Gut health is linked to sexual function because a balanced microbiome helps regulate hormones and stress response, which can increase libido.
Male gut health is directly related to sexual function because the intestine produces and regulates hormones. When it becomes unbalanced, it affects libido and sexual performance.
Taking care of gut health maintains hormonal balance and contributes to sexual health. Therefore, it is important to reduce harmful factors such as stress and excessive alcohol consumption.
Below, understand how gut health influences male sexual life.
Impacts of Gut Health on Sexual Function
Gut health influences sexual function, affecting libido, performance, and emotional well-being.
This happens because the intestine participates in the production and regulation of hormones such as testosterone, responsible for libido and sexual performance.
Additionally, a healthy gut improves the absorption of important nutrients for hormonal balance, such as zinc and vitamin D.
How Does the Intestine Influence Male Hormones?
According to Dr. Paulo Egydio, PhD in urology, the relationship between intestine and hormones is linked to the ability to absorb nutrients.
Changes that impair this absorption can impact the production of sexual hormones, since nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D are essential in this process.
Additionally, intestinal problems make it difficult to eliminate excess estrogen.
This accumulation causes hormonal imbalance, reduces the effects of testosterone, and affects energy, libido, erection, and sexual performance.
Production and Regulation of Testosterone
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis regulates testosterone production by connecting the brain to the testicles through precise hormonal signals that control when and how much the body should produce.
Nutrients and gut health also influence this process. In this context, the intestinal microbiota — the set of microorganisms that help absorb nutrients — plays an important role.
A balanced microbiota improves the absorption of essential nutrients for testosterone production, such as zinc and magnesium. Meanwhile, intestinal imbalance reduces the availability of these nutrients and impairs hormonal balance.
Hormonal Impact on Libido
The relationship between gut health and libido exists because the intestine contributes to the proper functioning of the body.
Intestinal infections or inflammation impair the absorption and use of these nutrients, reduce testosterone levels, and affect sexual desire.
Can Gut Health Affect Erection?
Yes, the intestine influences erection. The intestinal microbiota dysbiosis — an imbalance of intestinal bacteria — explains this relationship.
This imbalance allows toxic substances to enter the bloodstream, which reduce the production of nitric oxide, a molecule responsible for relaxing blood vessels in the penis.
With less nitric oxide, blood vessels constrict and blood flow decreases, making erection difficult.
Gut-Brain Axis: Impact on Male Sexual Desire
An article on the gut-brain axis points out that the intestine produces between 90% and 95% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to well-being, mood, and sexual desire.
Intestinal problems reduce this production, increase anxiety, and make it difficult for the body to respond to sexual stimuli.
Performance anxiety and stress also harm gut health by altering the microbiota and raising cortisol levels, the “stress hormone.” This process creates a cycle that further worsens sexual function.
Habits That Harm Gut and Sexual Health
| Habit | How It Affects Gut Health | How It Affects Sexual Health |
|---|---|---|
| Low-fiber diet | Reduces microbiota diversity and impairs intestinal function | With the reduction of microbiota, it can dysregulate sexual hormones and decrease libido |
| Sedentary lifestyle | Slows intestinal transit and promotes microbiota imbalances | Impairs circulation and hormone production, potentially reducing libido and sexual performance |
| Excessive alcohol consumption | Disrupts intestinal flora and increases inflammation in the body | Can decrease testosterone and impair erection |
| Ultra-processed foods | Reduces blood circulation and sexual performance | Can negatively impact hormones and erectile function |
How to Improve Gut Health and Sexual Function?
Read more: 15 best foods that improve male sexual performance
When to Seek Medical Help?
A man should seek medical help when experiencing frequent intestinal symptoms, decreased libido, or difficulty with erection.
A healthcare professional evaluates the condition, makes a diagnosis, and indicates appropriate treatment.
Fill out the pre-analysis form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paulo Egydio, a urologist with 28 years of experience treating erectile dysfunction.
