As men who identify as their birth gender get older, it is common for their desire for sex to decrease. Although it is not a common topic of discussion, it is something people consider. A lot. People are increasingly talking openly about bedroom activities and thus providing plentiful information regarding ways to make one’s bedroom time more enjoyable.
The Importance of Sexual Health For Men
Sex isn’t just a fun experience. It’s an incredibly vital part of a man’s life. On the other hand, reproduction is an instinctive biological process controlled by hormones to ensure the continuation of our species. On the flip side, it is a remarkably enjoyable activity that ties in with a lot of other aspects of our physical and mental wellbeing.
A person’s sexual health is their overall wellbeing that enables them to engage in and take pleasure in sex. This can be impacted by a variety of elements, such as physical, personal, mental, and communal considerations.
Achieving ideal sexual wellness for males necessitates having an effective sex drive (libido) and the aptitude to get and preserve an erection (erectile function).
It is usually assumed that good sexual health is predominantly related to physical health, however emotions and mental wellbeing are also significant factors.
Having a sexually healthy lifestyle doesn’t simply mean being disease-free. Sexual issues such as ejaculating too quickly, having a delayed ejaculation, or the impossibility to reach orgasm (anorgasmia) can occur. Men’s sexual well being encompasses the prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases along with male infertility.
One of the leading issues among males is difficulty with gaining and sustaining an erection for sexual activity, which is referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED).
Several things can cause this, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Relationship issues
- Low testosterone
- Clogged arteries
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- And more
Impotence can be a sign of impending heart disease. In addition to the serious consequences of erectile dysfunction, most men who have gone through it are aware of how awkward and unappealing it is.
Many would say that the most effective way to combat male health issues, such as erectile dysfunction, is to prevent them from occurring in the first place, as opposed to using medications, injections, gadgets, treatments, or surgeries.
Can Vitamins and Supplements Actually Help?
There are many vitamins and herbal remedies available that are believed to increase desire and improve your intimate life. But there are also businesses taking advantage of people who feel embarrassed and humiliated. Studies conducted to date have yielded positive outcomes with supplementation, however continued research is still being conducted. It would be wise to talk to your doctor before deciding to follow this course of action and make sure to purchase from reliable businesses.
The Benefits of Taking Sexual Health Vitamins
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is achievable with natural components in the same way as with other health issues pertaining to sexual health. An estimated 45.6% of Canadians aged one or older use dietary supplements.
Several investigations have been conducted demonstrating that vitamins can have a beneficial effect on males’ sexual wellness. Often, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can lead to sexual problems in men.
Insufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals can lead to sexual health difficulties. Vitamins are an excellent and effortless method to ensure that you are obtaining the indispensable nutrients required to have an enjoyable sex life.
It is clear that no single vitamin can totally solve or advance someone’s erotic life, nevertheless, some dietary supplements may aid in various conditions.
There are many different kinds of them, ranging from tablets, powders, to liquids. The aim is always the same, regardless of the situation: to provide the nutrients your body needs and increase your sexual health through diet.
All supplements will contain at least one dietary ingredient, including:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Herbs
- Botanicals
- Amino acids
- Enzymes
The advantage that a supplement can provide is contingent upon its type. We’ll take a deeper look below.
Best Vitamins for Male Sex Drive
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant which can assist in the battle against oxidative strain. Having problems with stress can often lead to a decrease in sex drive, thus taking vitamin C as a supplement can be of assistance. It is located in oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, bell peppers, and white potatoes. It is also readily available in supplement form. Any Vitamin C that your body doesn’t utilize will be eliminated in the urine because it is soluble in water.
Vitamin D
It has been noted that individuals with deficient levels of vitamin D are likely to have decreased testosterone concentrations. This research determined that giving middle-aged males lacking in vitamin D supplementation can result in an enhancement of their sexual hormones. Getting an adequate amount of Vitamin D can be obtained through sun exposure, although not all people can count on getting enough of it from the sun. Vitamin D can be found in various edibles such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, egg yolks, nourished cereals, and milks.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant which can combat oxidative stress and support the immune system. Vitamin E has been demonstrated to be effective when taken together with vitamin C in maintaining testosterone and cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Vitamin E can be beneficial if stress is a factor in decreased sexual desire. The top aliments that should be eaten are almonds, peanuts, sunflower seed oil, beets, the leaves of beets, red bell peppers, asparagus, and avocados. It is also available in supplement form.
Selenium
Selenium possesses considerable antioxidant capabilities and is significant for maintaining the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The results of this research demonstrated a connection between thyroid problems and decreased libido, and that rectifying thyroid issues can be beneficial to treating any sexual issues. All of the following can provide good amounts of selenium: Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, beef, tuna, red snapper, cod, and various types of grains. The majority of individuals obtain a sufficient daily amount of selenium from what they eat, but there is also the option of taking supplements.
DHEA
DHEA is a hormone manufactured in the adrenal glands, brain, and testes of men who identify as their sex assigned at birth. It is vital to the maturation of sexuality in young cis male people, yet as cis males get older, the amount of DHEA decreases, and by the time they reach 70, only 10%-20% as much of this hormone exists in the body as there was when they were young. People have praised human growth hormone as a magical “elixir of youth” due to alleged benefits such as heightened libido, greater sexual potency, a decrease in body fat, and an increase in muscle mass. This research indicates that taking an oral dose of DHEA can raise free testosterone levels in middle-aged males, and stop the testosterone from decreasing during high-intensity interval training. A more thorough examination of the security and performance of DHEA supplementation is needed. If you intend to attempt it, it is suggested that you consult with your doctor before doing so.
