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Men who exercise regularly report improved erectile function compared to men who don’t exercise, a study has found.
Editor’s note: Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon at Orlando Health and an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine.
CNN
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Everyone, let’s talk amongst ourselves.
We tend to obsess over sex and performance, but how many of us take steps to stay at our best in the long term? If you don’t take care of your health today, you won’t enjoy a healthy sex life tomorrow. It’s important to think about your sexual health so you don’t end up regretting it later. Being prepared is key.
Sexual health is an important part of your overall health. Chronic stress, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and other lifestyle factors can have a significant impact on your sexual health. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. Early intervention can prevent small problems from becoming major obstacles. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and a medical professional can provide the guidance and treatment options you need to maintain good sexual function throughout your life.
As a result of personal or professional problems, Chronic stress It is the leading cause of low libido and erectile dysfunction. Stress causes the body to produce too much of the hormone cortisol, which can interfere with testosterone production. the study It has been found that men who suffer from emotional problems and stress are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and low libido.
It is important to incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily life like regular exercise, meditation, proper sleep, hobbies, etc. Seeking professional help from a therapist can also give you effective coping strategies.
Unhealthy eating habits can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, all of which can have a negative impact on sexual function. the study Men with a waist circumference over 40 inches are at increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which is associated with erectile dysfunction. Adopt a balanced diet A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can make a big difference. Limiting alcohol intake Avoid ultra-processed foods It can also boost your sexual health (simply put, the more fast food you eat, the faster your sex life will die).
Lack of exercise can negatively impact heart health, which is essential for maintaining sexual function. Regular exercise helps improve blood flow, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. the study Men who exercise regularly have been reported to have better erectile function than men who do not exercise.
American Heart Association Recommendation To keep your body in tip-top shape, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, plus strength training. The more you work out at the gym, the more you’ll be able to work out in the bedroom.
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Smoking is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction, and quitting smoking can significantly improve a man’s sexual health.
Smoking is a major cause of erectile dysfunction because it negatively affects blood vessels and blood flow. The toxins in tobacco can damage the lining of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis. the study Men who smoke are nearly twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction as non-smokers. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your sexual health. To help you quit smoking, consider resources like nicotine replacement therapy, support groups, and counseling.
Sleep disorders, including: Sleep apneacan seriously affect testosterone levels and lead to sexual dysfunction. study Men with severe sleep apnea have been found to have significantly lower testosterone levels than men without the condition. It is important to prioritize good sleep hygiene. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, consult with your healthcare provider to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The treatment plan may include lifestyle changes and/or medical interventions.
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can have a major impact on your libido and sexual activity. 20% of patients With anxiety 40% of men with depression Many men report experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. Mental illness can lead to decreased libido and difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Seeking help from a mental health professional can be extremely beneficial. With therapy and medication, both mental health and sexual functioning can improve significantly.
Hormonal imbalances, especially low testosterone, can have a negative impact on sexual health. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but Hypogonadism You can speed up this process. the study Evidence suggests that about 20% of men over 60 have low testosterone levels. Regular checkups with a healthcare provider can help monitor hormone levels. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, or hormone replacement therapy to restore balance.
Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or depression, can cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect. For example, beta-blockers can decrease libido and cause erectile dysfunction. It’s important to discuss these possible side effects with your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication that has less of an effect on sexual function.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease can have a significant impact on sexual function. For example, men with diabetes Three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction Compared to men without diabetes, men with diabetes have a higher rate of diabetes. It is important to effectively manage your chronic disease with the help of your healthcare provider. This includes following prescribed treatment, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regularly monitoring yourself to keep your condition under control.
Relationship problems can cause stress and low libido. Breakdowns in communication, unresolved conflicts, and lack of intimacy can all contribute to sexual dysfunction. Open communication with your partner is key to addressing these issues. Consider couples counseling to resolve underlying issues and improve your relationship and sexual health.
Men, taking care of your sexual health isn’t just about avoiding problems today. It’s about preparing for action tomorrow and beyond. Think about it: how many times have you stressed out over your performance yet neglected the basics that keep you in the game? It’s time to make a change.
Managing stress, eating right, staying active, and quitting bad habits like smoking are the foundations of a healthy sex life. These aren’t just empty words; they’re steps you can take now to avoid being left behind later. And if you’re dealing with a lingering problem, don’t go at it alone. Talking to your doctor isn’t an admission of defeat, it’s taking wise action.
There’s no better time to take care of your health than National Men’s Health Month in June, a month designed to encourage men to take control of their health and make the changes they need to improve their lives. Use this opportunity to schedule that check-up you’ve been putting off, start a new exercise routine, or seek help for a health issue you’ve been ignoring.
Your body and your life are one, so make sure you keep both in top condition.
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