How To Get Turned On: Tips, Tricks, And Remedies - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeTips and remedies for getting “turned on”

Medically reviewed by Jennifer Litner, PhD, LMFT, CST — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on May 29, 2025

For males
For females
Other tips
Contacting a doctor
Summary

Sexual arousal includes both psychological and physical arousal. There are many ways to stimulate arousal or get “turned on,” including foreplay and the use of sex toys. Medical treatments may also help.

Psychological arousal causes a person to want sex, and physical arousal causes physical changes that make it easier for a person to have sex.

Although these two factors often go hand in hand, some people may have challenges with one or both aspects of arousal.

It is worth noting that issues with arousal are likely to be multifactorial. For example, any of the following could have an impact on a person’s ability to become aroused:

cardiovascular conditions
mental health concerns
relationship issues
sexual beliefs

However, there are several things that a person can try to increase arousal levels. Read on for tips and remedies for getting turned on.

Tips and remedies for males

People assigned male at birth who experience arousal problems may have difficulties with their sexual desire, getting or maintaining an erection, or ejaculation.

Issues with arousal

Males with arousal challenges may find that making simple lifestyle changes, such as communicating more openly with a partner or sharing sexual desires, can help.

Another option is asking a doctor about checking testosterone levels. Males with low testosterone levels may have difficulty with arousal. Testosterone replacement may help.

However, it is important to note that testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. This may mean that checking these levels may not be a reliable indicator.

Alternatively, a person could consider masturbating, fantasizing, or engaging in other forms of stimulation before participating in partnered sex.

As males age, it can take longer for them to feel aroused enough to get an erection. Beginning the process before engaging in partnered sex may help.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

ED means that it is difficult to have or maintain an erection.

Several treatments may help. These include:

mental health support, such as with a sex therapist, as stress and relationship problems can sometimes affect arousal
ED medication, which may help with ED of unknown origin or when lifestyle remedies do not work
trying penis pumps
undergoing surgery to place a penile implant

A person should always speak with a doctor before trying any home remedies.

»Learn more:Natural and home remedies for erectile dysfunction

Ejaculation issues

Many people experience problems with ejaculation. This includes premature ejaculation and difficulty reaching orgasm and ejaculating.

If this is the case, a person may wish to try the following tips:

If premature ejaculation is an issue, try the “squeeze method.” This technique involves squeezing where the head of the penis meets that shaft to prevent ejaculation.
Experiment with different sexual positions and new fantasies. Some people simply need more stimulation to ejaculate.
Get a prostate exam. Sometimes, prostate health issues can cause ejaculation problems, such as painful ejaculation.

Tips and remedies for females

Arousal issues in people assigned female at birth typically fall into one or more of three categories:

difficulty feeling interested in sex
difficulty getting sufficiently lubricated for sex
difficulty reaching orgasm

Remedies that work for one problem, such as low arousal, often work for another.

So, a person may wish to consider the following tips:

Focus on clitoral stimulation: Stereotypical presentations of sex often focus on male pleasure and penis-in-vagina intercourse. However, many people need clitoral stimulation.
Use a sexual lubricant: Some people experience vaginal dryness, even when they feel aroused. Others feel less interested in sex because they fear that dryness will cause painful sex. Using a lubricant can help with this.
Add in more foreplay: Some people find that longer foreplay can help make sex more pleasurable.
Enjoy getting to know one’s own body: Over time, this can increase arousal. Try exploring one’s sexual interests, and be sure to communicate this to a sexual partner. Make sure all parties fully consent whenever trying new things.
Ask a doctor about medications: Females with a very low sex drive may find that taking a medication specifically approved for increasing libido helps. However, these drugs remain controversial, as research suggests that they only modestly increase sexual desire. Interventions such as more foreplay may work better.
Ask a doctor about hormone therapy: People who experience vaginal dryness or low libido may find relief from hormone therapy. After menopause, hormone therapy with estrogen may help improve arousal.

A note on consent

Consent regarding sexual interaction should be voluntary, unambiguous, and ongoing. It should never be assumed, no matter the circumstances. People incapacitated by sleep, drugs, or alcohol are unable to consent. If all participants do not give clear consent throughout the encounter, it may be considered sexual assault.

