Sexual Health
Can Steroids Affect One's Sex Drive?
When we think of steroids, the first thing that comes into mind is usually bodybuilding, gaining muscles, or boosting physical performance. But in reality, the use of steroids extends on the other aspects of our lives. Steroids are known from driving changes in the body’s internal processes, and these changes may have a noticeable impact on your sexual health. If you’re no stranger to steroids, you may have asked yourself: do steroids affect you sexually? To answer that question, this article will give you some insights into what steroids do to your body—and how it may or may not negatively impact your sex life. Steroids: The Pros and Cons Steroids, particularly anabolic steroids, are made from synthetic compounds that are meant to simulate natural testosterone in males. They are usually meant for muscle-building, but they can also be used to support muscle regrowth due to the effects of certain medical conditions and surgery. Using these synthetically produced supplements may spur positive changes and enhance the sexual experience. These advantages include the following: Heightened sexual confidence, mostly stemming from better self-image Boosted sex drive—increased libido results in better sexual performance More frequent orgasms There are also risks and downsides that come with having sex on steroids or while regularly using steroids. These disadvantages may include: Potential erectile dysfunction Decrease in the size of testicles and breasts (for women) Risks involving prostate cancer, infertility due to decreased sperm count, and menstrual issues (for women) In addition to these effects, it’s also worth mentioning how withdrawal and steroid misuse may affect your sex drive. Withdrawal affects each person differently, but it’s highly likely that withdrawal can decrease your libido. Steroid misuse can also lead to adverse affects such as sexual carelessness due to manic behavior. There’s also the possibility of having heightened aggression or irritability, also known as “roid rage”. Abusing steroids can lead to adverse affects not just to your libido, but to your overall health. How Steroids Impact Sex Taking all these pros and cons aside, let’s zoom in on what steroids do to your body during sexual intercourse. As mentioned earlier, anabolic steroids imitate naturally occurring hormones such as testosterone. Because steroids are chemically similar to testosterone, they can activate the body’s testosterone receptors and signal subsequent metabolic reactions such as muscle tissue production. In addition to muscle building and boosting the development of male-specific qualities, there are other other effects that steroids may have on your body, especially during sex. Anabolic steroids can spike calcium levels in the heart, brain cells, and skeletal muscles. Calcium also plays a big role in stimulating neuron signals in your brain. Some studies on animals show that anabolic steroids boost serotonin levels in parts of the brain related to mood. Other than that, steroids are also believed to increase dopamine levels in brain regions associated with your internal reward system. In short, steroids may stimulate the neurotransmitters that make you feel happy and motivated. However, it should be noted that reward pathways can also degrade with chronic steroid use. Erection and Fertility Issues From Steroids If you have been regularly using steroids for a while, there’s a possibility that your sexual performance might be affected. Because steroids make your brain believe that enough testosterone is being produced, your brain may stop sending these signals to your testicles. And since the brain is also inhibiting the release of hormones crucial to sperm production, your fertility might decrease. In one study, it was found that using anabolic steroids may have long-term effects on testosterone production. The study, which analyzed men who have never used steroids as well as former and current users, suggests that current steroid users had the lowest levels of testosterone among the three groups. Another study also suggests that prolonged anabolic steroid use, particularly among bodybuilders, can significantly lower sperm quality. It's this hormonal imbalance that may cause problems in maintaining erections, producing testosterone, and ensuring good sperm quality. https://www.youtube.com/embed/sThLKkY9_lA?1=1&mute=1&enablejsapi=1 Keeping Sexual Dysfunction at Bay When all is said and done, the best way to prevent sexual dysfunction is to avoid excessive use of steroids. However, if you have been using them for a while, it may take time for your testosterone levels to recover. As such, you may need the help of supplements such as viagra that stimulate blood flow to sustain erections. It may also help to use supplemetary equipment such as constriction rings and pumps to improve your sexual performance. Of course, the wisest move would be to consult a medical professional on the treatment options that work best for you. At the end of the day, it would help to apply healthy practices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking the time to rest to keep your body healthy and virile enough for any activity. Aside from improving your form, these practices are a good way to transform your sex life into a healthier, more satisfying experience. ✔️ References 1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-steroids-bad
Learn moreMy Boyfriend Has No Interest In Me Sexually
