EXCLUSIVE: Emotional Intimacy And It’s Impact On Male Sexual Well-Being- Expert Explains

Emotional intimacy crucial for male sexual well-being, reducing stress, enhancing communication, and fostering a fulfilling sexual relationship. Let’s find out why prioritizing emotional closeness and intimacy is essential for sexual health.
Written By  Tanya Dutt | Last Updated: Sep 18, 2023, 05:27 PM IST | Source: Bureau

This article is a repost which originally appeared on ZEENEWS

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

  • Stress, sedentary lifestyles, and various other factors can take a toll on our sexual health
  • Emotional intimacy represents the capacity to establish a profound and genuine connection with your partner
  • A lack of emotional intimacy can lead to feelings of disconnect and dissatisfaction, adversely affecting a man’s sexual well-being

Emotional intimacy plays a pivotal role in male sexual well-being, often underestimated in societal conversations. It encompasses the ability to connect on a deeper emotional level, fostering trust, understanding, and vulnerability within a relationship.

Communication, a fundamental aspect of emotional intimacy, allows individuals to voice concerns, preferences, and insecurities, promoting a fulfilling sexual relationship.

In an exclusive interview with Zee News English, Dr Lalitha Reddy Palle, MBBS, MD, DNB, FICR, Founder, ForMen Health shares if emotional initmacy plays a role in men’s sexual health and well-being.

“Emotional intimacy represents the capacity to establish a profound and genuine connection with our partner, forming the bedrock of strong, wholesome relationships,” says Dr Lalitha.

Dr Lalitha comments further, “This bond relies on transparent communication, trust, and the willingness to be vulnerable, transcending mere physical attraction. The benefits of emotional closeness extend to sexual satisfaction and performance, as it can alleviate performance-related anxiety and pressure, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for both individuals.”

6 Ways Emotional Intimacy Improve Men’s Sex Drive

Listening intently, taking a nonjudgmental position, and spending quality time together while cultivating trust are all part of developing emotional closeness.

Emotional Intimacy Enhances Relationship Understanding

Building emotional intimacy between partners is key to developing a deep understanding and comfort within the relationship. Such understanding forms the foundation for more fulfilling sexual experiences.

Reduced Sexual Dysfunction

Emotional intimacy can play a vital role in reducing sexual dysfunction. It can help alleviate issues such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, particularly when these problems are rooted in psychological factors or stress.

Greater Relationship Satisfaction

As emotional intimacy grows, so does overall relationship satisfaction. When couples are emotionally connected, they tend to experience greater happiness and contentment in their partnership.

Pressure to Perform

The pressure to perform sexually can negatively impact one’s ability to enjoy intimate moments. Emotional intimacy helps relieve this pressure by creating a safe and understanding space, reducing unrealistic expectations.

Alleviate Psychological Factors

Emotional stability in a relationship can alleviate psychological factors that may contribute to sexual problems. It offers a supportive environment for addressing and resolving these issues.

Shared Responsibility

Building emotional intimacy is a shared responsibility between both partners. Encouraging open and honest conversations about emotional needs and desires is essential for fostering a healthy, emotionally connected relationship.

“Emotional intimacy is a crucial component of a satisfying and fulfilling sexual life. It reduces sexual dysfunction, eases performance pressure, and contributes to overall relationship happiness, making it a vital aspect of any partnership,” concludes Dr Lalitha.

In contrast, a lack of emotional intimacy can lead to feelings of disconnect and dissatisfaction, adversely affecting a man’s sexual well-being. It’s essential to prioritize emotional intimacy alongside physical intimacy, recognizing that a strong emotional bond significantly contributes to a satisfying and wholesome sexual life for men.

-END-

Would you like assistance with developing your male enhancement goals?  Please check out our Male Enhancement Consultation Service HERE!

Getting Back Into Sexual Sync

Getting Back Into Sexual Sync

This article is a repost which originally appeared on WORLDHEALTH.NET

Edited for content

Posted on Nov 30, 2020, 8 p.m.

It’s common for longtime partners to fall into romantic ruts. “You don’t stay newlyweds for life, and there are times when romance and sex get routine and less exciting,” says Dr. Sharon Bober, director of the Sexual Health Program at Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

What can you do when you and your partner are sexually out of sync? As with most things in life, if you want change, then you must be willing to change.

“This means giving your relationship the attention it needs,” says Dr. Bober. “You can’t leave everything on autopilot and wait for your relationship to eventually return to normal.”

Ups and downs

As couples age, they also face other challenges to intimacy. For instance, sexual drive varies between the sexes and can be more unpredictable.

Women go through menopause, which affects desire and can make sex uncomfortable. Men often deal with erectile dysfunction, which leads to worry about sexual performance and dampens libido.

