Caffeine and Erectile Dysfunction

By Lindsay Curtis Updated on May 01, 2023
Medically reviewed by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD

This article is a repost which originally appeared on verywellhealth

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

Key Points

‧ Moderate doses of caffeine may improve sexual function.

‧ Caffeine consumption can have a positive effect on emotional health.

‧ Caffeine sensitivity usually increases with age.

Coffee before sex may do more than just wake up the brain. Some research suggests that males who drink two to three cups of coffee a day have lower odds of developing erectile dysfunction, possibly because coffee may stimulate blood flow to the penis.

This article explains how coffee affects sexual performance and reproductive health.

How Coffee Improves Sex

In addition to providing a boost of energy, drinking coffee can make sex better in a variety of ways. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can protect blood vessels, aid circulation, and possibly improve blood flow to the penis, helping men get and maintain erections.

Erectile Function

Men who drink two to three cups of coffee per day may have an easier time getting and maintaining an erection.

In fact, one study found that men who consumed between 85-170 milligrams of caffeine per day were 42% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity.

Those who consumed between 171-303 milligrams of caffeine a day were 39% less likely to report ED compared to those who didn’t consume caffeine.

This may be due to caffeine relaxing the arteries and smooth muscle in the penis, allowing more blood flow and improving erectile function. It may also be because caffeine intake may boost testosterone levels, and having low levels may contribute to ED. Research shows that men who regularly consume caffeinated coffee have higher levels of testosterone than those who do not consume it.

However, a more recent study found no association between caffeine intake and ED.

ED Prevalence

ED is very common. Though the risk of ED increases with age, young men can also experience the condition. Estimates on the prevalence of ED vary, but it is estimated that one out of every 10 men will experience the condition at some point during their life.

Improved Libido

It’s possible that caffeine can ramp up your sex drive. Caffeine is a stimulant, which is a drug that can increase energy and alertness by speeding up your brain and body. This increased energy may also give your sex drive a boost.

In addition to boosting energy levels, caffeine may also increase testosterone levels in men. Research shows that men who regularly consume caffeinated coffee have higher levels of testosterone than those who do not consume it.

One study found that consuming more than 4 milligrams of coffee prior to exercising boosts testosterone levels in athletes. An older study showed that chewing caffeine gum may elevate testosterone levels by up to 14%.

Caffeine’s possible ability to increase testosterone levels may also boost sex drive, as low levels have been linked with low libido.

However, scientists haven’t published research on the effect of coffee on libido in humans.

Decreased Stress

Caffeine may lower anxiety and elevate mood, which could make a coffee drinker happier and more relaxed during sex.

Researchers believe that caffeine can reduce anxiety by blocking receptors of the chemical adenosine, which can prevent the brain from causing a stress response.  However, this may only be the case for low to moderate coffee drinkers. Heavy caffeine intake can actually cause higher anxiety levels.

Side Effects

Though coffee may offer some health benefits, it’s important to drink it in moderation. Too much caffeine can cause a host of unwanted side effects, including:

‧ Anxiety
‧ Jitters
‧ Headache
‧ Insomnia
‧ Increased heart rate
‧ Upset stomach
‧ Dependency

The Food and Drug Administration recommends consuming no more than 400 milligrams (about four to five cups of coffee) per day to avoid side effects.

Caffeine Sensitivity

If you have caffeine sensitivity, even a small amount of caffeine can make you feel unwell. There are varying degrees of caffeine sensitivity: one person may be unaffected, while another won’t be able to sleep hours after consuming it. Caffeine sensitivity tends to increase with age, so you may find you need less coffee as you get older.

How Much Coffee Before Sex?

Coffee boosts energy levels, improves physical endurance, and increases neurotransmitters associated with elevated mood, which can all serve to help improve your sex life.

However, you don’t need to drink an excessive amount of coffee before sex to enjoy the benefits. One or two cups 45 minutes prior to sexual activity may help improve ED, boost testosterone, and give you the energy you need for a positive sexual experience.

Do Energy Drinks Help Sexual Performance?

While caffeine consumed in coffee is generally well tolerated by most people, energy drinks can have a number of negative effects, and there is no evidence to show that energy drinks can help with sexual performance. In fact, long-term consumption of energy drinks is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems, sleep disorders, dental problems, obesity, and calcium deficiency.