There are many reasons for a dead bedroom. Lack of communication, low sex drive (libido), a failing relationship, and more. In this article, we'll talk about why your partner might have lost sexual interest and how you might be able to fix it. My Boyfriend Has No Interest In Me Sexually Anymore Low Libido, the technical term for low sex drive, can happen to men for a variety of reasons. Sometimes low male sex drive is due to a short-term problem like stress at work or other life issues that distract your partner from having energy for sex. A busy schedule - ranging from end-of-year exams to intense work deadlines - can leave your partner exhausted and uninterested in anything more than sleep or a night of Netflix & chill, emphasis on chill. While many men experience a sudden, temporary decrease in sex drive, if a man's sex drive lasts for six months or longer and is causing personal distress or causing relationship problem, then it's worth exploring further. Doctors use this criteria to diagnose clinical sexual dysfunction. One of the key pieces that doctors use to evaluate low sex drive in men is whether or not the problems have had an abrupt onset, or if they've been present for all or most of your life. Doctors will also check to see if you’re experiencing a complete lack of sexual thoughts and feelings or if the problem is only when you’re with your current partner. Overall, there are many different factors that are potentially relevant when it comes to a decreased sex drive. When it comes to male libido, there can be situational, emotional, physical, and psychological issues at play. These factors include things like the medications that you're taking, religious upbringing, cultural values, and work or school schedules - each of which can affect your sex drive among many other things. In this article, we'll explore what you or your husband, boyfriend, or male partner can and cannot control about their sex drive. Ultimately, the cause of low male libido might be one or a combination of the following factors, or it could be something unique to your own situation. My boyfriend as no interest in me sexually This is a common complaint that we hear from people - from those with new boyfriends to those in long-term relationships - and it's completely normal. It's common in married folks, too and this advice applies for relationships in any stage. In many cases, this is a problem that can be solved. Short-term Causes for Low Sex Drive in Men There are several causes for low sex drive in men that are typically temporary - these are often the first place you should look when dealing with low libido in a relationship as they tend to be more controllable life factors that affect sex drive. Causes of Stress-related Low Sex Drive Whether it's pressure from your job, exam anxiety, or something else stressful - life events that cause mental distractions are one of the most common causes for low libido in men. Aside from stressful situations literally distracting one's thoughts, hormones released during stressful times lead to difficulty getting in the mood for sex and also difficulty getting and maintaining an erection. How to Fix Stress-related Sex Drive Problems First, talk to your partner about what's causing them to be stressed or distracted. Other than thoughts about sex or thoughts about their performance issues related to sex - what are they thinking about when they wish their mind could stay focused on sex? What things are keeping them up at night? And what things are ultimately causing them to be distracted? Once you pinpoint the root-cause of the issue, you can work with them to set up short-term and long-term plans to avoid or reduce stress-causing factors that are affecting their sex drive. This is easier said than done - no one WANTS to be stressed - so we recommend first thinking through immediate solutions that might be temporary, then moving on to thinking about long-term solutions. For example, if work-related stress is identified as your partner's key distraction leading to low sex drive, try the following: A good short-term solution is to pick 1 night (or morning, lunch, etc. - choose what works best for your schedules!) per week where the two of you can focus on each other with no distractions - no phones, no TV, no pets - just the two of you. This might feel unnatural at first if you aren't used to having intimate time dedicated to each other, but that's exactly the reason that this is a great solution. Your boyfriend or husband is likely used to trying to fit sex into times when they don't have the mental space to get away from other obligations, so as you get used to this dedicated time for sex, it will serve as a meditative time where you can intimately focus on each other with no distractions. A good long-term solution is to think about how you can change your situation so that in one year, your current stressors no longer exist. This might mean big life changes - finding a new company whose culture fits your personality better (ditch that bad boss!), finding a new role that better aligns with your workstyle or schedule (do you really like what you do?), getting past a tough semester in school (can you find a more manageable course load next semester?), or even going to therapy to work on ways to better manage stress. This will look different for everyone, and in many cases it won't be easy, but in the long run you will be happier if you plan better for your future self. My husband has no interest in me sexually There are many different factors that could be affecting your husband's sex drive: a medical condition, a side effect of a medication, a hormonal imbalance, stress, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, or even problems in your marriage that he hasn't brought up.