But there are upsides to this period of life, too. The kids are out of the house, many couples are more financially secure, and they have more time to relax and enjoy each other

The rules of attraction

Couples can get out of sexual sync when one or both partners feel that they are no longer attractive or sexually appealing, even though this is often not the case. “They may falsely believe they are not desirable and that in turn lowers their own feelings of sexuality,” says Dr. Sharon Bober, director of the Sexual Health Program at Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Make a regular effort to compliment your partner both physically and emotionally, and show that you still want a connection.

Making a new recipe

While erectile dysfunction medication and lubricants can help overcome some of the physical barriers to sex, older couples need to work together to correct an out-of-sync love life.

“There are many strategies that can help get intimacy back in rhythm,” says Dr. Bober. “But it’s like a recipe with multiple ingredients. They work best together.”

Here are some of her suggestions on how to regain romantic rhythm with your partner when sexual drive and interest get out of whack from Harvard Health Publishing:

Restart the romance spark. A satisfying sex life begins outside the bedroom. “Don’t think of your partner as a roommate, but someone you want to bond with,” says Dr. Bober. Try something new together like a hobby or take a class or overnight trip. “Think about how you would woo your partner if you were dating for the first time,” says Dr. Bober.

Plan for intimacy. If motivation is a barrier, set up a sex date. Sometimes you need to make sex happen to get back in the rhythm, similar to scheduling workouts with a trainer. “This way neither partner needs to feel pressured to initiate, but rather together you can plan for and anticipate some romance with each other,” says Dr. Bober.

Find the best time. Energy levels vary throughout the day and night and per person. “Some people like morning romance, and others enjoy it in the evening,” says Dr. Bober. “Couples need to communicate with each other about what time of day is best and try to find a compromise.”

Don’t rush it. Arousal is not as spontaneous as you age. “Put more effort into anticipation and the overall experience of giving and receiving pleasure, which gives both people time for proper arousal and avoids the stress of having to get in the mood quickly,” says Dr. Bober.

Also, make foreplay central to sex. Spend more time hugging, kissing, and exploring each other’s bodies. “Bring back the actions that you found exciting when dating,” says Dr. Bober.

Build from desires. Before and during sex, ask your partner what feels good and what sparks interest. And then share what you like.

“This is a way to build mutual trust,” says Dr. Bober. Besides the physical aspect, desires also could include actions like reading something erotic to each other or watching a sexy movie.

Dr. Bober adds that what really counts is for couples to come together and focus on mutual pleasure.

“For any couple, the key to enhancing desire is communication and connection,” she says. “A little more of both is often great for boosting your sex life.”

Materials provided by:

Content may be edited for style and length.

This article is not intended to provide medical diagnosis, advice, treatment, or endorsement

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/get-back-in-sexual-sync?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WR20201127-Sexuality&utm_id=2616468&dlv-emuid=30521ec4-e0f7-4f58-85f2-31840d544230&dlv-mlid=2616468

Get back in sexual sync

Get back in sexual sync

Here’s how to regain romantic rhythm with your partner when sexual drive and interest get out of whack.

Published: November, 2020

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Harvard Health

Edited for content

It’s common for longtime partners to fall into romantic ruts. “You don’t stay newlyweds for life, and there are times when romance and sex get routine and less exciting,” says Dr. (https://www.ppi.edu.pk/) Sharon Bober, director of the Sexual Health Program at Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

What can you do when you and your partner are sexually out of sync? As with most things in life, if you want change, then you must be willing to change.

“This means giving your relationship the attention it needs,” says Dr. Bober. “You can’t leave everything on autopilot and wait for your relationship to eventually return to normal.”

Ups and downs

As couples age, they also face other challenges to intimacy. For instance, sexual drive varies between the sexes and can be more unpredictable.

Women go through menopause, which affects desire and can make sex uncomfortable. Men often deal with erectile dysfunction, which leads to worry about sexual performance and dampens libido.

But there are upsides to this period of life, too. The kids are out of the house, many couples are more financially secure, and they have more time to relax and enjoy each other.

The rules of attraction

Couples can get out of sexual sync when one or both partners feel that they are no longer attractive or sexually appealing, even though this is often not the case. “They may falsely believe they are not desirable and that in turn lowers their own feelings of sexuality,” says Dr. Sharon Bober, director of the Sexual Health Program at Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Make a regular effort to compliment your partner both physically and emotionally, and show that you still want a connection.

Making a new recipe

While erectile dysfunction medication and lubricants can help overcome some of the physical barriers to sex, older couples need to work together to correct an out-of-sync love life.

“There are many strategies that can help get intimacy back in rhythm,” says Dr. Bober. “But it’s like a recipe with multiple ingredients. They work best together.”

Here are some of her suggestions:

Restart the romance spark. A satisfying sex life begins outside the bedroom. “Don’t think of your partner as a roommate, but someone you want to bond with,” says Dr. Bober. Try something new together like a hobby or take a class or overnight trip. “Think about how you would woo your partner if you were dating for the first time,” says Dr. Bober.

