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Introduction
According to surveys, 1 billion people worldwide are overweight and 300 million are obese - obesity is gradually becoming a global epidemic. It can lead to several complications such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, urinary incontinence and various cancers as well as male sexual health which is the focus of this article.
Ira Sharlip, MD, spokesperson for the American Urological Association, said: "53% of obese men aged 40-70 years have some degree of erectile dysfunction." Such a large proportion makes us have to be vigilant. Today Join 11 oysters as we understand the relationship between obesity and male sexual health to significantly improve overall sexual life.
How does Obesity Affect Sexual Health in Men
Obesity affects the sexual health from different aspects for men. Today we will analyze it from two aspects: physiological and psychological effects.
①Physiological Effects:
- Hormonal disorders
Excess adipose (especially abdominal fat) will increase the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, thus reducing overall testosterone levels and increasing estrogen levels in men. It can lead to low libido,sexual dysfunction, gynecomastia, decreased stamina, etc. These will seriously affect the feeling and quality of sexual life.
- Fertility issues
Obesity may disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for sperm production to affect sperm quantity, motility, and morphology, and increase DNA fragmentation in sperm. It will lead to a decrease in sperm quality and affecting male fertility. On the other hand, excess fat around the thighs and groin will increase the temperature of the scrotum, which is not conducive to sperm production and survival. And obesity can also increase oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in the body, which can impair testicular function and overall sperm health.
- Reduced sexual performance
Being overweight may reduce endurance and flexibility in men, making sexual activity more challenging or less pleasurable. They may be more likely to feel physically exhausted or uncomfortable during sex, which can reduce sexual satisfaction and intimacy.
②Psychological Impact
- Body image issues
Obesity have a serious impact on self-esteem and body image in men, leading to shame, embarrassment and low self-worth. These have a negative impact on sexual desire and self-confidence, and even reduce couples' willingness to engage in sexual activity.
- Depression
On the one hand, obesity affects the hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, obese people may also feel inferior and discriminated against by society, which seriously affects their mental health and increases the incidence of depression. These can further reduce libido and sexual function.
Complications of Obesity-Related Sexual Dysfunction
In addition to the above two factors, complications caused by obesity can also have many negative effects on men's sexual health.
- Cardiovascular Disease
Obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease. These diseases impair endothelial function, reduce blood flow to the penis, and lead to erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Diabetes
Insulin resistance caused by obesity is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar and advanced glycation end products damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to loss of penile sensitivity and impairment of erectile ability. In addition, diabetes can affect the testosterone level and reduce sexual desire.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is common in obese patients and causes intermittent hypoxia, fragmented sleep, and reduced testosterone levels. OSA can cause obese people to feel chronic fatigue, disrupt their sleep patterns, and impair sexual desire and sexual ability.
How does Obesity Increase the Risk of ED
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability of the man to get and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Studies show that men with normal weight have a relatively low probability with ED at 10%-20%, but obese men face a significantly higher risk of ED at 30%-40%. Let’s take a look at how obesity increases the risk of ED:
First, obesity changes hormone levels, especially increasing estrogen and lowering testosterone, which play an important role in male sexual health. Low testosterone levels can affect and impair erectile function. Secondly, obesity will also affect men psychologically, causing them to question themselves, causing sexual performance anxiety and thus affecting erections. In addition, a series of complications caused by obesity are also one of the increased risks of ED. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic inflammation damage blood vessels etc, will result in reduced blood flow to the penis to, making it more difficult to get or maintain an erection.
Don't worry. Research shows that losing weight can significantly improve erectile function in obese men. A 2004 study published in JAMA found that 33% obese men with erectile dysfunction had improved sexual function after losing weight.
How to Manage Obesity to Keep Male Sexual Health
①Healthy diet
A balanced, nutritious diet is key for weight management and sexual health. Consuming more high-fiber foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) can help improve blood flow and contribute to weight loss and sexual health. Healthy fat sources can also be added to support hormone production, like olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish (like salmon). But avoid processed foods and added sugars, and limit alcohol and caffeine.
②Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is the cornerstone of weight loss and improving male sexual health. It can help increase blood flow, boost testosterone levels and improve mood. Regular exercise is essential for long-term health such as aerobic exercise (e.g., running, swimming, biking), strength training, core exercises that target the abdominals, etc.
③Mental Health Support
Mental health plays a vital role in the management of obesity and sexual health. Psychological factors (low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety) can exacerbate obesity and sexual dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help men address emotional eating, negative body image, and other psychological factors that may contribute to obesity and sexual dysfunction. At the same time, mindfulness, meditation, yoga and other techniques can also help people reduce sexual stress and promote sexual health.
④Medical Intervention
Medical intervention may also be a good option for individuals who are struggling with obesity and sexual health. These are as follows for reference:
- Weight loss drug
If a healthy lifestyle isn't good for weight loss, you can seek guidance from your health care provider. They can prescribe weight loss medications such as orlistat, semaglutide, or liraglutide to help control your weight.
- Bariatric surgery
For severely obese patients who do not respond to weight loss medications, Gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy may be considered. These surgeries can lead to significant weight loss and improved sexual health by reducing inflammation and improving metabolic function.
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Testosterone levels are crucial for men, helping to improve libido, erectile function, and energy levels. TRT treatment can help men increase testosterone levels and promote male sexual health.
- Medicinetreatment
PDE5 inhibitors or other sexual supplement products can temporarily solve erection problems such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), 11 oysters Candy etc.
Conclusion
Obesity presents multiple challenges to male sexual health, affecting erectile dysfunction (ED), libido, and reproductive function. And it is caused by many factors. Addressing obesity through lifestyle changes can have a profound impact such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management. It is not only on overall health, but also on improved sexual health. In addition, managing weight through medical and surgical interventions may be an effective strategy when lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient.