Learn moreDo Gas Station Boner Pills Work?
Behind the counter of most gas stations and convenience stores you will find some strange looking pills and supplements making all kinds of health claims, promises, and predictions. Commonly known as "gas station boner pills", some of these are related to sex and sex drive, and most claim to improve erections. So do gas station boner pills work? Are they safe? Since the ingredients of these pills are so vastly different from one another, we will need to analyze the ingredients and determine if it's a good combination. What is in Gas Station Boner Pills? Gas station boner pills are composed of a multitude of ingredients. Here is a list of common ingredients and how they work. Yohimbine appears to be backed by the most research, but some of the other ingredients listed can be helpful as well. Note that scientific study sources are provided when relevant, but not all of these supplements and nutrients have been specifically studies for their claimed sexual applications, treatment of erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Yohimbine: Blocks presynaptic alpha-2 receptors. Stimulates mid-brain, increases libido. Might increase local blood flow or decrease outflow. Zinc: Improves testosterone and supports prostate health. Horny Goat Weed: Improves blood flow to the penis by increasing the signaling molecule, nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels to deliver greater blood flow to the penis (1). Oryza sativa: Traditionally used in the Philippines for sexual dysfunction, of an unknown mechanism. Rauvolfia Serpentina: Works similar to SNRIs to boost mood and improve libido. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Increases testosterone and boosts brain reception to testosterone leading to increased libido (2). Maca (Lepidum meyenii): Improves libido and facilitates androgen signaling. A safe dose is up to 5g extract/kg which equals ~11g hypocotyls/kg. Damiana (Turnera diffusa): Increases libido and decreases refractory interval for sexual encounters in male rats (3). Rhodiola rosea: Reduces stress and fatigue, decreases premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Siberia ginseng: Strengthens erections by potentiating nitric oxide effects on smooth muscle relaxation. increases libido by increasing blood testosterone levels through LH signaling, and through increased dopamine (desire), acetylcholine (arousal) and GABA (orgasm) signaling. Increased sperm count by stimulating GDNF expression and activation of CREM, which increases sperm cell survival, and promotes spermatid maturation (4). Wild yam: Stimulates nitric oxide and cGMP to maintain cavernous sinus health and promote firm erections Promotes Leydig cell proliferation and testosterone secretion (5). Soy: Has neither a positive or negative effect on testosterone, estrogens, or sex drive in males (6). L Arginine: An antioxidant, has been shown in animal models to protect and promote sperm maturation and testosterone production by the testes compared to controls in toxic environments (7). Gingko biloba: In rat studies increases testosterone production, ejaculation frequency and decreases serum prolactin a hormone that can lead to decreased libido and testosterone in males (8). Are Gas Station Boner Pills Safe? As stated previously, not all of the listed supplements and nutrients have been specifically studies for their claimed sexual applications. And even worse, many of the gas station boner pills you see don't even list their ingredients. If a package doesn't list the ingredients, it's probably not safe to use. If a drug hasn't been prescribed by a doctor you should at least understand what the ingredients are doing. https://www.youtube.com/embed/TI9NfXxDNyM?1=1&mute=1&enablejsapi=1 Are Gas Station Boner Pills Better Than Viagra and Cialis? The two most common prescription medications for Erectile Dysfunction are Sildenafil (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis). After those two, Vardenafil (Levitra) and Avanafil (Stendra) are also commonly prescribed for ED. All four of these medications have extensive scientific evidence to support their effectiveness and safety. It's safe to assume that all four are more effective than gas station boner pills. Sildenafil (Viagra) Onset: 60 minutes Peak effect: 1-2 hours Duration of action: 2-4 hours Effective in men after prostatectomy and with diabetic-induced ED Taken as needed Adverse effects: sudden hearing loss, dizziness or ringing in the ears, low blood pressure, blue tinged vision, skin flushing, headache up to 46% and nose bleed in up to 13% Tadalafil (Cialis) Onset: 60 minutes or less Peak Effect: 2-3 hours Duration of action: up to 36 hours Adverse effects: should not be taken with severe renal dysfunction Longer duration of action, can be taken as a once daily medication with additional as needed dosing May be effective in psychogenic ED, unlike other PDE5 inhibitors Can help with long term regeneration of endothelial (blood vessel lining) function Also approved for symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) Vardenafil (Levitra) Onset: 60 minutes Peak Effect: 0.5-2 hours