Plan for intimacy. If motivation is a barrier, set up a sex date. Sometimes you need to make sex happen to get back in the rhythm, similar to scheduling workouts with a trainer. “This way neither partner needs to feel pressured to initiate, but rather together you can plan for and anticipate some romance with each other,” says Dr. Bober.

Find the best time. Energy levels vary throughout the day and night and per person. “Some people like morning romance, and others enjoy it in the evening,” says Dr. Bober. “Couples need to communicate with each other about what time of day is best and try to find a compromise.”

Don’t rush it. Arousal is not as spontaneous as you age. “Put more effort into anticipation and the overall experience of giving and receiving pleasure, which gives both people time for proper arousal and avoids the stress of having to get in the mood quickly,” says Dr. Bober.

Also, make foreplay central to sex. Spend more time hugging, kissing, and exploring each other’s bodies. “Bring back the actions that you found exciting when dating,” says Dr. Bober.

Build from desires. Before and during sex, ask your partner what feels good and what sparks interest. And then share what you like.

“This is a way to build mutual trust,” says Dr. Bober. Besides the physical aspect, desires also could include actions like reading something erotic to each other or watching a sexy movie.

Dr. Bober adds that what really counts is for couples to come together and focus on mutual pleasure.

“For any couple, the key to enhancing desire is communication and connection,” she says. “A little more of both is often great for boosting your sex life.”

5 major health benefits of sex — and how much sex is healthy

5 major health benefits of sex — and how much sex is healthy

Mary Sauer

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Insider

Edited for content

Sex has many benefits for mental and physical health.

  • The benefits of sex include reduced stress and anxiety, increased libido, better quality sleep, improved immune system, and a lower risk of heart disease.
  • A healthy sex life can have many short-term and long-term benefits, whether you have sex with a partner or masturbate.
  • This article was medically reviewed by Jason R. McKnight, MD, MS, a family medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine.

A positive sex life can do wonders for your health. And finding what a healthy sex life looks like for you is about understanding what brings you satisfaction.

“Most of what we focus on is that sexual health and intimacy is based on consent, honesty, and mutual pleasure,” says Barb Depree, MD and founder of MiddlesexMD. “If they’re feeling respected and fulfilled it’s going to be healthy for them.”

Moreover, you don’t need to have sex with a partner to find these benefits — solo sex, or masturbation, can also reduce stress and improve overall health.

So whether by yourself or with a partner, here are five of the main health benefits of sex:

Sex can reduce stress and anxiety

Cortisol levels decrease after sex, according to The Journal of Sexual Medicine. This is the hormone that is responsible for the body’s stress response, and with less of it present, you’ll feel more relaxed.

Endorphins are another hormone released during sex. These are associated with increased feelings of pleasure, motivation, and energy. This means sex, like exercise, may be able to boost your mood if you’re feeling down.

“We know that people who engage in sex generally have less anxiety and stress,” Depree says.

Sex increases intimacy and libido

Oxytocin, known as the love hormone, is released during sex. It’s associated with increased feelings of trust and empathy — which is a key part of maintaining intimate relationships.

If you feel more connected to your partner, your desire to have sex — known as libido — may increase.

Stronger libido and intimacy with another person can provide the necessary support to keep yourself mentally and physically well.

Sex can help you get better sleep

The release of oxytocin will also help you fall asleep more quickly after sex.

“More specifically with orgasm for women, sex, in general, helps release oxytocin, which directly impacts the brain to encourage relaxation — and it’s actually a little sedating,” says Depree.

In fact, both men and women self-report better sleep after an orgasm, whether they achieve that with a partner or through masturbation.

In addition to oxytocin, prolactin levels increase after intercourse and orgasm, according to the International Society for Sexual Medicine. This hormone increases your feelings of sleepiness and relaxation, which can also make it easier for you to settle in for the night. (Xanax)

Sex may boost your immune system

In 2018, the Journal of Sex Research found a connection between sex with a partner and improved immune function.

Researchers compared sexually abstinent women with those who engaged in sex at least once a week and found that sexually active women had increased levels of immunoglobin A in their saliva. This antibody plays an important role in fighting off common types of sickness such as respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Additionally, some research has found that masturbation can boost immunity and improve overall health.

Sex can improve heart health

The act of sex is exercise. In fact, research has found that people burn an average of 85 calories during sex lasting roughly 30 minutes.

Exercise is healthy for many reasons, but it’s also one of the best ways to lower blood pressure and prevent your risk of heart disease.

According to Depree, sex has a direct impact on lower blood pressure, both because of the physical and mental health benefits of sex. Lower levels of stress and anxiety are also associated with lower blood pressure, and thus, a reduced risk of heart disease.

The bottom line

Overall, sex can have a wide range of benefits for your mental and physical health.

Sex reduces stress and anxiety, and can boost intimacy and feelings of connection with your partner. It allows you to get better sleep, burns calories, and may also help you fight off infection more effectively.

Over time, a healthy sex life may even reduce your risk of long-term illnesses, such as heart disease.