Summary

Coffee may be a natural way to help improve your sex life. More research is needed to say for sure, but it appears that drinking coffee can reduce your chances of erectile dysfunction and increase your libido. Coffee may also reduce anxiety and stress, thus making sex more relaxing and enjoyable.

You don’t need to drink much coffee to benefit from its effects. One or two cups 45 minutes before sex should be enough. Avoid drinking more than four or five cups a day, since excess caffeine can lead to unwanted side effects like insomnia and anxiety.

Though some people do find coffee to be helpful, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you have ED or other concerns about your sexual performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drinking coffee before sex improve testosterone?

Research suggests that coffee may temporarily boost testosterone levels, which may be beneficial before sex.  Drinking coffee can also result in the relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle found in the penis and improve blood supply through penile arteries to enhance blood flow to the penis.

What is the link between coffee and testosterone?

Coffee may help boost testosterone levels in men. One study found that men who consumed caffeine five times a day had higher levels of testosterone than men who did not consume it. Researchers concluded that caffeine may act as an aromatase inhibitor (blocking estrogen), which may boost testosterone production. Another study found that caffeine may improve exercise and training outcomes due to its ability to moderately boost testosterone levels.

Does caffeine improve ED?

Moderate levels of caffeine consumption may help improve erectile dysfunction. Research shows that men who consume between 85-170 milligrams of caffeine are 42% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to those who don’t consume caffeine.

Do the symptoms of caffeine sensitivity increase with age?

Yes, caffeine sensitivity increases with age. Young people metabolize caffeine much more quickly than older adults. One study found that it takes seniors 33% longer to metabolize caffeine compared to younger adults.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Lopez DS, Wang R, Tsilidis KK, et al. Role of caffeine intake on erectile dysfunction in US men: results from NHANES 2001-2004. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0123547. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0123547

Maggi, M., Rastrelli, G., & Corona, G. (2020). Both comorbidity burden and low testosterone can explain symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency in men consulting for sexual dysfunction. Asian Journal of Andrology, 22(3), 265. https://doi.org/10.4103/aja.aja_61_19

Wedick NM, Mantzoros CS, Ding EL, et al. The effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on sex hormone-binding globulin and endogenous sex hormone levels: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr J. 2012;11(1):86. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-11-86

Lopez DS, Liu L, Rimm EB, et al. Coffee intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(5):951-959. doi:10.1093/aje/kwx304

Cleveland Clinic. Erectile dysfunction.

Anwar, S., Verma, P., & Dutt, R. (2022). Role of caffeine in inducing anxiety by reducing brain serotonin synthesis blocking adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3). Current Traditional Medicine, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.2174/2215083808666220321145436

Richards, G., & Smith, A. (2015). Caffeine consumption and self-assessed stress, anxiety, and depression in secondary school children. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(12), 1236–1247. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881115612404

Food and Drug Administration. Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?

Landry TM, Saunders MJ, Akers JD, Womack CJ. Caffeine added to coffee does not alter the acute testosterone response to exercise in resistance trained males. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2019;59(9):1435-1441. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09183-7

Lopez DS, Liu L, Rimm EB, et al. Coffee intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(5):951-959. doi:10.1093/aje/kwx304

Beaven CM, Hopkins WG, Hansen KT, Wood MR, Cronin JB, Lowe TE. Dose effect of caffeine on testosterone and cortisol responses to resistance exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008;18(2):131-141. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.18.2.131

Polasek TM, Patel F, Jensen BP, Sorich MJ, Wiese MD, Doogue MP. Predicted metabolic drug clearance with increasing adult age. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013;75(4):1019-1028. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04446.x

 

 

Unhealthy habits that affect men’s sexual health; ways to bid them goodbye

Men’s fertility health is as important as women’s reproductive health. Apart from contributing towards a healthy pregnancy, it also keeps men’s overall health fine and free of diseases. Read on to know what unhealthy hay habits which lead to sexual disorders in men and how you can treat them.

Authored by: Ashima Sharda Mahindra

Updated Dec 11, 2022 | 01:32 PM IST

This article is a repost which originally appeared on TIMES NOW.

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

Key Points

‧ There are many things one can do to improve sexual performance.

‧ A leaner body composition will usually result in better performance.

‧ Engaging in better habits- like more foreplay; and decreasing negative habits- like alcohol consumption- will improve potency.

