SEX in this city regularly comes under the spotlight. We are either lampooned as creatures with shamefully low libidos - thanks to the annual Durex survey of lovemaking frequency across the planet - or faced with yet another report of a crackdown on illegal callgirls crowding the red light districts here.

I'm not sure if this indicates that we have too little or too much of it, but it's out there and it sells.

Yes, even in a convenience store in your neighbourhood mall.

My curiosity piqued, I picked up each package to examine it and read the information about the contents.

But I soon noticed two auntie types a couple of metres away looking at me rather disapprovingly. As I passed them later, one sniffed to her friend: "Wah, so havoc. Middle-age also want to look."

Yes, sex is still a difficult topic for some people to discuss openly, and perhaps that's what the problem is for some couples.

Loss of libido affects 50 per cent of women from 28 to 60 here, an article about the condition in Mind Your Body reported in January. A doctor cited busy schedules and work-related stress as some of the reasons for it.

Fifty per cent of the male population experience erectile dysfunction for pretty much the same reasons.

But there's good news. Doctors report that couples are anxious to make their relationships better through better sex, and are seeking medical help for this. They are becoming less likely to pencil sex into their busy schedules as something they need to do and get over with during the week - like go to the gym or buy groceries.

More couples are addressing issues like being too tired or too uninterested to enjoy sex, which is a natural part of a fulfilling intimate relationship. That's good news, I say. Sex is not a dirty word, but a wonderful way to keep a marriage humming.

Wanting a healthy sex life is all about wanting a healthy relationship. It's a good way to be in touch with yourself - and your mate.