Other tips for arousal

Although there are physiological differences between males and females that may affect how they become aroused and the ways that arousal manifests, arousal begins in the brain for all sexes and genders.

Some strategies that may help most people feel more aroused include:

Watching pornography, either alone or with a partner: Although research into the long-term effects of pornography use produces inconclusive and controversial results, short-term porn use may help people become aroused.
Spending time thinking about sex: This can help a person identify their sexual desires and preferences.
Considering the role of mental health: Anxiety, depression, trauma, and the way a person feels about their relationship may all affect arousal. Trying relaxation exercises, self-care, medication changes, and therapy may help.
Masturbating: Masturbating before having sex with a partner may make it easier to become and stay aroused. Masturbation may also help a person identify their sexual interests, and it may increase sex drive and erectile function.
Practicing open communication about desires and needs with a sexual partner: Talking about sex outside the bedroom may help increase interest in sex. It may also make sex more pleasurable and arousing for each partner. Couples who find it challenging to discuss sex may find that sex therapy helps.
Talking with a doctor: A wide range of medical conditions, especially those that affect the endocrine system, may cause arousal problems. Menopause, age-related hormone changes, and certain medications may also play a role. A doctor may be able to recommend treatment, switch a person’s medications, or diagnose an underlying health issue.
Exercising, eating a nutritious diet, and maintaining a moderate weight: Cardiovascular disease and diabetes can both cause sexual dysfunction. Adopting a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and other conditions that may impact libido.
Using sex toys: Vibrators, dildos, and other sex toys may offer additional stimulation and improve arousal for both partners.

When to contact a doctor

A person may wish to consult a doctor if they:

have a sudden change in their sexual experience, libido, or orgasm pattern
have tried home remedies or lifestyle changes, but they have not worked
experience side effects following the use of a new medication
have a chronic illness and begin experiencing sexual side effects
have other symptoms, such as painful urination or ejaculation
have significant emotional distress that is affecting their functioning

Summary

Different factors can affect sexual arousal. For many people, the issue is multifaceted, with psychological, lifestyle, and physical factors all playing a role.

Taking a sensitive approach and seeking medical intervention for chronic health concerns can both help.

Sexual health matters. People who experience arousal issues should speak with a doctor and ask for help until their sexual health issues improve.

It is also important to speak with a doctor for arousal issues, as they can sometimes signal an underlying health issue.

It may also help for a person to speak with a mental health professional, as emotional and mental health issues can often be contributing factors.

Men's Health
Erectile Dysfunction / Premature Ejaculation
Sexual Health / STDs
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Abraham C. (2025). Experiencing vaginal dryness? Here's what you need to know.https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/experiencing-vaginal-dryness-heres-what-you-need-to-know
Baid R, et al. (2018). Flibanserin: A controversial drug for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6198608/
Calabrò RS, et al. (2019). Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: A neglected or unknown issue?https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6908863/
Corona G, et al. (2022). The role of testosterone in male sexual function.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9789013/
Ejaculation problems. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems/
Hensel DJ, et al. (2021). Women’s techniques for making vaginal penetration more pleasurable: Results from a nationally representative study of adult women in the United States.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8046227/
Huang S, et al. (2022). Masturbation frequency and sexual function in individuals with and without sexual partners.https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5118/3/2/18
Meziou N, et al. (2023). Hormone therapy for sexual function in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis update.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10227948/
Patel CK, et al. (2016). Advances in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: what’s new and upcoming?https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4979545/
Thakurdesai A, et al. (2018). A prospective study on sexual dysfunctions in depressed males and the response to treatment.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6278224/
Treatment for erectile dysfunction. (2024).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/treatment
Weiss P, et al. (2009). Women’s partnered orgasm consistency is associated with greater duration of penile–vaginal intercourse but not of foreplay.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609515322566

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Medically reviewed by Jennifer Litner, PhD, LMFT, CST — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on May 29, 2025

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Tips and remedies for males

Issues with arousal

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Ejaculation issues

Tips and remedies for females

A note on consent

Other tips for arousal

When to contact a doctor

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

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