Zinc
Oysters have long been referred to as an aphrodisiac. All foods have some amount of zinc, but the highest quantity can be found in them. Coincidence? Probably not. Zinc is necessary to make testosterone, which amplifies libido. Zinc levels can decrease if there is not enough of it in the body, leading to a decrease in sperm count. Additionally, a high frequency of orgasms can lead to a decrease in zinc. Zinc can also be acquired from seafood like crab, along with other sources such as beef, pork, lobster, and cashews in addition to oysters. It is also available in supplement and lozenge form.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba, an herb, has shown to work efficiently in Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) to improve waning libido. Speculation exists that expanding blood circulation plays a significant role in sexual enthusiasm and health. This substance must be utilized cautiously, if at all, in conjunction with other drugs since it has the ability to serve as a blood thinner. More studies are required.
L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline has a crucial role in manufacturing nitric oxide, allowing your vessels to loosen and circulation to be increased throughout the body. Some have proposed that it could be advantageous for people with already normal blood pressure, as well as lower sex drive. This investigation displayed that taking a mix of L-citrulline, resveratrol, fenugreek, and caffeine elevates one’s libido.
Saffron
Cis males have reportedly benefitted from consuming the Southeast Asian spice saffron in terms of improved libido and sexual performance. It is hypothesized that crocetin, an offshoot of saffron, could increase the action of nitric oxide synthase in vascular endothelium, resulting in a higher output of nitric oxide. This gas is crucial for the regular circulation of blood. The findings of investigations have been discrepant, necessitating further examination.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a botanical that is employed in Ayurvedic treatments as an anti-inflammatory drug as well as to increase sexual desire. The body is capable of creating the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen from components within it. In a limited research trial, men who were administered 600 mg of fenugreek extract each day for a period of 6 weeks found an increase in their libido. It has been shown to have adverse effects when taken with blood-thinning medications. Consult your physician before using it.
Maca (Lepidium)
Maca is a plant that is native to Peru. It is a vegetable from the same family as turnips or potatoes. This ancient remedy has long been used by the Incas of Peru and is known to boost energy, endurance, desire, and efficiency in the bedroom.
In addition to the claimed advantages for one’s sexual health, the substance has an abundance of nutrients such as arginine, which is needed to make nitric oxide that contributes to erections.
Red Ginseng
Red ginseng is sometimes referred to as “natural Viagra.” It may help with difficulties related to impotence.
Red ginseng has certain compounds known as ginsenosides that aid in easing smooth muscles in the genital area. This results in better quality of erectile function and can even help promote heart health.
L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that advances the formation of nitric oxide, a fundamental compound necessary to develop and maintain an erection.
In 2020, a research demonstrated that taking 2,500 mg of L-arginine daily is just as useful at alleviating mild erectile dysfunction as tadalafil — an ED medication authorized by the FDA.
How To Choose the Right Sexual Health Vitamins For You
When selecting the suitable supplement for your requirements, there are a couple of things you need to contemplate.
Initially, it’s essential to assess the difficulty you aim to address. Earlier, it was pointed out that not all sexual health issues are the same. Discover what your difficulty is and progress from there.
It is necessary to assess any records or research which demonstrate the effects of the dietary supplement and your particular sexual problem. It is essential to validate the research backing the product rather than taking the assertions of the producer at face value.
Sadly, there are a great number of dishonest people in the field of sexual health peddling ineffective pills, or even medications that could be potentially dangerous to one’s health.
The Best Time To Take Sexual Health Vitamins
Generally, it is not important when you take your vitamins during the day. Despite this, some vitamins are more readily taken in by the body in particular conditions.
Vitamins that can be dissolved in water, as the label implies, will blend in best with water. You don’t need to take them with food. The following vitamins are all water-soluble:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin B12
It is preferable to take fat-soluble vitamins alongside fatty compounds while eating a meal containing fat so they can be correctly absorbed. These include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
It has been found that the most advantageous way to take multivitamins is with a meal. This may assist the body in receiving the nutrients without causing an upset stomach.
Possible Side Effects of Taking Sexual Health Vitamins
Before buying any product that claims it can enhance your sex life, it is crucial to do a thorough investigation. Despite the attractiveness of the promises that have been made to men, some do not have proof of their validity and could ultimately lead to undesired vitamin complications.
Some ingredients may lead to adverse reactions or bring on hypersensitive responses. They could also have interactions with any other medication that you are using. A questionable producer might even have undisclosed amounts of hazardous pharmaceuticals which could be hazardous to the consumer.
It’s essential to be aware that the FDA does not have any obligations associated with the approval of supplements (not like traditional prescription drugs).
Legally, dietary supplements must include at least one nutrient such as a vitamin, mineral, enzyme, amino acid, or other compound naturally used by the body. Nonetheless, the additional components used in this recipe may not have been checked for safety or performance.
Final takeaways
It is not uncommon to have decreased sexual desire, so do not feel like you are alone in this. Many cisgender men have occasional periods of decreased sexual activity in their usually active sex life. As one grows older, it is to be expected, and the hectic lifestyle of today can also contribute to it. Do not be afraid to ask for help and guidance from your medical expert. There are numerous ways, whether or not you involve supplementation, which can help you to regain the sexual desire that you want to create a content and healthy intimate life. Remember, it’s a personal choice. It’s not necessary to have the same level of sexual drive as your acquaintances, relatives, or colleagues to have a gratifying sexual experience. However, it is essential that you ensure your well-being and make the wisest decisions.
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