Duration of action: 4-6 hours New oral dissolving tablet has a faster onset Adverse effects: high fat meals delay onset of action by delaying absorption by 1 hour, headaches, skin flushing, dyspepsia and runny nose Avanafil (Stendra) Onset: less than 30 minutes Peak Effect: 30-45 minutes Duration of action: 5 hours Most rapid onset More selective for PDE5 than sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil Taken as needed only Absorption is not impacted by food Should You Try Gas Station Boner Pills? Aside from the fact that many gas station boner pills don't list their ingredients, which is unsafe, prescription ED medications have been proven to be more effective. If you are experiencing Erectile Dysfunction, you should talk to your doctor and see if an ED medication prescription is right for you. ✔️ References 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551978/ 2. https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/icch-19/125933938 3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19501274/ 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3861174/ 5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32791294/ 6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33383165/ 7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30590246/ 8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18001735/
Learn moreDoes Drinking Cum Help Your Thyroid?
In an episode of The Kardashians, Kourtney Kardashian said that her and Travis Barker's were having fertility issues. Kourtney underwent tests that showed that her thyroid levels were off. Her doctor gave the couple an unusual solution - Kourtney was to drink Travis's semen four times per week. What's the Thyroid? Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located towards the front of your neck under your skin. It’s a part of your endocrine system and controls many of your body’s important functions by producing and releasing (secreting) certain hormones. Your thyroid’s main job is to control the speed of your metabolism (metabolic rate), which is the process of how your body transforms the food you consume into energy. All of the cells in your body need energy to function. When your thyroid isn’t working properly, it can impact your entire body. How is semen related to the Thyroid? You're probably wondering how drinking cum could possibly be related to your Thyroid. It's a great question - let's dive in. An excess or deficit of thyroid hormones results in changes in the function of your testicles including sperm abnormalities and reduced semen volume. Hyperthyroidism and Semen Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormones. It's been associated with reduced semen volume and reduced sperm density, motility, and morphology. Hypothyroidism and Semen Hypothyroidism is a reduced amount of thyroid hormones. It's typically associated with reduced sperm morphology. Does Drinking Cum Help Your Thyroid? In an episode of The Kardashians, Kourtney Kardashian once revealed that she and husband Travis Barker were having fertility troubles. Kourtney underwent tests to find the root cause of their difficulty conceiving and discovered her thyroid levels were off. Their doctor gave the couple an unusual solution: Kourtney was to drink Travis's semen four times per week to improve her thyroid levels and increase her chances of getting pregnant. So... does this strange suggestion have any truth to it? No. There is no link between swigging semen and improving fertility in women. This is according to Gareth Nye, Ph.D., a lecturer of physiology at Chester Medical School in England who specializes in maternal and fetal health. It's unclear if or why Kardashian's doctor would allegedly make this recommendation when there is no research to support the claim. The Benefits of Drinking Semen As for the overall health benefits of guzzling semen, there's a lack of research in this area, too. Semen contains fructose, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium and other components, so in some ways it's reasonable to assume that there's some benefit in consuming it. Semen doesn't contain enough of these nutrients to be your sole source of vitamins and minerals, so it's more like a healthy snack. There are also claims semen has mood-boosting, stress-relieving and anxiety-reducing benefits, but there's not enough evidence to support these claims. Sex itself can certainly increase mood and reduce stress. The good news is that despite the lack of evidence for many of the claimed benefits of drinking semen, it isn't harmful unless you're allergic to it, so you're unlikely to have any adverse effects from ingesting your partner's ejaculate. Keep in mind that semen can carry STDs, so make sure to practice safe sex. References 1. Thyroid dysfunction and semen quality, Sandro La Vignera and Roberto Vita
Learn moreHow To Make A Woman Squirt
