In recent years, work and life stresses in particular have been increasing sexual problems. In addition to financial anxieties, workplace conflicts, partner or family problems, concerns regarding children, and lack of time turn men off from sexuality. Moreover, the problem is not limited merely to the psychological pressure created by stress. Intense and chronic stress reduces each component of sexual functions, particularly male hormone levels.
Sexuality’s Arch-Enemy: STRESS
When you get stressed, stress hormones such as cortisol-adrenaline are secreted in your body. When these hormones are continuously produced, a series of problems develop, such as headaches, irritability, anger, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety, muscle tension, eating binges, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, and low immunity.. In addition to all these problems, you should know that any condition creating mental distress will also affect your sexual functions. Stress primarily suppresses sexual desire. When there is no sexual desire, certain substances required for an erection, for example nitric oxide found in blood vessels, are not secreted. Thus, there is insufficient blood flow to the genital areas, and many sexual problems arise, including erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and inability to feel pleasure. While acute stress experienced on a given day creates a sexual problem for a short period (for a few days), in the long term, chronic stress decreases testosterone levels, presenting a picture that now requires organic treatment.
Unhealthy Habits Are Increasing
In modern life, the anxiety of being unable to maintain family and life order, the fear of being unable to preserve the standard of living, and the fear of failing to fulfill responsibilities arise in men. These anxieties cause many men to turn to unhealthy habits such as alcohol and smoking. Furthermore, under chronic stress, there are many men who gain weight, develop abdominal fat, eat poorly, do not exercise at all, experience various health problems, and are tense and depressed. This vicious cycle further accentuates the sexual damage caused by stress. Mental and physical tensions compounded by an improper lifestyle create sexual function problems. A man experiencing low sexual desire or encountering erectile dysfunction a few times begins to distance himself from his partner. A man with fear of failure and performance anxiety tries to ignore the problem by avoiding his partner. This turns into tensions, arguments, and relationship conflicts with the partner. These problems in the relationship cause both the man and the woman to feel increasingly inadequate, hurt, or angry.
Breaking the Vicious Cycle
If you have been experiencing a sexual function problem due to chronic stress for more than 2-3 months, you need to consult a physician. In this situation, interviews are conducted in which, in addition to sexual functions, hormone levels, metabolic parameters, and nutrition-exercise status, conflicts with your partner, sources of stress in your life, and your anxiety or depression issues are examined together. As a result of these, recommendations are given for you to cope with stress, strengthen your relationship with your partner, and increase your sexual performance.