General health is strongly linked to sexual health

It is commonly known that the healthier you are, the more likely you will be able to achieve and maintain erections, particularly later in life. Proper health habits also promote testosterone production. The Tennessee Men’s Clinic specializes in sexual medicine—including performance and testosterone boosters—but your general health is just as important to us. You have heard us say countless times “sex matters,” and it does to every man and woman healthy enough for sex. But overall health matters just as much, if not more so.

We have created guidelines to help you improve and maintain your overall health, which in turn can help to improve your sexual health.

• Healthy Diet: Eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, protein, fish, chicken, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and grains. Monitor calorie intake and limit the amount of saturated fat you eat. You’ve probably heard this a thousand times, but a healthy diet greatly improves sexual and general health.
• Physical Activity: Walk, ride a bike, jog, exercise, or do any other physical activity you enjoy. Start small and work up to a total of 30 minutes every day (or 60 minutes for four days a week). It is recommended that you get approval from your physician before starting any exercise programs.
• Healthy Weight: Balance the number of calories you eat with the number you burn off during activities. Always watch portion size. Have your BMI (body mass index) screened and know your ideal weight goals. We can check you BMI anytime free of charge.
• Stop Smoking: Talk to your doctor about quitting. There are counseling and medications that can help. Always ask for support. Smoking damages blood flow, and erections require proper blood flow. If you smoke, you are at a much greater risk of developing ED or making it worse.
• Drink Alcohol in Moderation: If you drink alcohol, consume no more than two drinks a day. A standard drink is a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1-ounce of spirits.
• Sleep Well: Try to get 6-8 hours of sleep per night.
• Balance Stress: Increased stress can have a negative effect on general health. We treat many men who have developed ED (erectile dysfunction) due to stress. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) sufferers frequently deal with ED or PE (premature ejaculation). Talk to a mental health professional and get the help you need.

Screenings:

Routine screenings and follow-up appointments with your family doctor and specialists are needed to help maintain good overall health, receive diagnoses, and to manage any health issues that do occur. Follow these general guidelines to ensure that you stay as healthy as possible. As always talk to your family doctor and specialists to personalize your screening guidelines as some health conditions and high-risk profiles can change your need for screening.

If you need help finding a professional for any of these issues, we can help. Talk to your provider or patient coordinator, and we can assist in finding you the help you need.