Squirting, also known as female ejaculation, is the release of fluid from the Skene's glands located near the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm (1). It is not a universally experienced phenomenon, and some women may not be able to squirt at all. How To Increase Chances Of Squirting There are a few things that may increase a woman's chances of experiencing squirting: Stimulation of the G-spot: The G-spot is a sensitive area located on the front wall of the vagina, about 2-3 inches inside. Stimulating this area can lead to intense pleasure and potentially squirting. If you're using your fingers a "hook" type "come hither" motion seems to be effective. Start out slow. Arousal: Squirting is more likely to occur when a woman is highly aroused, so it is important to create a relaxed and comfortable environment. Foreplay, meditation, and relaxation can all help. Patience: It may take some time for a woman to squirt, so be patient and don't try to rush the process Communication: Talking openly with your partner about what feels good and what doesn't is important in any sexual encounter. The added relaxation that comes from good communications can also help attempting to squirt Squirting is not something that can be forced or guaranteed. Everyone's body is different and reacts differently, and the vast majority of women cannot squirt with any kind of regularity. Is Female Squirt Just Urine The fluid that is released during female ejaculation, also known as squirting, is a mixture of urine and a fluid from the Skene's glands. The Skene's glands are located near the urethra and are believed to have a similar composition to prostatic fluid in men. The fluid is typically clear and odorless, and some women report that it can be quite profuse. The woman's diet and exercise habits can play a major role in the taste of her vagina and squirt. Not all scientists agree on the exact composition of the fluid, but one thing is clear - squirt does contain urine. Most studies have suggested that the fluid is urine. There are some studies that claim to have found substances chemically different than urine (2). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSdiA761-dE How To Make Her Squirt Aside from the methods listed above that can increase your changes of experiencing female squirting, there are some methods can can increase the volume of squirt (3). Knowing that squirt is urine (or at the very least, mostly urine), hydration is key. Drinking more water: Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Drinking fluids other than water: Fruit juice, herbal tea, and other fluids can contribute to hydration. Eating fruits and vegetables: Many fruits and vegetables have high water content and can help with hydration. Limiting diuretic beverages: Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, which can make you urinate more frequently. Limiting or avoiding these beverages can help you retain more fluids. Exercise: Physical activity can also make you sweat and urinate more frequently. Monitoring urine color: If your urine is pale yellow or clear, it's a good indication that you're well-hydrated. If it's dark yellow or amber, it's a sign that you need to drink more fluids. https://youtu.be/NkKKpa2S2Go Vaginal Probiotics for Squirting Some probiotics are effective for vaginal health, while others are more important for gut health. The women's sexual health supplement Soaking Wet contains the essential probiotics for vaginal health, and optimal vaginal wetness. If squirting is the goal, a wet vagina is step #1. Understanding The Skene's Glands The Skene's glands, sometimes referred to as the female prostate, are crucial to understanding female ejaculation. They are two small, grape-sized glands situated on either side of the urethra, near the vaginal entrance. They secrete fluid that is expelled during squirting, mixed with urine. Here's more about these glands: Anatomy of the Skene's Glands: They open into the urethra. Can be stimulated through the anterior wall of the vagina, where the G-spot is located. Function: They produce a fluid that helps lubricate the urethral opening. This fluid has a similar composition to the fluid produced by the male prostate, including the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Importance in Sexual Response: Stimulation can lead to sexual pleasure, and in some cases, squirting. Not all women experience ejaculation from Skene's gland stimulation. Misconceptions and Myths Surrounding Squirting There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the phenomenon of squirting. It's essential to differentiate between fact and fiction for a comprehensive understanding: It's not "better" or "superior": Just because some women can squirt doesn't mean those who can't are lacking in some way. Every woman's body is unique. Not always linked to orgasm: Some women can squirt without reaching an orgasm, and vice versa. Not a sign of heightened arousal: While arousal can help, squirting is not necessarily a sign that a woman is more aroused than others. Not all women can or will squirt: Just as with any other physiological response, not every woman will experience squirting, and that's perfectly okay. ✔️ References 1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24089-skenes-gland 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36000809/ 3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25545022/
Learn moreWhy Is My Semen Yellow?
