Obesity and Sexual Health

When talking about obesity, experts and armchair experts alike focus on the major diseases brought on by obesity and the surface issues of beauty and belonging. There’s a lot of discussion and information out there about diabetes, heart disease, and other issues related to obesity. But what about sexual health? Shouldn’t that conversation be happening, too? We think so. So, let’s talk about obesity, sexual health, and what people need to know.

p>Obesity and Sexual Health: What Are the Risk Factors?

Many men suffering from obesity may also find themselves dealing with a diagnosed medical sexual dysfunction or a psychological issue with having sex. That’s not to say that all obese men have these problems; however, obesity certainly raises their risk.

Sex Stoppers: Medical

Men who have diseases such as high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes often have difficulty maintaining an erection. In fact, men who have diabetes are 50 percent more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED) than other men. Obesity contributes to excess narrowing and hardening of the blood flow, which makes it more difficult to swirl around a larger body and down to the penis with the vigor that causes the erection.

These diseases all contribute in some way to the prevention of either getting an erection or maintaining it. They damage the inner linings of the blood vessels of the penis, which then causes a restriction in blood flow due to lack of dilation.

Obesity can also happen as the result of, and also reduce, the amount of testosterone in the body (it’s the original double-edged sword here). Testosterone starts taking a dip in men between ages 40 and 50. Testosterone starts the whole erection problem off and without it, or with less of it, drive diminishes.

Finally, the inevitable cause: age. With age, sexual stamina decreases. The entire body ages, so it’s natural that a man who was used to producing an erection four times in one day in his 20s may only have the urge or ability three times a week in his 60s.

Sex Stoppers: Psychological

Often overlooked, psychological reasons can cause huge waves in a man’s sexual health. Of course, issues such as depression and anxiety can physically manifest as ED. However, there are much more nefarious effects than ED.

An obese man may be able to produce and maintain an erection without trouble, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he isn’t having sexual problems. Poor self-image is another reason an obese man may shy away from intimacy with a partner. Potential rejection, fear of another person’s unkind judgment, or a demoralizing sense of self can also lead an obese man to ignore his sexual health.

An Easy Reversal

Thankfully, research has shown that 95 percent of erectile dysfunction can be easily treated. First and foremost, a man must address the root cause of his problem, be that medical or mental. After that, he needs to take doctor recommendations and also make lifestyle changes.

Things such as adopting a healthy diet, brining more movement into each day, getting adequate sleep, and not smoking are all critical parts of reversing sexual dysfunction. Doctors also say that a weight reduction of as little as ten percent within a two-month period will vastly improve the issue.

Mental health interventions such as therapy and medication may also be part of a treatment plan.

While making these changes, give the penis a little extra care. Use an expressly formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to strengthen and protect the penis. Look for crèmes that list L-carnitine as an ingredient, as it is a science-backed guardian against peripheral nerve damage. Find a cream with vitamins A and C to ward off bacteria that can result from sweating, and to boost collagen production while fighting against agents of premature aging.

Obesity Can Diminish Penis Sensation

It’s somewhat ironic that as our culture has become ever more obsessed with physical appearance, and with a renewed emphasis on gyms and diets, that obesity has continued to grow as a problem for so many people. It’s common knowledge nowadays that obesity can be a significant deterrent to general health, but it also can have an impact on penis health. For example, a man who suffers from obesity may also find he is experiencing a loss in penis sensation levels - and that can keep him from enjoying sex to the optimum extent.

A growing problem

The National Institutes for Health estimates that 1 in 3 American adults are classified as officially obese. (Obesity is defined as having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or above.) Although the U.S. government has been promoting efforts to bring the obesity rate down to 15%, no state in the most recent survey scored lower than 20.5%. And the trend shows obesity getting worse rather than better.

Why is obesity concerning? Because it can have a big negative impact on a person’s life. Heart attack, stroke and diabetes are some of the complications that are more likely to be associated with obesity. And obesity can also lead to a decrease in penis sensation.

Why a penis sensation effect?

Obesity is generally associated with several problems which can result in penis sensation loss.

- Circulation. Often when a person is obese, they are eating a not-so-good diet. For example, high-fat, high-cholesterol diets can create a situation in which arteries become clogged, severely impacting circulation of the blood. In addition, the extra body mass brought about by obesity can put physical pressure on many blood vessels, further impacting their ability to let blood circulate properly. This can result in passing feelings of numbness in the extremities - including the penis.

