Intercourse is not a one-push button that operates automatically. For it to work smoothly and to the satisfaction of a couple, a number of conditions must be ready. This page will not discuss the conditions, as these may vary from couple to couple. What this page will tackle instead are some of the top downers (pun intended) to a great sex life.

• BODY ODOR. In addition to touch and sight, the olfactory sense or the sense of smell is one of the most vital factors that can arouse partners to doing the deed. For men, it could be perfume. For women, it could be musk. For both, it could simply be the smell of sweat.

The body's subconscious way of setting the mood for intercourse is to release pheromones – sex chemicals that tease, arouse and magnetize whoever sniffs them. Pheromones can easily be overpowered by the malodor resulting from poor hygiene, so that the partner gets turned off, instead of getting aroused. Taking a cold shower before trying to initiate intercourse commonly corrects this problem.

• COFFEE. Known as a welcome stimulant that is good for the heart as well, coffee is much of a double-edged sword. A number of people strongly link coffee with sex, citing studies to prove that coffee jacks up the virility and count of a man's sperms. However, other studies disagree, claiming instead that although coffee does aid in blood circulation and flow and may be responsible for providing an energy boost, coffee depresses the parasympathetic nerves which are responsible for responses to sexual stimuli.

In a nutshell, although coffee can supply energy, coffee can also depress sexual sensitivity and response. Couples may find it wise to decide who gets to drink coffee before planning a long and fun-filled sack session.

• DISEASE. Headaches and muscle pains may be normal. However, doing the deed while a partner is really sick can be disastrous to a couple's sexual health. Sickness not only weakens the body and makes it less responsive to sexual stimuli, but also puts the healthy partner at risk of contracting viruses and contagious infections.

In the case of sexually transmitted diseases and infections, an uncared for case can ruin successive sack sessions. It is best that the partners both get treated before engaging in the act again.

• SMOKING. Although glamorized in cowboy movies and by some celebrities, smoking is never an aphrodisiac for couples who are fond of doing the deed. The smell of nicotine alone is considered by many as “repulsive” and a huge “turnoff.” Further, smoking can constrict the blood vessels and thereby restrict blood flow. Erectile dysfunctions and impotence can become common problems associated with smoking, in addition to notorious lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

Body odor, coffee, disease and smoking may not be the usual combo of sex life downers. They do however belong to the list notoriously topped by such factors as fatigue, low self-esteem, poor hygiene and bodily insecurities.