Semen is made up of a number of a number of substances including sperm cells, mucus, proteins, sugars (fructose), and enzymes. The color of semen can vary from person to person, but the most common and healthy colors of semen are white, clear, gray, or somewhere in between those three. Alternate colors of semen aren't necessarily indicative of health issues, but they can be. If your semen is a strange color, you may want to see a doctor depending on the color, consistency, and other factors. What Color Should Semen Be The most common and healthy colors of semen are white, clear, gray, or somewhere in between those three. Yellow, brown, and red are other commonly reported colors, but could be a sign of a potential health issue. It's difficult to tell on your own, so you will need a semen analysis by a medical professional, and possibly a prostate exam. Why Is My Cum Yellow Age - Semen can change colors and shades as you age. Age may also change the volume of ejaculate. Diet - Foods that are acidic or contain sulfur, like garlic, pickles, onions, and asparagus. Smoking/Drugs - Smoking has an effect on most mucus, semen included. Urine - If urine remains in your urethra it can color your semen. Withholding Ejaculation - "Older" semen can be a different color than fresh semen. If you don't ejaculate for a long time, don't be surprised by a change. Medical Issues - Prostate and bladder issues can cause semen color changes. Other ejaculation related conditions can change color as well. Vasectomy - Though uncommon, getting a vasectomy can change your ejaculations and potentially your semen color. Another potential cause of yellow semen is Jaundice. Jaundice is a medical condition where an excess of bilirubin builds up in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste by-product of your body breaking down red blood cells. Waste cells are broken down by the liver, but if your liver cannot handle the bilirubin it builds up in the body. Because bilirubin is yellow, it may also cause a yellow hue in the whites of the eyes, skin, mucus membranes, and semen. Yellow semen can be perfectly normal, but if you're having symptoms of other issues it could be an indicator of something more. Why Is My Cum Brown If your cum is red or brown it could mean there is blood in your semen. Another potential cause of red or brown semen can be prostate issues, prostatis, prostate, testicular, or urethral cancer. Prostatitis refers to a group of syndromes that cause pain and infection in the prostate. Prostatitis has four types: Acute bacterial prostatitis - UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) in the prostate gland. Chronic bacterial prostatitis - Recurring UTI caused by bacteria trapped in the prostate gland. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome- Chronic pain condition caused by prostate gland inflammation Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis - Type of prostate gland inflammation that rarely cause symptoms. Since the cause of red or brown semen can vary so greatly, the only way to know for sure is to see a doctor. How To Treat Yellow Semen Treatment for yellow semen will depend on what is causing your yellow semen, and as you saw above, it can be a number of things.. Some causes, such as aging, do not need treatment. If your treatment is caused by food, medications, smoking, or supplements, your semen should return to a normal color after the item you ingested is out of your system. Other conditions, such as sexually transmitted diseases and other infections, may require treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medications. Researching which ones of these options might apply to you can help you narrow down what might be causing your semen to be yellow. Like with all issues related to your penis, testicles, or prostate you will want to see a medical professional. ✔️ References 1. https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/how-many-nutrients-are-in-semen 2. https://www.webmd.com/men/what-to-know-about-yellow-semen 3. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/semen-color-chart#semen-color-chart
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