs experienced with the menstrual cycle and increase natural spontaneous sex drive.
EXPERT COMMENT: “Horny goat weed is thought to work in a similar way to Viagra, but the journal Food Research International found no human trials had yet been carried out on the herb,” says Professor Colquhoun.
“Also, many ingredients in herbal products such as these are untested, and those that have been have been tested show no sign of working. As so many people want to believe the myths, it’s a huge and profitable industry.
“There is no evidence I can find linking black cohosh to increased libido. What is known is that large doses can cause stomach irritation, headache, vomiting and even liver problems.” - Daily Mail