- Blood vessel damage. As time goes on, the damage to the blood vessels can become more pronounced. This is especially likely to occur if a person develops diabetes as a result of their obesity. When a person has diabetes, they need assistance in managing blood sugar (glucose) levels. Improperly managed blood sugar can result in tissue deterioration and destruction, often in the blood vessels themselves. This again impacts circulation, which can lead to parts of the body - such as the penis - not getting sufficient blood and therefore not having proper sensation.

- Nerves. Blood vessels are not the only tissues affected by improper glucose levels; so are nerve tissues. Severe deterioration can lead to diabetic neuropathy, in which affected nerves cannot respond to the same level of stimulus as they did in the past. When this occurs in the penis, it means strokes and touches that may have produced pleasurable penis sensation in the past no longer do so, or no longer do so to the same degree.

Fighting obesity can be hard. It generally requires a commitment to dietary changes and incorporating more physical activity into the daily routine. Men who are obese are urged to work with their doctor to develop a sensible plan that can help them bring their weight down to healthier levels. This will not only help avoid loss of penis sensation but can also help them improve their overall health.

Penis sensation diminishment can be caused by things other than obesity, such as aggressive or rough handling of the penis during partner sex or masturbation. Daily utilization of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can be helpful. It’s essential that the crème contains an amino acid known as acetyl L-carnitine. This neuroprotective ingredient can help protect against loss of penis sensation due to rough handling. The crème should also include alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant that protects against penis skin damage from excess free radicals.

Obesity and the Small Penis

Even in today’s health-conscious culture, obesity continues to be a major problem. According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1 in 3 adults in America are considered obese. Clearly, obesity is a general health concern, but for men it can also be a penis health issue. And beyond health, there’s another factor to consider: men who are obese tend to present with a small penis.

Small penis appearance

Does this mean that obesity causes a man’s penis to shrink? Not exactly. Instead, being overweight causes the penis to appear smaller than it actually is.

Part of this is an illusion and has to do with seeing things in comparison. For example, imagine two men standing naked next to each other, each with an erection measuring six inches long and having the same girth. Assume they are the same height, but that one has a waist measuring 34 inches and one a waist measuring 44 inches. Because there is so much more mass "framing" the erection in the second instance, it is going to appear smaller than the erection on the first, leaner man.

But there are other, more insidious ways that obesity contributes to the appearance of a small penis. As stated, being overweight does not make the penis actually shrink. However, as a man’s belly grows, so does his pubic pad. This area at the base of the penis grows out over the penis, hiding that portion underneath a layer of fat. It’s estimated that every 40-50 extra pounds a man gains hides about an inch of his penis in this way. So his penis may still technically be six inches long - but with an inch hidden away, it appears to be only five inches.

How else does a small penis result from obesity? Well, obesity is associated with erectile dysfunction. Blood vessels are weakened by excess fat, so erections are not as full and strong, thus when the penis becomes erect, it often is not as long as it was in the past.

Fight obesity

Fear of a small penis may cause some obese men to take steps to lose some of that extra weight - and that’s definitely a good idea. Maintaining a healthy weight can pay off in many ways beyond just making a man proud of his penis. But it’s important that a man, especially one who has been overweight for a long period of time, checks in with a doctor before beginning a new diet or strenuous next exercise routines.

That said, here are a few things a man can consider to help him fight his obesity.

- Eat around the food groups. Many men eat too much of certain foods, such as fatty meats or sugary foods, and not enough of healthier items like fruits and vegetables. By expanding the kinds of food he eats, a guy can eat healthier and lose weight at the same time.

- Choose smaller portions . It’s not always necessary to "clean the plate" when eating. Men can try taking smaller portions or just eating until their hunger is satisfied, rather than feeling obligated to "eat it all."

- Exercise wisely. Not every guy can jump right into spending two hours working out or running ten miles a day. It’s good to know limits and to start slow. Even just walking 30 minutes a day can be beneficial to a guy who is mostly sedentary.

More than just creating the appearance of a small penis, obesity can make it difficult for a man to properly tend to his penis health. This can more easily be accomplished through the daily application of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . The best crème contains both L-carnitine and L-arginine. The former is a neuroprotective ingredient that is excellent at keeping sensation alive in the penis. The latter is an amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide, which in turn helps keep penile blood vessels healthy.

