Most men hope to keep their members healthy and functional for as long as possible, preferably until old age. However, it is simply not possible to speak of male reproductive health without considering a man’s overall health. If you are overweight, smoke, or don’t follow a healthy lifestyle, chances are you’ll lose some of that sexual stamina once you’re 50 and older. This is simply because no part of your body is an island, working on its own without relying on the delicate interplay of hormonal, metabolic, and neurological processes. The same goes true for your penis who’s functioning largely depends on a whole range of physical processes. With that being said, here are some things to consider when trying to keep your privates healthy.

1. LOSE WEIGHT

If you are overweight, then you are at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction, infertility, and a declining sex drive. Being overweight is even associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. There are many reasons why this is so, but to put it simply – excess body weight causes chronic diseases which are known to disrupt reproductive health. For instance, many overweight individuals develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes as a result of their excess weight, and both conditions are known to cause erectile dysfunction if left untreated. Being overweight also means that you have too much body fat, and too much body fat leads to excess estrogen production. Too much estrogen in your body can make your testosterone levels drop, and this will negatively affect your sex drive.

2. EXERCISE REGULARLY

Exercising regularly will improve almost all aspects of your health and functioning, and this effect of exercising will help protect your member from age-related decline in functioning. First of all, exercising keeps your heart and blood vessels healthy. Since the quality of your erection depends on the state of your blood vessel and heart health, then exercising could be said to protect you from erectile disorders. Secondly, exercising is also known to boost testosterone production, which will help keep your sex drive sky high. Lastly, aerobic exercising, in particular, is a known mood booster. Most of us are familiar with the role our moods play in sexual health, so keeping your mood positive through exercising can keep you interested in sex no matter what your age. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine even found that exercise improved all aspects of sexual functioning in men regardless of their race.

3. QUIT SMOKING

A sure way to develop erectile dysfunction by the time you turn 50 is by smoking. If your goal is to remain sexually active later in life without the need to use Viagra, then quitting smoking is the best thing you could be doing. Research has found that smoking is the most preventable risk factor for atherosclerosis – a cardiovascular condition that often manifests as impotence in men, and that increases their risk of dying from a heart attack. This is because nicotine from cigarettes causes blood vessel inflammation and stimulates the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels causing them to harden. Hardened blood vessels will cause problems with blood flow to your penis, and this spells trouble for your erections.

4. PAY YOUR DOCTOR REGULAR VISITS

Men are more likely to neglect their reproductive health than are women. This is unfortunate, considering that men’s reproductive health is important for their overall health and well-being.  The most common issues men need to address regarding their reproductive health are STD prevention and treatment, fertility issues, reproductive organ cancer prevention, prostate health, and sexual dysfunction treatment. If you are sexually active, have more than one sex partner, or are older, then you need to pay special attention to your reproductive health. If you notice any changes in your sexual functioning such as problems with achieving an erection, visible changes on your sex organs, or pain and problems while urinating, then make sure to address this with a physician.

5. AVOID ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS

Studies have long ago found that our environment is filled with so-called endocrine disruptors that are negatively affecting a man’s hormones. Endocrine disruptors are toxic chemicals that act like estrogen when finding in the body, and they alter the normal functioning of your endocrine system. Common endocrine disruptors are pesticides, certain food additives, fragrances, and plant phytoestrogens. To limit your exposure to these chemicals, make sure to use organic products, limit your use of personal care products that are not tested for safety, and keep your intake of soy products moderate. Soy contains phytoestrogens which are harmless with normal consumption, but they can have a negative effect when taken excessively or in less traditional forms such as the highly controversial soy protein powder.

6. BOOST YOUR TESTOSTERONE WITH THESE FOODS

Foods considered good for male reproductive health are oysters, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, lean cuts of meat, and many fruits and vegetables. These foods either contain nutrients that support reproductive health such as zinc, B vitamins and antioxidant or they protect you from disease states that can negatively affect your sexual health. Another important nutrient that men need is fat, which is essential for sex hormone production. Cutting out fat completely from your diet is bound to lead to declining testosterone levels that not even testosterone boosters could correct. However, going overboard with fat won’t necessarily cause a spike in testosterone levels. Rather, it is more likely to make you gain weight. So make sure to eat moderate amounts of fat. Also, choose healthy fats such as those found in fish, vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, and avoid saturated fats and those in animal products.

CONCLUSION

Men are often anxious about their privates, worrying about the size and functioning of their members. Surprisingly though, many men often neglect their overall health, which increases their risk of developing diseases strongly associated with erectile dysfunction, declining testosterone, and other reproductive health disorders. For that reason, taking care of your health, with an emphasis on cardiovascular and endocrine health, is key to keeping your privates healthy and functional as you age. You’ll also reduce your risk of infertility, an enlarged prostate, and testicular cancer by following the tips provided here.