Gut health and sexual function are related, as a balanced microbiome benefits hormonal regulation and stress response, which boosts libido. Learn how to keep yours on track!
Is there a connection between the intestine and sexual performance?
Yes, poor gut health can affect your sex life.
The intestine absorbs nutrients essential for the production of sexual hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. When it is imbalanced, it can cause inflammation in the body, affect blood circulation, and reduce blood flow to the penis, harming sexual function.
The gut is also connected to the brain and sexual hormones. The intestinal microbiome helps produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence pleasure and arousal.
Moreover, a balanced intestine helps regulate hormonal equilibrium, reducing fatigue and maintaining energy and sexual desire.
However, when there is inflammation or imbalance in the gut, the body may suffer from changes in sexual function, such as lack of desire and difficulties in the moment of intimacy.
What can harm gut health and sexual function?
When the intestinal microbiome is unbalanced, reducing the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, it can negatively affect sexual life. This may happen due to:
- A low-fiber diet;
- Excess sugar;
- Alcohol consumption;
- High stress levels;
- Excessive use of antibiotics that can disrupt intestinal flora;
- Lack of physical activity;
- Poor sleep habits.
Erectile dysfunction and digestive health: what’s the connection?
Erectile dysfunction can be linked to inflammation in the intestine.
Intestinal inflammation reduces the production of nitric oxide, a substance essential for dilating blood vessels and enabling erection. Additionally, gut issues can decrease the absorption of zinc and magnesium, minerals important for testosterone production.
Some studies seek to explain why this occurs.
Chinese researchers, in a study published in the journal Translational Andrology and Urology, found that men with erectile dysfunction had significantly lower bacterial diversity compared to those with good sexual function.
In a study featured in the journal Sexual Medicine, a group of Peruvian scientists noted that men with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction, whether due to increased psychological stress, interference by dysfunctional gut bacteria in the production of essential hormones for healthy sexual function, or even inflammation in the lower body, which may impair blood flow to the penis.
A third study, carried out in Taiwan, discovered that men with IBS were nearly three times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction. According to the researchers, IBS can limit the production of male sexual hormones required to maintain an erection.
Can intestinal changes affect libido?
Yes, some gut imbalances can be associated with changes in libido.
This occurs because the microbiota is responsible for nearly 90% of all serotonin (known as the “happiness hormone”) production in the human body.
When serotonin production falls, neuron communication is compromised, and low levels of this neurotransmitter are also linked to depression, which interferes with libido.
In addition, digestive problems lead to toxin buildup, which can also damage libido and general well-being.
Can intestinal inflammation reduce testosterone?
Yes, this connection between gut inflammation and testosterone occurs due to increased production of cortisol — the stress hormone.
Excess cortisol can affect testosterone production, which in some cases may be linked to changes in sexual function and libido. This is even more relevant in men, since testosterone is essential for maintaining desire and sexual performance.
What are the signs that your gut is affecting your sex life?
Some signs indicating that gut health may impact sexual life include:
- Digestive problems;
- Abdominal bloating;
- Constipation;
- Intestinal pain;
- Lack of sexual desire;
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection;
- Mood swings;
- Frequent fatigue;
- Trouble coping with stress.
Does age influence gut health and sexual desire?
Yes. Over the years, gut health may face challenges, intensifying natural changes in a man’s sex life.
As biological age increases, the intestinal microbiome changes and may lose part of the beneficial bacterial diversity crucial for digestion and the body’s overall function.
This loss can increase inflammation and affect hormonal balance, lowering libido and sexual response, because digestion becomes less efficient, resulting in reduced absorption of essential nutrients needed for proper hormonal function.
What to do to improve gut health and sexual performance?
To preserve gut health and sexual function, it is very important to invest in prevention as early as possible. See how:
- Adopt a fiber-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, avoiding ultra-processed foods;
- Consume probiotics and prebiotics to balance your gut flora;
- Reduce stress;
- Get enough sleep;
- Engage in regular physical activity;
- Drink plenty of water.
It is also crucial to maintain a regular sleep schedule for good gut health and sexual function! Lack of proper rest can lead to increased cortisol and hormonal imbalances. Additionally, physical activities stimulate blood circulation, improve oxygenation throughout the body, and help reduce stress.
The gut directly influences your life by regulating hormones, controlling inflammation, and improving blood circulation. When digestion works well, the body tends to have more energy, and hormones can stay balanced, which may positively impact sexual health and well-being.
Keeping gut health and sexual function in harmony is essential at all stages of life, but there are many steps you can take if you want to maintain a good quality of sexual life. Follow Dr. Paulo Egydio on TikTok for more tips!
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