Dealing with Obesity: Maintaining Good Penis Care

Men are told from an early age that it’s important to take care of their health. But over time, many men indulge a bit too much, and wind up carrying around extra weight. Add in other factors, such as overeating, a sedentary lifestyle or even an injury that prevents a man from exercising, and that extra weight can add up at an alarming rate. Paying close attention to penis care is especially important if a man finds himself in this situation.

One of the most frightening aspects of obesity for some men is the idea that their penis function might be compromised. And unfortunately, in many cases this does happen. That’s part of the reason why good penis care, as well as good overall care, is essential. Here’s more a man needs to know about maintaining good penis care as he deals with obesity.

1. Work on cardiovascular issues. One of the first things a man might notice is high blood pressure. Excess weight always tends to affect the heart, and that means it affects all circulation in the body as well. A man might find that he has trouble getting and maintaining an erection, or he might face other problems in the bedroom, such as feeling lightheaded or extremely fatigued during sex. To help prevent this, a man should speak to his doctor about a good blood pressure medication or other treatments that can help him reverse some of the damage.

2. Watch out for diabetes. Men who are carrying around extra weight might be surprised with a diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes. This means the body isn’t using insulin properly, and blood sugars are far too high throughout the day and after meals. Untreated diabetes can quickly lead to peripheral nerve damage, which can affect any part of the body, including the penis. Good penis care demands a man stays on top of his diabetes treatment, getting exercise and eating healthy.

3. Get more active. In addition to getting in better shape, being more active can actually help ease the problem of shortness of breath - a quite common issue among men who are dealing with obesity. Shortness of breath can gradually affect things in the bedroom, as a man might avoid strenuous lovemaking or otherwise feel fatigue and an uncomfortable pressure in his chest during sexual activity. The more a man is active outside the bedroom, the more likely he will be able to handle fun activities inside the bedroom.

4. Keep self-esteem in mind. Even if a man doesn’t have any of the health issues listed here, he might still suffer from problems in the bedroom. Why? Because he doesn’t feel comfortable with his body, and he’s not comfortable with allowing a partner to see it or explore it. When it comes to self-esteem, looks matter - and for a man who isn’t happy with how he looks, problems in the bedroom are sure to follow. While a guy is working to get down to a healthier weight, he might want to turn to a good counselor to help him understand that the weight does not define him - and it’s something he can change.

Men who are dealing with obesity and worried about their penis care should take note: A powerful penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can go a long way toward protecting his penis. Look for a crème that contains L arginine for nerve health, vitamin A for fighting odor and vitamin C for great vascular care. All this, along with other vitamins and ingredients applied in a Shea butter base, can help a man feel much better about his handsome manhood.

Penis Health and Obesity: Is There a Connection?

Every guy likes to look good and feel good, and that's one reason why tackling obesity can be of benefit to any man. But beyond general health concerns, fighting obesity often pays off in the area of penis health. This relates to general penile health as well as to erectile health. For most men, that could be reason enough to try to shed a few extra pounds.

The obesity problem
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 35% of American adults (close to 79 million people) can be classified as obese. (Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 30 or higher.)

Being significantly overweight can have a substantial effect on one's health - and those effects can be reflected in penis health matters as well.
Among the areas of special concern for men are:

- Cardiac health. When the body has to carry around a great deal of extra bulk, it puts extra strain on the heart. Overworking the heart eventually causes wear and tear and has an impact on its performance. In addition, obesity is often caused by improper diets which contribute to potential accumulations in the arteries. The combination of a weaker heart and blockages in the arteries can seriously impede blood flow. Without proper blood flow, the penis has a difficult time obtaining and maintaining an erection. Diminished blood flow can result in a lessening of sensation in the member as well.

- Depression. Whether obesity contributes to feelings of depression or results from those feelings is a question that is still open to debate. Whatever the answer, there is a link between the two, and whatever the reason for the onset of the depression, increasing weight gain tends to worsen it. Depression, in turn, has a negative effect on sexual performance in most males.

- Endothelium damage. Blood vessels are lined with a thin layer of tissue that coats the inner surfaces of blood vessels, including those in the penis which are functional components in the erectile process. When a man is overweight, the endothelium expands, constricting blood flow.

