How to reignite the passion
Good sex can improve your mood and overall health. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it can be genuinely frustrating if things in the bedroom aren’t going as expected or if you’re struggling to ignite passion in yourself and your partner. It’s perfectly normal for this to happen occasionally, so don’t despair. However, it might be worth reevaluating your daily habits because some seemingly harmless behaviors can lead to erectile dysfunction or dampen your libido. Professor Geoff Hackett reveals five things that could be the cause of your erectile dysfunction, from snacking on certain foods to overindulging in alcohol.
Eating fatty foods
Although fatty foods can be delicious, it’s essential to indulge in moderation. Overconsumption of such foods can lead to sexual problems.
- Unhealthy fats can cause the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis leads to narrowed blood vessels and, consequently, reduced blood flow to the penis, making it harder to achieve and maintain an erection. Professor Hackett points out that fatty foods not only kill the mood for sex but also that the atherosclerosis it causes can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Erectile dysfunction can be an important warning sign that the small blood vessels in the penis are already suffering from this diet, and the same will happen to larger ones if you don’t take action.
Excessive sugar intake
Another culprit for unsatisfying sex could be sweet treats, especially if you indulge in them regularly. Sugary snacks raise blood sugar levels, which prompts the pancreas to release more insulin to normalize the sugar level. If you frequently go through this cycle, it can begin to affect your sexual health since erectile dysfunction can sometimes be a sign of diabetes. Individuals with diabetes often have problems with erections, so early medical intervention is essential in such cases.
Consuming too much alcohol
Think alcohol can make sex more romantic or exciting? It actually kills the mood for sex when you finally get to the bedroom. Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels while lowering testosterone levels, potentially leading to erectile dysfunction, reduced sexual desire, and difficulty achieving orgasm. Steroids and muscle-building supplements can have similar effects, warns Professor Hackett.
Smoking
Smoking is generally harmful to your health, including your sex life.
- The main culprit is nicotine, known as a vasoconstrictor, which narrows blood vessels, especially those in the penis. Smokers are up to 2 times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than non-smokers. Even if you quit smoking, it may take up to six months for erectile function problems to disappear, Professor Hackett explains.
Stress
Stress can be one of the biggest libido killers. Stress is associated with increased adrenaline levels, making it difficult to maintain an erection and affecting the production of sex hormones, particularly testosterone, which can decrease your libido. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can also impact testosterone production.
Four ways to improve your sex life
Professor Hackett acknowledges that it can sometimes be challenging to avoid stress, but he suggests managing it through breathing exercises, meditation, and sexual therapy to boost your libido. As for food, there are many options to enhance your sex life beyond oysters or strawberries with chocolate. Nutritionist Michael Mosley recommends incorporating foods like chickpeas, fatty fish, pistachios, leafy green vegetables, and beets into your diet if you want to improve your sexual health. Experts also recommend performing Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can enhance the sex lives of both genders. Simply tighten and relax the muscles you would use to stop urinating. Hold the contraction for 2 to 3 seconds, then release. Repeat the exercise ten times, completing five sets throughout the day. Regular exercise can work wonders for your sexual life and overall health.
