Men’s Sexual Health & Metabolic Health

Sexual health can impact a person’s emotional, mental and physical well-being. In fact, research suggests that life expectancy for sexually active men is higher. However, globally, about 31% men experience sexual dysfunctions. Sexual dysfunctions may exist among men of different ages. But they are more common in older men above the age of 50 or young men with poor metabolic health. The rising incidence of erectile dysfunction among men can be attributed to the surging occurrence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and depression. The good news is that sexual dysfunctions are treatable, and in most cases, they can be corrected with dietary and lifestyle changes. Read on to know more.

Highlights

Male sexual health is influenced by physical, psychological, interpersonal and social factors,
The rising incidence of erectile dysfunction among men can be attributed to the surging occurrence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and depression,
Sexual dysfunctions may exist among men of different ages, however, they are more common in older men above the age of 50 or young men with poor metabolic health.

Defining men’s sexual health

Harvard Health Publishing defines sexual health as ‘a state of well-being that lets a man fully participate in and enjoy sexual activity.’ A man’s sexual health is influenced by physical, psychological, interpersonal and social factors.

Male sexual health isn’t restricted to the absence of disease. For men, sexual health includes libido (sexual desire) along with the ability to achieve and sustain an erection (erectile function). Physiology can affect both aspects, while mental health and emotional factors also play important roles.

Erratic desire, erection, and ejaculation could lead to dissatisfaction, setting off a vicious cycle wherein the ensuing sexual dysfunction furthers stress. Consequently, this triggers or worsens certain preexisting health conditions, therefore, affecting our overall well-being.

Before discussing how sexual health problems can be addressed, let’s first understand the physiology of an erection.

Physiology of an erection

The penis is made of several parts

Glans (head) of the penis: The glans is covered with pink, moist tissue called mucosa in uncircumcised men. In circumcised men, the foreskin is surgically removed and the mucosa transforms into dry skin.
• Corpus cavernosa: These are two columns of tissue that run along the sides of the penis. They fill with blood to cause an erection.
• Corpus spongiosum: This is a column of sponge-like erectile tissue that runs along the front of the penis and ends at the glans; it keeps the urethra open during an erection for ejaculation.
• The urethra runs through the corpus spongiosum and passes urine out of the body.

When a man is sexually aroused, the nerve stimuli, triggered either by physiological or physical means, relax the muscles in the corpora cavernosa, thereby allowing more blood to flow in. This creates pressure and causes the penis to expand, harden and become erect. The membrane around the corpora cavernosa, called the tunica albuginea, stops the blood in the corpora cavernosa, thus holding the erection. Once ejaculation is complete and the blood flow is reduced, the penis returns to its normal size. So, neurological, circulatory, muscular and emotional functions are at work here.

When this trigger does not work due to either physiological or psychological reasons, the erection is not hard enough or does not last long enough. This is often the first indication of erectile dysfunction, a condition where the penis fails to achieve or keep an erection.

The release of nitric oxide (NO) and its effects on penile arteries

Nitric oxide (NO) is primarily responsible for the nervous stimulation that maintains the smooth muscle tone of the penis. The tiny blood vessels and nerve endings in the tip of the penis release nitric oxide, which sets off several chemical reactions that lead to increased blood flow and a healthy erection. (10)

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or ED as it is commonly referred to, is the inability to either get a strong erection or sustain it for a normal duration. It can lead to inadequate and/or unsatisfactory sexual activity for both partners. With changing lifestyles, ED is becoming more common, even in younger men. (11) Most men with chronic health conditions—altered cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, liver disease—can suffer from varying levels of erectile dysfunction.

Many myths shroud sexual health. Many men are unwilling to talk about ED due to stigma exacerbated by inadequate education on the matter. The i

This is what happens in people who suffer from diabetes, a condition characterised by increased blood sugar levels in the body due to insufficient insulin production or the inability to absorb the insulin produced. A good sexual experience requires optimal functioning of muscles, nerves and blood supply; therefore, diabetic patients with persistent high blood sugar levels are known to have below-par sexual fulfilment, both in terms of good erection and performance. (12)

ssue goes untreated in several cases, with debilitating effects on overall health and stress levels. Research suggests that men with type 2 diabetes are likely to have erectile dysfunction about ten years earlier than men with no diabetes. (14)

How does glucose play a role?