New Delhi: Many times, sexual disorders in men are equated with their masculinity. Time and again the myth has been debunked by doctors since the stigma does not let men openly talk about and seek help regarding sexual issues they face.

Across the world, men suffer from various sexual and fertility disorders that make them prone to stress, depression, and other mental as well as physical health issues, including infections, kidney failures, and even fatal diseases like cancers.

What are male sexual disorders?

According to Cleveland Clinic, sexual dysfunctions can affect men of all ages but is especially common in older men. The most common problems related to sexual dysfunction include

‧ Ejaculation disorders
‧ Erectile dysfunction
‧ Inhibited sexual desire

These issues can often be corrected by treating the underlying causes. According to statistics, infertility affects about one in every 6-to 7 couples and is treatable only in a few cases but only up to a few extents.

Unhealthy habits that affect men’s sexual health

Here is a list of a few unhealthy habits that affect sexual health in men:

‧ Eating too much salt: According to WebMD, amounts of salty foods are likely to increase blood pressure levels, leading to lower libido. Health experts call for steering clear and away from pre-packaged and processed foods which are high in sodium levels, preservatives, and unsaturated fats.
‧ Stress: Stress is one of the biggest underlying factors which cause most health issues. Constant strain and high levels of anxiety wear you out and decrease sexual desires. Try working towards decreasing stress levels, which are also detrimental to overall health.
‧ You do not indulge in foreplay: According to sexual health experts, it is very important to indulge in foreplay before sex to enjoy and make it last. However, due to various reasons, men do not include more types of stimulation beforehand.
‧ Alcohol dependence: Increased dependence on alcohol and addiction might be a good thing for a short while as they can help you relax but binging on booze can cause you to crash and burn in the bedroom. Doctors say that men struggle with sexual performance issues when they are drunk.
‧  Obesity and being overweight: Obesity and weight issues are one of the main reasons for bad performance in bed. Studies have said that men who are obese are more likely to have erectile dysfunction than those who are not.
‧  Smoking: Smoking, like a lot of other health issues, harms your sexual health as well. Chemicals in tobacco can mess with blood flow, which can cause sexual problems, especially for men.

Ways to boost sexual health

Try some of the following methods to reduce erectile dysfunction, increase stamina, and improve the overall quality of sex:

Manage your stress and anxiety

Since both anxiety and stress can make it hard to get or maintain an erection and distract people from sexual intimacy, you need to formulate some strategies to manage them. A few of them include:

‧ Focusing physical sensations
‧ Regular workouts
‧ Regulating sleep patterns
‧ Working on emotional aspects of your relationship
‧ Seeking therapy

Communicate and address relationship issues

Sexual health is deeply linked with mental health, as emotional bonds can improve sexual experiences. Resolving the situation together with your partner can make you feel less isolated and address any concerns or guilt.

Exercise regularly

Studies have shown that being physically active can drastically reduce a lot of health problems, including sexual ones. Conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes damage nerves and change the amount of blood that flows to the penis. This can make it more difficult to get or maintain erections. Exercise would help proper blood circulation across the body. Also, exercising improves mental health and reduces anxiety.

According to Medical News Today, men can also benefit from exercising the muscles involved in arousal and ejaculation. The following exercise may help:

‧  While urinating, stop the flow of urine. Repeat several times and learn to identify the muscles involved.
‧  When not urinating, try to contract these muscles for 10 seconds. Relax them for 10 seconds, then contract them for another 10 seconds.

Practice meditation

Health experts suggest that the practice of mindful meditation greatly improves sexual functions, and helps you manage stress, depression, and other mental health issues as well.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRP for Erectile Dysfunction: Research, Benefits, and Risks

Can PRP Treat Erectile Dysfunction? Research, Benefits, and Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Kevin O. Hwang, MD, MPH — Written by Daniel Yetman on March 6, 2020

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Healthline

Edited for content

What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a component of blood that’s thought to promote healing and tissue generation. PRP therapy is used to treat tendon or muscle injuries, stimulate hair growth, and speed recovery from surgery.

It’s also used as an experimental or alternative treatment option for:

  • erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Peyronie’s disease
  • penis enlargement
  • sexual performance

There’s currently little research on the effectiveness of PRP for ED. In this article, we’re going to break down what scientists have found so far. We’ll also look at alternative treatment options and potential side effects of PRP therapy.

