Is Sex Important for Men’s Health?
August 7, 2023
Generally speaking, the short answer is a resounding “yes”. But, that’s speaking very generally as there are as many contradictions as there are confirmations for that answer. So, let’s take a deeper look at differing conclusions.
Studies have shown that men who would prefer to be more sexually active can go without sex for an extended period of time without any adverse effect to his overall health, but it may increase levels of frustration and anxiety, which can affect his well-being.
On the other hand, some research suggests that regular sexual activity has the potential to improve a man’s health on multiple levels, including his mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Moreover, there are multiple studies that concluded sexual intercourse may be important for good cardiovascular health.
Most men would say that engaging in more frequent sex would make them feel happier, but research studies actually show the association between frequency and increased well-being is curvilinear. Results suggest there is not a substantial increase in happiness with a sexual frequency greater than once a week.
Since many men are hesitant to talk to their doctor about sex and most often reluctant to have an open conversation with their partners about sex, a good place to start is by scheduling a men’s sexual health exam. A specialist who treats adult medical conditions and focuses on sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), can reduce your anxiety over engaging in open conversations.
Little Known Natural Aphrodisiac
There is a brain chemical that not everyone has heard about that works as a relationship aphrodisiac. It’s called oxytocin, or the love hormone, and is a naturally produced hormone that plays a role in important human functions, including sex, bonding, hugging, kissing, social interaction, and sexual intimacy. It is responsible for boosting the feelings a man has holding his newborn infant as well as strengthens the bond with his partner.
In addition to improving a man’s ability to connect with a romantic partner, oxytocin plays a role in sperm motility, contracting the vas deferens for ejaculation, enhanced orgasms, and may also influence sexual desire. A study on parent-child interactions found that fathers who received oxytocin had significantly higher testosterone levels as compared to the placebo study group. It may also make it easier for men to navigate their fight or flight response.
Heart-Healthy Benefits of Regular Sex
According to an article published by John Hopkins Medicine, men who have sex at least twice a week and women who report having satisfying sex lives are less likely to have a heart attack. That’s because routine sexual intercourse produces the same long-term benefits associated with other forms of physical activity. As an exercise regimen, sex can boost hormone production and release to help strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve sleep.
Improved relationship intimacy is linked to a reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease, loneliness, anxiety and depression. Since sexual activity increases a man’s heart rate, anyone who struggles to climb stairs or cannot take a brisk walk without physical difficulty should consult a physician about any increased risk of having a heart attack during sex. It is also important to discuss symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat before using ED medications like Viagra or Cialis.
Although good for heart health, there is no official limit as to how often you should have sex. Some men only seem happy when they are having sex frequently; but most couples feel as long as their basic needs are met once or twice per week, it is a healthy pace. Since both men and women have a need to feel his or her partner desires them, the partner with a lesser need for frequency should create ways to ensure their sexual attraction is well fueled. For some couples, their relationship can become strained by a slowdown in sexual intercourse, but others may prefer to connect through shared activities and an open line for communication.
Men’s Sexual Health Physician Jacksonville
There’s a lot to be said for youthful sexual exuberance. A bit of a mismatch for heterosexual couples as a man reaches his sexual peak in his late teens through his twenties, research suggests that women reach their sexual peak as a thirty-something. Although issues with erectile function and loss of sex drive does decline as a man ages, men who take care of the health can have frequent sex and quality sexual relationships well into their 70s or 80s.
Erectile dysfunction can happen at any age but erectile dysfunction can have many causes. Naturally the older you are, the more likely you are to have an issue with blood flow to the penis, which is the most common cause of ED, or nerve damage due to trauma like excessive cycling either outdoors or in the gym. Moreover, serious illnesses like heart disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar (diabetes). Heavy alcohol use and smoking are also common culprits.
If you are concerned about how often you’re having sex or about the sex you are having, you should consult a men’s sexual health specialist. For the fastest results, it is crucial to have an accurate diagnosis before any treatment protocol is recommended. Based on the cause of your problem (physical or emotional), an experienced physician may recommend counseling, medications, lifestyle changes, constrictive devices, surgery or an alternative like low-intensity shockwave therapy.
__________________
Men often notice an issue with erectile function when trying to masturbate. And no... masturbation doesn’t cause ED. But whatever is causing your problem will likely intensify under the pressure of sexual intercourse. The most common cause of ED is poor blood flow, which is often easily treated using GAINSWave’s non-invasive approach of no meds and no surgery. Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Earl Eye and launch your journey to better sexual performance.
