Forget sex toys and oysters - the key to good sex is communication and closeness. "If you don't invest in your relationship," says Paula Hall, a sexual psychotherapist for Relate, "none of these tips will do much for you."

1 Flirt: "When you touch each other you release oxytocin, the 'pair bonding' hormone," says Hall. Texting and emails are "virtual touching" tools: "Keep in touch during the day," says Hall, "And you'll want sex at night."

2 Eat healthily: studies show that body image is a hugely important aspect of sexuality but so-called "aphrodisiac" foodstuffs are probably pointless. According to Dr Toni Steer, a nutritionist with MRC Human Nutrition Research in Cambridge, "Oysters are dead in the water: we know of no scientific evidence showing that any particular nutrients enhance sexual function or libido." A healthy diet will give you energy, and could improve your body image too.

3 Stop smoking: nicotine is a vasoconstrictor - it tightens blood vessels and restricts blood flow. This can cause erectile problems and may dampen women's arousal too.

4 Stop making comparisons: thanks to unrealistic media images and bogus "research" by companies promoting sex toys, we think other people are having better sex than we are. However, according to Dr Petra Boynton, a sex and relationships expert at University College London, "Recent figures show that on average British people make love a few times a month."

5 On your bike: vigorous exercise can lower a man's risk of impotence, and 20 minutes on an exercise bike can heighten a woman's sexual response. Exercise improves the circulation, which is crucial for sexual function.