Male Sexual Desire

Male sexual desire is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that includes both psychological and physiological aspects. Let's consider the types of male libido, the influence of erotic thoughts and fantasies on it, as well as physiological arousal.

Sexual Desire and Hormones

Research shows that the relationship between hormones and male libido is not as simple as previously thought.

• Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining the desire for intimacy, but its influence varies depending on the context.
  
  
• Estradiol, a hormone traditionally associated with female physiology, is also present in men and affects their sexual behavior.
  
  
• Prolactin - a high level of this hormone (hyperprolactinemia) is associated with low libido in men. It can inhibit the secretion of gonadotropins, leading to a decrease in testosterone and, consequently, a decrease in the desire for intimacy. Treatment of hyperprolactinemia can successfully restore desire.
  
  
• Oxytocin - is involved in regulating male arousal and emotional connection between partners. It is popular in the therapy of sexual dysfunctions.

How Erotic Thoughts and Fantasies Affect Libido

• They help maintain a high level of arousal and contribute to improving sexual activity.
  
  
• They serve as one way to satisfy sexual needs, especially in the absence of a real partner.
  
  
• They increase self-confidence and improve emotional state.

Research shows that men spend significantly more time thinking and fantasizing about sex compared to women. This is a universal pattern observed in all age and ethnic groups.

Types of Male Libido - in Simple Terms

Male libido in men can range from weak to vigorous and depends on many factors, including age, hormone levels, psychological state, and lifestyle.

Weak

A decrease in testosterone, chronic stress, depression, and taking certain medications (such as antidepressants or drugs for treating hypertension) manifest as a lack of interest in sex and a decrease in the frequency of sexual thoughts and fantasies. Weak arousal is observed with low testosterone, chronic stress, fatigue, and taking certain medications. It is accompanied by poor erection and absence of orgasm.

Consultation with a doctor is necessary for lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and improvement of emotional state.

Moderate

Normal testosterone levels, absence of significant stress factors, and a healthy lifestyle contribute to moderate sexual activity, regular thoughts, and fantasies about sex, stable erection, and regular achievement of orgasm.

Continue to lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and avoid stress.

Strong

High testosterone levels, good physical and emotional state, and positive relationships with partners manifest as increased libido, frequent thoughts and fantasies about sex. Intense and prolonged erections and vivid orgasms accompany intimacy with a partner. Recommendations remain the same.

If you have problems with sexual desire, consult a specialist (sexologist, urologist, endocrinologist, or psychologist) for qualified assistance.

Sources:

1. Nimbi FM, Tripodi F, Rossi R, et al. Male Sexual Desire: An Overview of Biological, Psychological, Sexual, Relational, and Cultural Factors Influencing Desire. Sex Med Rev. 2020;8:59-91.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30803921/

2. Finkelstein JS, Lee H, Burnett-Bowie SA, Pallais JC, Yu EW, Borges LF, Jones BF, Barry CV, Wulczyn KE, Leder BZ, Goldstein DW. Gonadal steroids and body composition, strength, and sexual function in men. N Engl J Med. 2013;369:1011-1022.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789693/

3. Carvalheira AA, Leal I, Costa P. The impact of hypoactive sexual desire on men’s sexual well-being. J Sex Med. 2014;11:154-162. 
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-40783-003

4. Iovino M, Messana T, Iovino E, et al. Neuroendocrine Mechanisms Involved in Male Sexual and Emotional Behavior. NCBI.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7360913/

5. Acute Neuroendocrine Response to Sexual Stimulation in Sexual Dysfunction. SAGE Journals.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7360913/

6. Endocrinologic Control of Men's Sexual Desire and Arousal/Erection.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26944463/

7. The physiological basis of human sexual arousal: neuroendocrine sexual asymmetry. Wiley Online Library.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2605.2004.00514.x