How does it work?

Your blood is made of four different components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood and makes up about half of its volume. Platelets are critical for helping your blood clot after an injury. They also contain proteins called growth factors that help speed up healing.

The theoretical benefit of PRP for ED is to make the tissue and blood vessels in the penis healthier.

To prepare PRP, a medical professional takes a small sample of your blood and spins it in a machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the plasma and platelets from the other parts of your blood.

The resulting PRP mixture has a much higher concentration of platelets than regular blood. Once the PRP is developed, it’s injected into your penis. This is called the Priapus Shot, or P-Shot.

The P-Shot is a quick procedure, and you’ll likely be able to leave the clinic in about an hour. You also don’t have to do anything to prepare in advance for the procedure.

What does the research say?

Many clinics offering PRP for ED claim that it’s effective, but there’s limited scientific evidence to support their claims. Using PRP for ED is experimental, and its effectiveness is still under review.

A 2020 review looked at all the research available to date on PRP therapy for male sexual dysfunction. The review looked at three animal studies and two human studies for ED. The studies didn’t report any major adverse reactions to PRP therapy.

The researchers concluded that PRP has the potential to be a useful treatment option for ED. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the studies had small sample sizes, and there weren’t adequate comparison groups.

More research is needed to understand the benefits of PRP treatment. The current evidence is mostly anecdotal.

How does PRP compare to other ED treatments?

At this time, it isn’t clear if undergoing PRP therapy will help improve symptoms of ED. Traditional treatment options might be a better alternative until more research is available.

Many people with ED have success with traditional treatment options, which usually target the underlying cause of ED. Your doctor can evaluate you for potential causes of ED, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes, and recommend the best treatment option for you.

Common ED treatments include:

  • Medications. ED medications allow the blood vessels in the penis to relax and increase blood flow.
  • Lifestyle changes. Becoming more physically active, eating a healthier diet, and quitting smoking all have the potential to improve ED.
  • Talk therapy. Talk therapies might help improve ED if it’s a result of psychological causes, such as anxiety, stress, or relationship problems.
  • Targeting underlying conditions. ED is often caused by an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. Treating these conditions has the potential to improve erection quality.
How much does PRP cost?

Few insurance plans currently cover PRP because it’s still considered an experimental treatment. The cost of the P-Shot can range widely among clinics. According to the Hormone Zone, the P-Shot procedure costs about $1,900. However, some clinics may charge up to $2,200 for treatment.

According to the 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, the average doctor fee for a PRP procedure was $683, not including facility and instrument cost.

Finding a doctor

If you’re interested in having PRP treatment for ED, talk to your doctor. They can answer your questions about PRP and refer you to a specialist who performs the treatment. Globally, there are at least 683 registered clinics that can administer PRP for ED.

PRP is usually performed by a doctor or surgeon. However, laws on who can perform the treatment may vary between countries.

When looking for somebody to perform PRP, check their medical credentials to make sure they’re licensed by a medical board before you make an appointment.

If possible, you may also want to speak to one of their previous clients to see if they were happy with their results.

Risks and side effects

The 2020 review mentioned earlier found no major adverse effects in the study participants. However, researchers can’t say whether or not PRP is a safe treatment for ED until more research comes out.

As of now, there have been few clinical trials, and the sample sizes have been too small to make any conclusions.

PRP is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction since the substance being injected is coming from your body. However, as with any type of injection, there’s always a risk of complications, such as:

  • infection
  • nerve damage
  • pain, including pain at the injection site
  • tissue damage
  • bruising
Takeaway

PRP therapy is still an experimental treatment. At this time, it isn’t clear if PRP can help treat ED. The procedure is relatively expensive and isn’t covered by most insurance companies.

Early research looks promising, but until studies with large sample sizes and control groups come out, you may want to stick with traditional ED treatments.

If you’re having trouble getting an erection, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can test you for underlying medical conditions that may be causing ED and recommend an appropriate treatment.

3 Methods to turn them on for Better, More Connected and Deeper SEX

3 Methods to turn them on for Better, More Connected and Deeper SEX

We’ve partnered with TotalMan and will be presenting regular video features from this comprehensive site!

In this video, TotalMan discusses techniques for better sexual performance.

