Generally, hot weather brings with it scorching heat, sunburn, humidity, sweat, dehydration, dizziness, drought, and certain diseases or complications that may affect a few or a lot of people. However, saying that hot weather may also cause sexual dysfunction in most men opens room for debate.
On the contrary, if indeed, hot weather may cause erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence in men, then it may be an adverse effect caused by other complications due to warm or hot climate conditions.
Here, we’re going to look at can hot weather cause erectile dysfunction in men, and if so, what to do to treat this.
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition that can occur in males. It is not a disease, but rather an internal condition that may cause the erectile external sexual organ of males i.e., the penis, to lack certain functionality. As such, the testosterone hormone in the male body is unable to produce sexual desire or characteristics. This can also lead to unsatisfactory copulation, and eventually, hardship in the sexual relationships between the couple.
Testosterone is a steroid hormone present in males that is produced mostly in the testes and which is responsible for producing sexual characteristics in males. Testes are one of the essential male genital glands which secrete the semen.
One of the main problems of erectile dysfunction is the inability or lesser desire to copulate due to the lack of hormone (testosterone) that allows the erection of the male genital organ before intercourse. This can further negatively affect fertility in males as well. Therefore, such problems should not be ignored or neglected and immediate treatment is required.
Main Causes and Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
Some males may often experience low sexual desire (libido) due to low testosterone (male sexual hormone) levels, and because of this factor, men cannot fully indulge in sexual intercourse with their partners. This sexual deficit can further hinder the relationship between the couple or partners.
Erectile dysfunction is a rare but quite serious condition occurring in one out of seven males and at any age. If not treated immediately, men with ED could also experience problems like maintaining erections (before or during intercourse), premature ejaculation (orgasm), low semen viscosity (i.e., low sperm quality and count), stamina, etc. Now, these problems could further give rise to one or more psychological conditions, such as embarrassment, anxiety, and depression resulting in hypertension(high blood pressure)and other health problems.
There can be several reasons as to why a condition such as erectile dysfunction occurs in males. Various clinical research shows that erectile dysfunction takes place due to one or more reasons.
Reason For Erectile Dysfunction
- Lack of proper diet, especially those rich in proteins
- Less engagement in physical activities
- Obesity
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- Contraction of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Habits involving smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug addiction
- A side effect caused by other consumable items, medicines, drugs, etc.
- Other health issues
A few common symptoms of low testosterone hormone in males include low sex drive, depressed mood, reduced energy, erectile dysfunction, weak erection, premature ejaculation, low sperm count, fatigue, and other disorders. On the other hand, smoking, consumption of alcohol and drugs, excess weight, and lack of physical activity can also add to the problem.
A low testosterone level could also be a side effect of other consumable items, including foods and beverages, medication drugs, and even non-prescribed drugs, etc., that are taken for longer periods. Knowing food that causes erectile dysfunction will give you a first-mover advantage before you start using that particular food item in excess.
Can Hot Weather Conditions also Contribute to Erectile Dysfunction in Men?
We already know that erectile dysfunction occurs due to various factors, as mentioned above. However, there may also be other factors or elements that may contribute to causing sexual dysfunction, also commonly referred to as ‘impotence’ in a few males, regardless of their age, health condition, and medical history.
In some men, dehydration may directly or indirectly cause erectile dysfunction. Dehydration affects many people, especially during hot weather. In this situation, our body demands water to keep it hydrated for normal functioning of it.
The most common symptoms of dehydration are:
- Thirst
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
Research shows that when hydration levels in your body fall, you begin to produce more of an enzyme known as angiotensin II.
Now, the enzyme angiotensin II’s primary effects on a person’s body can include:
- Stimulation of nerves which creates feelings of thirst and salt craving
- Rise in blood pressure
- Increases water re-absorption and retention in the kidneys
- Narrowed blood vessels (vasoconstriction)
Here, a rise in blood pressure and narrowed blood vessels (vasoconstriction) are the two factors that may cause men to have difficulty in producing or maintaining erections for longer duration. This is because to have firm erections the flow of blood needs to travel into the penis. Also, if the blood vessels become narrow, the body will lose its ability to allow the blood to flow through. Thus, high blood pressure exacerbates this.
An increased blood pressure may also affect your erections and sex drive, and over time may damage blood vessels and arteries. If you think you have problems with your blood pressure, consult your doctor about ways to treat it.
How To Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a rare but concerning health condition occurring in most men of any age group. A person with erectile dysfunction loses the ability to copulate with his partner due to lack of low testosterone level which decreases the person’s sexual desire, thus, resulting in short and unsatisfactory sex drive.
While there are many medication drugs available in pharmacies that can aid in boosting one’s sexual desire and lasting erection, there are solutions to boost one’s sexual desire and the normal functioning of the sexual hormone, and thus, satisfy one’s sex drive with a partner. Most doctors prescribe medications for erectile dysfunction as an effective option. But, people also prefer getting over-the-counter (OTC) products, whether to increase penis size, enhance sexual desire, or delay ejaculation etc. If you are diagnosed with low testosterone, your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment method or you can refer to some of the best testosterone boosters for erectile dysfunction.
Doctors/physicians often prescribe medication drugs to patients who are having difficulty with erection are unable to copulate, and/or experience premature ejaculation. The dosage and duration of taking such prescribed medication drugs vary from one person to another, taking into consideration factors such as the person’s age, weight, severity of the condition, medical history, etc.
In a way, using medication drugs prescribed by a qualified doctor/physician can prove quite useful in treating erectile dysfunction in males. However, chances are that some prescription drugs could also result in causing the condition, either early or later. This is because pharmaceutical drugs, be they generic or branded, do come with side effects that could impact a person’s body and bodily functions in one way or the other.
Things to overcome sexual dysfunction in hot weather:
On the other hand, drinking plenty of water every day before engaging in sexual activity with a partner can treat erectile dysfunction Consider these things to overcome sexual dysfunction in hot weather:
- Avoid spending too much time in the sun
- Take cool showers or baths to regulate your body temperature
- Use a table fan, ceiling fan or air conditioning system to cool down the temperature in your room
These are only a few common steps you can take to beat the heat and allow your body to function normally. However, if nothing works for you, then it’s best to get medical assistance from a healthcare professional.
Wrapping Up
The clarified answer to the statement Can hot weather cause erectile dysfunction completely depends on the lifestyle of an individual. The causes of erectile dysfunction in one individual will definitely differ from others by aligning with his activities.
Erectile dysfunction or impotence can have several causes, and even those that may be unknown to us, as yet. However, this condition can be overcome with the help of medication, therapy, physical exercises, and by bringing changes to one’s diet and lifestyle, of course. Consider getting treated by a expert urologist for better & personalized advice.