A 2011 study published in 'The Journal of Sexual Medicine' shed light on the role of unhealthy lifestyle factors that affect women's & men's sex life. According to the results of the study, sexual dysfunction in men, is affected by poor lifestyle by upto 78%.
Let's take a look at the various lifestyle factors affecting men's sex life.
#1 Smoking
Smoking puts a person at an increased risk of atherosclerosis or hardening of the artery walls, reducing the blood flow. In men, atherosclerosis impairs the blood flow to the penis, reducing their ability towards an erection. Smoking becomes a habit that can get difficult to get rid off, but quitting with determination can help regain erectile function partly, if not fully.
#2 Excessive alcohol and drug use
More than two drinks a day can restrict the blood flow to the penis and also interrupt the production of testosterone (the male hormone). These lead to erectile dysfunction. Further, illegal drugs like cocaine, marijuana, etc. damage blood vessels and restrict the flow of blood to the penis, leading to impotence in the long run.
#3 Lack of activity
Being active, with at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week can reduce a man's risk of erectile dysfunction. However, the busy work lives most people lead today, spending a lot of time sitting leaving very less for any form of exercise, contributes towards a sedentary lifestyle.
#4 Being overweight
The American Urological Association suggests that erectile dysfunction is more common in men who are overweight. It puts them at a greater risk of heart and vascular disease.
#5 High cholesterol levels
Poor nutrition that causes high cholesterol in men damages the blood vessel walls through hardening, narrowing or blockage, including those that lead to the penis. This reduces blood flow to the penis and causes erectile dysfunction.
#6 Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that often stems from poor lifestyle choices. Men with uncontrolled diabetes may find the blood blow to the penis gets affected along with the nerve endings of the region.
#7 Stress
Stress is the result of a chaotic and busy lifestyle, whether at work or at home. Stress prevents the brain from feeling relaxed, impacting the ability to gain and/or maintain an erection.
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Sources:
"Associations of Unhealthy Lifestyle Factors with Sexual Inactivity and Sexual Dysfunctions in Denmark," The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 8, Issue 7, pages 1903-1916, July 2011, Birgitte S. Christensen, Morten Grønbæk, Bo V. Pedersen, Christian Graugaardand Morten Frisch, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02291.x/abstract"Erectile Dysfunction and Lifestyle Factors," WebMD.com, https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/lifestyle-factors-linked-to-ed"Unhealthy habits can wreck your sex life, study reports," Independent.co.uk, https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/unhealthy-habits-can-wreck-your-sex-life-study-reports-2311767.html
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