An occasional problem with sexual performance is nothing to be overly concerned about. However, if it persists and becomes more frequent, there might be something physical going on. If it occurs more repeatedly during the summer months, heat can be the culprit. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and summer heat: what you should know.
Consider Dehydration
During the hot summer months we should be drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. If you don’t keep up the pace compared with the heat, you can become a victim of dehydration. When that occurs, your fluid levels decrease and you create a hormone known as angiotensin. Your blood vessels become constricted and tighten. This affects blood pressure and blood flow throughout your body including your penis. Therefore there is a decrease in sexual satisfaction due to dehydration.
The common signs of dehydration include the following:
A decrease in urine amount and frequency- Dark urine
- A dry mouth and tongue
- Fatigue and decreased stamina
- Feeling dizzy, confused, and disoriented
You can exacerbate this condition by consuming alcohol and caffeine, and an increase in blood pressure can negatively affect your sex drive. Without the proper amount of hydration, your body has side effects and complications leading to ED in summer.
Summer Heat Can Make You Fatigued
When you are over tired which can easily happen in the hot summer, your testosterone production is decreased. You can manage this erectile dysfunction symptom by drinking plenty of water and making sure you are getting enough sleep. Electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium can help you to maintain the proper fluid balance to support healthy circulation.
Summer Allergies
Yes, even allergies can affect your sexual function. Mold spores and pollen are plentiful in the summertime. OTC medications can indirectly affect your sexual health in the summer. Drowsiness, fatigue, and a reduced libido are all common side effects of antihistamines and can impact sexual function in summer.
ED management in summer primarily includes drinking a sufficient amount of fluids to improve circulation, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and getting enough restful sleep.
Schedule an Erectile Dysfunction Appointment in Cleveland, OH
Contact our board-certified urologists at Cleveland Urology Associates if you are having ED issues and want help to manage sexual health in summer. Call (440) 891-6500 to schedule an appointment at our urology clinics in Cleveland, OH today.
Sources: Blokes warned hot weather could cause erectile dysfunction as doc gives advice – Daily Star
24 causes of erectile dysfunction you probably didn’t know about | TheHealthSite.com