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In the world we live in, male sexual dysfunction (commonly known as “impotence”) is no longer a taboo topic. Many men, especially middle-aged men over 35, may face such issues.
As a result, everyone is seeking various solutions, and dietary supplements are a widely accepted traditional method. So, are dietary supplements really effective? Are there more scientific methods? Today, let’s talk about this topic.
Effectiveness and limitations of dietary supplements
First, let’s talk about dietary supplements. Dietary supplements have been considered a natural and safe method to enhance overall health and sexual function since ancient times.
In traditional Chinese medicine, many ingredients are believed to have the effect of nourishing the kidneys and enhancing male sexual performance, such as leeks, wolfberries, sea cucumbers, and so on. These ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, which are said to enhance male sexual performance.
Although these traditional beliefs are deeply rooted, scientific research has not provided enough support for the effectiveness of dietary supplements. In fact, there is currently a lack of large-scale, rigorously controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to prove the direct impact of dietary supplements on improving sexual function.
Some studies have suggested that certain foods rich in zinc and selenium do have some benefits for male reproductive health, but these conclusions are often based on small samples or animal experiments, which cannot fully prove their effectiveness in humans.
Scientific Method 1: Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Compared to dietary supplements, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) as a medical intervention has more solid scientific basis. Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone in the body, directly impacting libido, erectile function, muscle mass, and overall health.
As men age, testosterone levels in the body gradually decrease, which is one of the main reasons for the decline in sexual function in many middle-aged men.
While the effects of testosterone replacement therapy are significant, it is not suitable for everyone.
Testosterone replacement therapy should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, with regular monitoring of testosterone levels and other health indicators to avoid potential side effects such as blood clots and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, the long-term safety of testosterone treatment is not yet fully established and requires further research.
Scientific Method 2: Weight Loss and Lifestyle Intervention
If testosterone replacement therapy is a direct method to improve sexual function, then weight loss and lifestyle intervention are indirect means to enhance sexual function by improving overall health. Obesity is closely related to sexual dysfunction. Weight loss not only improves sexual function but also brings about improvements in overall health.
Obesity can lead to health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and severely affect sexual function. This is because excess fat tissue causes hormonal imbalance, especially a decrease in testosterone levels, affecting libido and erectile function.
Scientific research shows that weight loss and lifestyle changes can effectively enhance male sexual function. For example, a prospective study found that a 10% lifestyle intervention weight loss increased total testosterone levels by about 3 nmol/L, while a 30% weight loss through weight loss surgery increased testosterone levels by over 10 nmol/L. These data indicate that weight loss has a significant effect on increasing testosterone levels and improving sexual function.
Combining Dietary Supplements with Scientific Methods
Although scientific methods are significantly effective in improving sexual function, it does not mean that dietary supplements are completely ineffective. Alongside scientific methods, reasonable dietary supplements can have an auxiliary effect.
For example, foods rich in zinc, selenium, and vitamin E can support testosterone production and release, thereby helping to improve sexual function to a certain extent.
Dietary supplements can complement testosterone replacement therapy and weight loss interventions. For instance, the nutrients in traditional ingredients such as leeks and wolfberries can support overall health and improve sexual function to a certain extent. A balanced diet can provide the necessary nutrients for the body, enhancing the overall effect.
By combining dietary supplements with scientific methods, a comprehensive health management strategy can be formed. For example, maintain healthy dietary habits while undergoing testosterone replacement therapy; during weight loss, increase intake of foods rich in essential nutrients. This comprehensive strategy can not only improve sexual function but also enhance overall health.
In summary, there are various methods to improve male sexual function, with the key being scientific and reasonable. While traditional dietary supplements have cultural background and certain nutritional value, their effectiveness is not as solid as scientific methods. Testosterone replacement therapy and weight loss with lifestyle intervention are the two main scientific methods currently used to enhance male sexual function, supported by ample research data and significant effects.
For men over 35, considering their own situation, choosing appropriate scientific methods, and supplementing with reasonable dietary supplements on this basis, can truly achieve health improvement and sexual function enhancement.
References: 1. Dhindsa S, Prabhakar S, Sethi M, Bandyopadhyay A, Chaudhuri A, Dandona P. Frequent occurrence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in type 2 diabetes. J Clin Endocrin Metab 2004; 89: 5462–5468. 2. Grossmann M, Thomas MC, Panagiotopoulos S, Sharpe K, Macisaac RJ, Clarker S et al. Low testosterone levels are common and associated with insulin resistance in men with diabetes. J Clin Endocrin Metab 2008; 93: 1834–1840.