Glucose is the main fuel that drives all bodily functions, from wiggling your toes inadvertently to sprinting to catch the bus; it is your body’s main source of energy. Sex is an intense physical activity (some even count it among the best workouts) that consumes a good amount of energy. When sugar levels are high or low, all bodily functions are altered, including erection and sex.

High blood sugar can impair small blood vessels and nerves that control sexual stimulation and response. This affects a man’s ability to achieve a firm erection firm for sexual intercourse. A decline in blood flow from damaged blood vessels can also lead to ED. (15)

Socio-environmental factors can result in a psychogenic (psychologically motivated) version of ED. Bereavement, financial difficulties, distressed relationships are examples of stressors, along with smoking and alcohol consumption.

Studies also claim that diabetes can reduce testosterone levels, minimising the chances of a healthy erection. (13)

Glucose levels can have an impact on the followin

1.Testosterone

Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is produced by the testicles and controls a variety of functions, from beard growth and deepening of the voice to bone and muscle development. Testosterone also helps the body’s tissues absorb more blood sugar in response to insulin. Men who have low testosterone are more likely to have insulin resistance; they need to produce more insulin to keep their blood sugar levels normal.

Sexual drive hinges on the adequate production of testosterone. T-levels can fall because of gradual ageing, smoking, alcoholism, liver disease, injury to the testicular area, chronic kidney disease and chemotherapy, among other reasons. Most men with reduced hormone levels experience lowered sex drive, moodiness, low self-esteem and energy levels, increased weight, reduced body hair and thinning of the bones. They may also fail to perform to their full ability and ejaculate prematurely.

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2. AGEs:

AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-products) are organic molecules formed when fat and protein are combined with sugar in the body. (5) They are biomarkers of ageing and good indicators of the onset of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease or diabetes. The formation of AGES in the blood vessels stiffens them and reduces their elasticity. The reduced blood flow weakens the erection.

3.Neurological Dysfunction

As we know by now, though sex is a normal physiological act. There are a lot of systems involved here, with neurological messages being the main trigger. High blood glucose levels can affect the brain’s functional connectivity, thereby impacting brain regions that share functional properties and brain matter. (6) Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s cause erectile issues. Even seizures and impaired nerve function (rare twitches) can affect a person’s sexual life.

Can ED be a sign of heart disease?

Yes, ED can be a warning sign for serious heart problems. A recent study revealed that 60% of men with severe ED were eight times more likely to suffer from heart failure, and they faced a two-fold increase in the risk of death by cardiovascular diseases. Another thing to note here is that ED increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases in younger men more than men above 60. (7) (9)

One possible reason for this is that the arteries in the penis are much smaller than those in other parts of the body. Thus, they are more likely to reveal problems like deteriorating lining or plaquing.

Conclusion

A man’s sexual health can affect his metabolic health and vice-versa. Thus, maintaining good metabolic health and keeping a regular tab on the blood sugar, and other biomarkers can be beneficial for a good sex life. Diabetic individuals are more susceptible to ED, while non-diabetics with unhealthy lifestyles or mental distress are equally vulnerable, owing to irregularity in neural function. High blood sugar can impair small blood vessels and nerves that control sexual stimulation and response making way for erectile dysfunction. Monitoring and regulating blood glucose through changes in dietary and social habits can be the first steps towards a healthy sex life.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for general information and educational purposes only. It neither provides any medical advice nor intends to substitute professional medical opinion on the treatment, diagnosis, prevention or alleviation of any disease, disorder or disability. Always consult with your doctor or qualified healthcare professional about your health condition and/or concerns and before undertaking a new health care regimen including making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

References