The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Dehydration is a common issue many overlook, but its impact on overall health can be significant. One area it can affect — often without people realizing — is sexual health. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is just one of the ways dehydration can affect your sexual wellness.
The Importance of Hydration for Your Body
Water is essential for nearly every bodily function, including regulating your temperature, flushing out toxins, protecting joints and organs, and maintaining proper circulation. Proper hydration also supports your heart, brain and muscle function. The clearer your urine, the more hydrated you are, emphasizing the importance of proper hydration in maintaining erectile function and overall sexual health. Since erectile dysfunction relies on good blood flow and hormone balance, being dehydrated can disrupt these processes and make it harder to maintain or achieve an erection.
Dehydration and Blood Flow
One of the primary ways dehydration contributes to ED is by affecting blood flow. When you’re dehydrated, your blood volume decreases, causing the body to prioritize vital organs to ensure proper function. As a result, less blood is available for other systems, including the genitals.
Additionally, dehydration causes your blood to thin, which can lower blood pressure. Low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the penis.
Electrolyte Imbalance and Erectile Function
Hydration isn’t just about water — electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium are also crucial in maintaining fluid balance. When you’re dehydrated, the electrolyte imbalance can cause your blood vessels to constrict. This constriction can further limit blood flow, making it harder to get an erection.
Dehydration’s Impact on Hormones
Water is vital for hormone regulation. Chronic dehydration can cause a decrease in testosterone, which can cause erectile dysfunction. Testosterone is essential for sexual arousal and maintaining healthy erectile function, so low levels can reduce sex drive and cause performance issues.
Dehydration and Mood
Aside from physical symptoms, dehydration can also affect your mood. Being dehydrated can increase stress, anxiety and fatigue, all of which can negatively affect sexual performance. If you feel irritable or exhausted due to dehydration, it’s no surprise you may struggle with erectile function.
Preventing Dehydration-Related ED
The good news is you can prevent and treat dehydration-related erectile dysfunction. Here are a few tips to help you stay hydrated:
- Drink water regularly: Aim to drink around 15.5 glasses each day or more if you’re physically active or live in a hot climate.
- Electrolyte balance: If you engage in strenuous activity, replenish your electrolytes with drinks that contain sodium, potassium and magnesium.
- Monitor your hydration: Pay attention to signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, fatigue, dark yellow urine or dizziness.
- Consider your overall health: If you already experience ED, make sure you also address other health factors like diet, exercise and stress management.
Stay Hydrated for Better Sexual Health
While dehydration is a relatively simple condition to remedy, its effects on erectile dysfunction are significant. By making hydration a top priority, you can improve circulation, hormone balance and overall mood, all of which contribute to better sexual health. If you experience consistent issues with ED and hydration doesn’t seem to be the sole cause, it may be worth consulting a health care professional to explore other underlying factors.
References:
National Council on Aging. 10 Reasons Why Hydration is Important. (2024, January 24). https://www.ncoa.org/article/10-reasons-why-hydration-is-important/
Long’s Ecowater. How Water Benefits the Body. https://longsecowater.com/blog/how-water-benefits-the-body
Abbott Nutrition News. Hydration and Mental Health: How Are They Related? (2023, March 23). https://www.nutritionnews.abbott/healthy-living/diet-wellness/Hydration-and-Mental-Health--How-Are-They-Related/
Harvard Health Publishing. How Much Water Should You Drink? (2023, May 22). https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink
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