Sex Drive and Men's Health - Lifestyle Choices That Affect Penis Function

While most men would like to think of themselves as a smoldering fire just waiting for the right invitation to burst into flame, the truth - as even many younger men are aware - is that the fire is prone to fizzle from time to time, leaving them feeling embarrassed and unsatisfied. Lack of sex drive can have a negative effect on a man's self-esteem, as well as causing problems in his intimate relationships, as women are often likely to blame themselves for his apparent lack of interest.

However, it is important for men to understand that it is not their "manliness" at fault for this occasional problem; nor is it necessarily a sign that they are not attracted to their partner. Understanding the lifestyle and penis health issues that can lead to loss of sex drive can help set men straight about how to improve sexual function.

Issues that affect sex drive and penis function

Anything that has a negative effect on a man's overall health can also impact sex drive, as well as his ability to achieve and maintain an erection:

Heart health- The penis depends on a healthy heart to supply it with oxygen and other nutrients that keep it strong; not to mention the extra surge of blood that is needed to flood the erectile chambers and allow erections to form. On the other hand, reduced cardiovascular function can leave men feeling sluggish, disinterested, and lacking in the stamina needed to stay the course in a physical encounter.

Men who exercise regularly, eat right, maintain a healthy body weight and cut out unhealthy lifestyle habits are more likely to be interested in sex and able to perform, even as they grow older.

Emotional well-being- A man's mental state has a lot to do with his level of desire, as well as his ability to perform. Guys who are overly-stressed, anxious, or depressed are less likely to be more than momentarily turned on by the idea of a passionate encounter, and the brain chemistry involved in these conditions can often interfere with the ability to function well.

Learning to manage stress and reducing the factors that increase anxiety can help men to feel better about life in general and once again feel an interest in pursuing physical relations with a partner.

Sleep issues- Not getting enough sleep has been linked to many health problems, from sleep apnea to heart health to diabetes. Men who don't catch 7-8 hours a night or have irregular sleep patterns are also more likely to experience a drop in testosterone levels, which can affect their performance as well as their desire.

Smoking - When it comes to sexual health, smoking is one of the leading causes of loss of function, loss of desire, and even loss of penis sensation. Smoking diminishes heart health, leeches important nutrients from the body, affects lung function, causes hardening of the arteries, and damages nerve tissue, all of which disrupt the complex mechanisms associated with arousal and ability to perform.

Alcohol- While alcohol is often used as a social lubricant, and a small amount can increase libido in both men and women, more than - say - a glass of wine is likely to put a damper on any activity that might follow. Alcohol disrupts the nerve signals that travel from the brain to the penis and back, virtually guaranteeing that what starts out as a sexy evening will fizzle out before either partner is ready.

Penis health - Last but not least, the importance of nutrition in penis health cannot be overstated. As with the rest of the body, the right vitamins, minerals and proteins are absolutely essential to penis function. The penis nerves, blood vessels, erectile chambers, and skin tone and texture all depend on nutrients from the diet and other sources. An all-natural penis health creme (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) that is enriched with nutrients targeting penile function can improve the appearance, responsiveness, and sexual prowess with regular application.

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Erectile Dysfunction - When the Problem Is All in the Head

When things go awry in the bedroom for a man, the problem is often attributed to the physical health of the penis. While it is true that conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, heart health or other problems with the plumbing can contribute to a less than Oscar-worthy performance between the sheets, there may also be psychological factors at play. Psychological factors account for about 10-20% of all cases of erectile dysfunction. Additionally, some problems that originate as a one-time physical issue can actually turn into a recurring psychological problem. Maintaining proper penis health and learning not to sweat the small stuff may help keep self-confidence in the bedroom high and erections firm.

Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety is a psychological issue that many men will suffer from on occasion; however, it becomes a problem when an overwhelming sense of anxiety is associated with doing the deed, thus reducing both performance and pleasure. Some men are so concerned about making their partner see fireworks that they essentially psych themselves out, which is a sure-fire way for the evening to become a disappointing dud. The big problem with performance anxiety is that it feeds upon itself and can set the stage for a negative self-fulfilling prophecy.

Imagine the following scenario: a man and women have evening plans that are sure to lead to an intimate encounter, but the man is up the night before worried about the big date, which leaves him tired and sluggish the next day at work. He then falls behind at work, gets yelled at by his boss and has a skyrocketing stress level all day long. When the big date finally comes, he is feeling tired and he doesn't bring his A-game to the bedroom that night. His partner, meaning well, comments, "It's okay, it happens to lots of guys." Classic line, right? This now gets stuck in his head, and he becomes determined to do better the next night; however, now there is pressure to outdo his performance, and he falters again, further reducing his self-confidence. The pattern may continue to repeat itself, as the man now has a fear of failure in the bedroom. Thus, what started as a physical problem has now become the psychological problem of performance anxiety.

Small Penis Syndrome

Many guys have wondered how they measure up in the manhood department, and while for most it may just be a simple question of curiosity, for others it can take on an entirely new state of mind, even to the point of obsession. Small Penis Syndrome is a state of mind in which men who have a physically adequate size penis are convinced that their penis is too small and reach a state of depression and shame regarding their member. They become obsessed with the idea that they cannot please their partner sexually and may even be fearful of being nude with another person. Men with this syndrome often seek out unnecessary medical consultations, and may even elect to have penis-lengthening surgery.

Other Psychological factors

Several other psychological factors can negatively affect a man's sexual health and performance. Depression, excessive stress, guilt, shame, low self-esteem and loss of interest can all contribute to ED. Feeling bad about one's skills in the bedroom and even the appearance of one's love-stick can also lead to to low self-esteem and reduce one's level of confidence.

Maintaining Sexual Health

Just as ED from physical causes can be treated, so can ED stemming from psychological stressors. For persistent cases of depression, anxiety or Small Penis Syndrome, psychotherapy conducted by a trained counselor has been shown to be effective in treating ED with a psychological etiology

Additionally, engaging in positive coping mechanisms, maintaining good physical health, getting regular exercise, and eating right can all keep the body in peak physical condition. The daily use of a penis vitamin creme (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can also increase sensitivity, and improve the look and feel of the penis, which may enhance ones' self-esteem and self-confidence in the bedroom.

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