Sometimes referred to as impotence, erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to get and maintain an erection during sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction is a common problem men face, especially as they age. A recent study found that about 1 in 3 men have experienced erectile dysfunction at some point in their life.
While frequent erectile dysfunction may be the result of an underlying health condition, occasional erectile dysfunction is often the result of circumstances, either mental or physical. One possible reason a man may be experiencing erectile dysfunction is dehydration.
Learning about dehydration and its effects on the body can help men understand how to lower their chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction in the future. Intimacy is a top priority in any relationship and erectile dysfunction should not get in the way of that.
How Does an Erection Happen?
An erection occurs when the person is sexually aroused (either by sight, touch, taste, sound, or smell). The brain sends messages down to the penis, causing a muscle at the base to relax, allowing blood to flow in. The blood is then trapped inside the penis by a membrane, creating high blood pressure and resulting in an erection.
As described, an erection is a physiological process that involves the entire body, not solely the reproductive organ. So if any one of these parts of the body is compromised, erectile dysfunction may happen as a result.
Hydrate for Sex
Hydration is an important, yet overlooked, aspect of keeping up a healthy sexual life. If a man is experiencing dehydration, blood vessels and veins may compress or tighten, leading to an increase in blood pressure, hindering adequate blood flow throughout all parts of the body, including the penis. This reduction in blood flow can also lead to lower sexual desire and higher sexual disatisfaction, as it numbs sensation in the penis.
When a man is properly hydrated, he has a higher volume of blood cells and plasma, which helps the blood flow throughout all parts of the body, including his penis. Like all other parts of the body, the penis needs oxygen and nutrient rich blood to function properly. If it’s not getting the fuel it needs, erectile dysfunction may occur.
Hydration not only helps prevent erectile dysfunction, but it can also lead to better performance and higher sexual satisfaction. Since the body loses fluid during sex, maintaining a high level of hydration before intercourse helps keep up stamina and energy.
Hydration is Healthy
Hydration is important for any bodily function. Without proper hydration, the body short circuits, leading to various side effects, such as erectile dysfunction. Dehydration occurs when there is an insufficient amount of water in the body, which happens when a person loses more fluid than they are taking in.
Thirst is not always a reliable way to gauge hydration levels; oftentimes, dehydration occurs because people are unaware that they need more water in their system.
Dehydration can occur for numerous reasons, including stress, sickness, and lack of water availability. Environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity levels, and altitude variations can also lead to dehydration. Additionally, dehydration becomes more common as one ages due to a decrease in the body’s fluid reserve and ability to conserve water (which coincides with erectile dysfunction disproportionately affecting older men).
Side Effects of dehydration include the following:
- Listlessness or irritability
- Fatigue
- Extreme thirst
- Dry mouth
- Darker-colored urine
- Less need to urinate
- Lack of stamina
- Dizziness
- Confusion
If left untreated, dehydration can devolve into serious health concerns. These include:
- Long lasting diarrhea
- Chronic headaches and excessive sleepiness
- Bloody stools
- Heat exhaustion
- Kidney related issues, including kidney stones, infections, and failure
- UTIs
- Seizures
Erectile Dysfunction Beyond Hydration
Unfortunately, erectile dysfunction may not always be as easy of a fix as drinking more water. Other common causes for occasional and chronic erectile dysfunction include:
- Stress
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleeping issues
- Alcohol and substance use
- Relationship worries
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Damage to other organs
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Prescription medicines
- Neurological disorders
- Injuries
If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction and notice additional symptoms that may be indicative of a serious health issue, contact a healthcare professional. However, keep in mind that erectile dysfunction is not always an indication of a serious underlying health concern.
Oftentimes, erectile dysfunction is circumstantial; especially in situations of extreme stress or anxiety, you may experience an episode of erectile dysfunction. Additionally, performance anxiety about erectile dysfunction can lead to more episodes of erectile dysfunction. As with all sexual dysfunctions, be open and honest with your partner.
Lifestyle changes can help in preventing erectile dysfunction. Besides keeping hydrated, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, manage alcohol and substance use.