Could you imagine doing one simple thing in the day and it resulting in not only your partner wanting to jump you in bed for sex that night however sex ends up feeling better, more intense and deeper than ever before?

I’d like to promise you, if you at least follow just one of the 3 points I’m going to lay out in this video, you’re going to make that happen.

3 ways to connect with your partner for more a more loving relationship and more intimate, intense and deeper sex than ever.

So whether you’re a man or a woman loving a woman or a man, it does not matter.

Your partner wants to feel connected to you, just as you want to feel connected to them.

The more connected you are, the more open, more vulnerable and even more inviting you both will be to one another not only in life however especially in the bedroom where the real magic happens.

This is a feelings game. Full stop. Fin. Done. Once you master that you will find the intensity and intimacy only inevitably increasing in the bedroom.

It’s often said that a way to a mans heart is through his genitals and a way to a woman’s genitals is through her heart.

So doing any of these 3 points are going to win you some serious brownie points and a way to her heart because essentially all of this says, I’m listening, I know how your feeling and I care.

Enjoy!


 
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9 Benefits of Maca Root & Its Potential Side Effects

maca root benefits and side effects

maca root benefits and side effectsMaca root is the root of a plant native to Peru. Scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, it’s also sometimes known as ‘Peruvian ginseng.’ Maca is actually a cruciferous vegetable – think broccoli, cabbage, kale, or cauliflower, and grows at very high altitudes (above 13,000 feet!) in the Andes mountains.

The root is the edible part of the plant and has been used for generations in both Peruvian cuisine and traditional medicines. Lately, it’s increased in popularity, with claims of improved energy, increased fertility and enhanced sex drive.

What are the Benefits of Maca Root?

Maca root has numerous benefits that has helped popularize it in areas outside of Peru, especially in the form of powdered capsules, as a supplement. These include:

  1. 9 benefits of maca rootVery Nutritious – Like other cruciferous veggies, maca root has packed with vitamins and minerals. A 1 ounce capsule of maca root powder contains:
    — Vitamin C – 133% of RDI
    — Vitamin B6 – 15% of RDI
    — Copper – 85% of RDI
    — Iron – 23% of RDI
    — Potassium – 16% of RDI
    — Manganese – 10% of RDI
    — Protein – 4 grams
    .
  2. Increased Libido – A 2010 scientific review of 4 randomized clinical studies found that after 6 weeks of taking maca root, both male and female participants reported increased levels of desire.
    .
  3. Increased Male Fertility – A review of 5 studies showed maca improved the semen quality of participants – both those who were healthy and those who were infertile. One study of 9 healthy men found that after consuming maca root for 4 months, participants noted a marked increase in both sperm count and motility.
    .
  4. Relieve Menopause Symptoms – As estrogen declines in aging women, menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, irritability, and sleep issues can occur. Maca root has been shown to not only help alleviate some of these symptoms, but also studies indicate maca can help protect bone health, possibly preventing osteoporosis in menopausal women.
    .
  5. Mood Improvement – Research has shown a positive correlation between maca and mood enhancement. It’s believed that the flavonoids in maca are responsible for this reduction in both depression and anxiety.
    .
  6. Improved Physical Performance and Energy – Athletes and bodybuilders use maca to:
    — Increase endurance,
    — Increase strength,
    — Increase muscle mass, and
    — Boost energy.
    .
  7. UV Protection – When maca extract was applied to the skin, like a salve, research found that it helped protect the skin from UV radiation, protecting the skin from sunburn and damage. Of course, this protection does not occur when maca is eaten.
    .
  8. Memory & Learning Improvement – Like ginseng, maca root has been shown to improve memory and learning. This is particularly true for the black variety of maca root.
    .
  9. Reduced Prostate Size – Enlarged prostate is a common issue men experience as they age. It can cause several issues, including challenges with urination. Red maca, with its high levels of glucosinolates, has been shown to help reduce the size of the prostate. This is also associated with reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

What are the Side Effects of Maca Root?

maca root varieties side effectsAlthough maca root is generally safe, it’s always important to talk to your physician to make sure you don’t have any conditions that may make it riskier to take or any current medications you are on could interact poorly. Because of the goitrogens in maca, people with thyroid issues shouldn’t take maca, as these can interfere with the normal functioning of your thyroid.  Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should also talk with their doctor, as the maca could be passed to the fetus or nursing child.