It doesn't need a scientist to tell us that the sight of stilettos can have a dramatic effect on men's libido.

But wearing them can also work wonders for a woman's sex life, research suggests.

High-heeled shoes not only tone the legs and strengthen the pelvic muscles, but they "directly work the pleasure muscles which are linked to an orgasm", it is claimed.

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In the past stilettos have been blamed for stress fractures and joint pain but now it seems that the pain might be worth the gain.

Italian urologist Dr Maria Cerruto discovered that a pair of "moderately high-heeled shoes" had beneficial effects.

"I adore high-heeled shoes and I wanted to find something positive about them," said Dr Cerruto, of the University of Verona. "In the end I achieved my goal.

"The heels influence and work the pelvic muscles and reduce the need to exercise them.