What's your most-used sex excuse?
“Not tonight dear” headaches are a thing of the past according to a new survey, as 1 in 5 Brits are now using back pain as their number one ‘sexscuse’.
The research, carried out by Simplyhealth Back Care app, found that 86 per cent of people have suffered with back pain in the last 12 months and 19 per cent have missed out on sex because of it.
As on average Brits admit to suffering with back pain three times a week, the condition has been hailed as the UK’s most popular ‘sexcuse’.
Another bad bedroom contender is bad breath according to a survey by Setlers Mintees, as eighty-three percent of people consider it the biggest turn off on a first date. Unpleasant breath was considered the biggest blunder by quite a margin, the research revealed, beating ‘talking with a mouthful of food’, ‘discussing ex-partners’and even being ‘badly dressed’ or ‘arriving late’.
Unsurprisingly, 88 per cent of singles agreed that bad breath would put them off going in for the first kiss or more.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has a lot to answer for when it comes to sexcuses according to a poll by Buscopan, as 18 per cent of people suffering with the condition have tried to prevent their symptoms flaring up by avoiding being intimate with a partner. A further one in 10 IBS victims has experienced a poor sex life as a result of the health problem and almost one in five sufferers actively avoids all nocturnal bedroom activity.
The common cold comes makes it into our top 5 excuses too, as half of Brits interviewed by Covonia will avoid kissing their partner when they are bunged up, while one in three will say no to more intimate situations. Female sufferers are more likely to abstain according to the research, with 35 per cent not willing to have sex when their partners has the sniffles, compared to just 29 per cent of men.
Poor sleep is the fifth most popular sexcuse according to Crampex, as 33 per cent of married couples admit to sleeping better alone. Whilst 40 per cent of women say they feel unattractive if they haven’t had enough beauty sleep.
If you are one of these sexcusers, then try the following remedies:
Back pain
Dr Brian Hammond, chairman of BackCare, the national back pain charity, said: ‘The vast majority of people experience back pain in the lower back. Over half the population experience pain in the neck or lower back every year. ‘Research shows that 18 to 24-year-olds are more likely to experience pain in the upper back and neck. It is likely that slumping and hunching over computers and hand-held devices is a contributory factor in the different types of back pain reported by different generations.
To support individuals with back pain and those wanting to prevent it Simplyhealth and BackCare have developed a free App which allows users to input data on the type and location of their back pain to generate daily tailored advice as well as details of local specialist advice and support available. There are also exercises and information available for individuals to do when at home and in the workplace to help look after their backs. Available from the App store or Google PlayTM. Simplyhealth will donate £1 to BackCare for every download.
Bad Breath
Leading nutritionist Amanda Hamilton says: “Whether we are rushing food on the go or over-indulging at the dinner table, that uncomfortable feeling after eating is all too common. Fortunately there are a number of quick-fixes that can help.”
Setlers Mintees offers an innovative formulation which builds layers of powerful peppermint oil and refreshing spearmint around a soft, crumbly centre. This blend of flavours and textures creates a unique taste experience which helps to freshen breath, cleanse the palate and help avoid discomfort, making it the ultimate after-meal companion.
Setlers Mintees are priced £1.29/£1.99 (25g/51g pack) and available from pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide. For more information about products in the Setlers range visit www.setlers.co.uk.
IBS
Helen Bond, consultant dietician and nutritionist, comments: “IBS can be an extremely frustrating condition, often leaving sufferers feeling helpless and isolated. But it is possible to take back control through a combination of identifying triggers and effective treatment.”
“Many people with IBS find that certain foods and drinks can affect their symptoms, such as high fibre, spicy or fatty foods, coffee and alcohol. Although diet can make a big difference to the frequency and severity of symptoms, identifying trigger foods can be confusing as they can vary from person to person. That’s why it’s so important to keep a diary which records the foods you have eaten, along with other potential triggers such as stress and hormones. It’s also a good idea to keep an IBS treatment handy for times when a flare-up does occur.
Buscopan IBS Relief is the UK’s number one choice for IBS relief and is available from pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide. Visit www.ibs-relief.co.uk for more information.
Cough
Clinical and Community pharmacist Steve Riley says: “If a dry cough is bothering you, get yourself a linctus style medicine. It won’t cause side effects such as drowsiness but will soothe symptoms while your body gets on with fighting the infection and making you better.”
Covonia Dry Cough Sugar Free Formula, £4.99 for 150ml, offers relief from troublesome dry or irritating coughs and, with less than 2.0g of carbohydrates in a recommended daily dosage - compared to over 50g in a typical sugar-based cough syrup* - it is the ideal solution for anyone with diabetes, sugar sensitivities or those on reduced sugar diets.
It’s available from pharmacies and supermarket pharmacy-counters nationwide. Find us on Facebook or visit covonia.com for more information. Always read the label.
Poor Sleep
Sleep expert, Dr Neil Stanley said: “A disturbed night’s sleep can lead to emotional and physical health problems, and can leave people unable to concentrate at work and even affect relationships with loved ones. The frustration and anxiety lack of sleep, or disturbed sleep, leads to can cause it to become even worse.
“People often aren’t aware that they could be suffering from a sleep condition that is easy to treat. Instead of worrying about the problem, it is important to trust your body’s ability to sleep, making lifestyle changes or taking treatments where appropriate.”
Crampex is the only product available without prescription for the prevention and treatment of night cramps and it doesn't have any of the side effects associated with taking Quinine (which is regularly prescribed). Crampex costs £2.99 for a pack of 12 and is available over the counter from pharmacies.