- Testosterone decrease and penile "shrinkage." Obesity has an impact on testosterone production, which in turn can dampen a man's sexual drive and erectile function. In addition, sometimes excess weight in the midsection hides a portion of the base of the penis under a roll of fat, giving the appearance that the manhood has shrunk.

Fighting fat and its effects
Men who are obese are well advised to consult with a doctor to devise changes to their diet and exercise routine that can help them shed pounds. Being appropriately fit can have an enormous benefit in terms of erectile function and penis health.

In general, establishing a nutritious diet that emphasizes healthy foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products can be beneficial to losing weight. It's also important to watch out for fatty foods and to limit red meat intake to a proper amount.

Regular exercise is also key. While it's great if a man can get into aerobic-based exercises that really get the heart pumping, what's important is making sure a guy is at least more physically active. If this means taking a daily 20-minute walk, that can be a great way to start - and for some men, it may make a big difference.
In addition to fighting obesity, guys can help maintain proper penis health by regular application of a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). The proper crème - that is, one with L-arginine - can help specifically with penis blood flow maintenance. L-arginine helps produce nitric oxide, which in turn keeps blood vessels receptive to flow. It is also advisable for the crème to include vitamin C, which supplements L-arginine in promoting healthy circulation. A man using Man1 Man Oil is well on the way to achieving enhanced penis health.

Erectile Dysfunction – Is Obesity the Source?

Having trouble in the bedroom? Some men find that they suffer a loss of desire at some point, or, despite their urges, they simply can no longer perform how they used to, or even at all. Sexual health is important both for penis care and overall well-being; an inability to achieve erection and/or orgasm, typical symptoms of erectile dysfunction, can have a significant impact on a man’s general health as well as on his relationships.

It’s wise to ask oneself whether weight might be the source of lost libido or erectile dysfunction. Men can familiarize themselves with the connections between obesity and penile health below. Finally, they will find some useful tips at the end of this article for combating both problems at once.

Emotional Connection 
There is an obvious connection between feelings of guilt, shame or disgust concerning one’s body and the lack of desire to expose it to someone else. If a man hates his body, his sex drive will likely be damaged.

While it’s important for anyone who is overweight to make some lifestyle changes for overall health, this doesn’t require that a man hate his body how it is or feels shame toward it. Making those changes can help a man feel good about himself, but another thing men can do to combat negative body image is to cultivate some media literacy. That means learning that the images one sees in magazines and movie posters depict a very narrow range of body types, and these bodies are further altered by editing software. While the unrealistic standards of American beauty culture primarily target women, men are not immune. If a man constantly compares himself to unattainable images, he won’t get over his shame, even if he gets into better shape.

Biochemical Connection
A healthy sex drive requires an ample amount of testosterone in a man’s body. High levels of body fat are associated with high levels of a chemical called sex binding hormone globulin (SBHG) that binds with testosterone. Researchers believe that, the more SBHG there is to bind to testosterone, the less of the latter hormone is available to the body. That results in a diminished sex drive.

Circulatory Connection
Obesity is associated with heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which in turn are associated with poor circulation. This can affect penile health; the penis relies on unimpeded blood flow in order to achieve erections. The oxygen in blood is also needed to maintain penile sensitivity. When circulation is affected, erectile function is affected.

Combating Obesity-Related Performance Problems
The following tips are some things men can try to get things back to normal - or even better than before - in the bedroom:

- Try to lose 10 pounds. This amount can create a boost in testosterone and, in turn, sex drive and function.

- Eat well whether or not weight loss occurs. Fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of fiber in the diet will help keep blood vessels clear.

- As mentioned above, get media literate. Men should try to resist comparing themselves to unrealistic standards and be positive about their bodies.

- Talk to partners about any self-consciousness that may be present. Hearing from a partner that he or she finds a man lovely as he is may give a much-needed confidence boost.

- Keep up appearances. A man can promote positive body image and self-esteem by keeping himself clean - and this is particularly true in the private area. Making sure the penis is thoroughly clean and free of odors eliminates one obstacle to a healthy sex life. A quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with Shea butter, a natural moisturizer, will help keep the skin silky smooth and supple, making it more pleasing to the eye and touch. Other ingredients like L-arginine and acetyl L-carnitine may help combat circulatory and sensation problems as well.