Does obesity lead to decreased sexual function? Health knowledge of obesity induced sexual dysfunction

Obesity and sexual function have mutual influence, that is, obesity can lead to the decline of sexual function, and the decline of sexual function can also lead to obesity.

In terms of the impact of obesity on sexual function, there are some differences between men and women:

Generally speaking, obesity has little effect on their sexual function, but it is more obvious for highly obese people. The decline of sexual function is reflected in the sense of sexual desire, erection, ejaculation and orgasm in sexual life. Sexual desire is related to the amount of androgens in the blood. In normal men, there are few estrogens, most of which are converted from androgens, and few of which are directly secreted by seminal vesicles. They play an important role in regulating the secretion of pituitary gonadotropin and testosterone. Due to the increase of body fat in obese men, androgen can be more converted into estrogen, and the blood concentration can be doubled or more. High estrogen concentration can inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormone, thus reducing the secretion of testosterone. The decrease of androgen and the increase of estrogen in obese men will weaken the sexual function in varying degrees. After effective weight loss, the "contrast" phenomenon of estrogen and androgen can be readjusted, and sexual function can be improved or restored to complete normal.

Among women, the impact of obesity on sexual function is more complex. From the perspective of the impact on reproductive women, it mainly has a significant impact on ovarian function, which can be manifested as abnormal follicular development, ovulation disorder, dysplasia, etc. These changes can significantly affect the menstrual cycle and fertility. According to statistics, the total abnormal rate of amenorrhea, sparse menstruation, irregular menstruation, excessive menstruation and high frequency in obese people is as high as 56%. Obesity can lead to menopause and premature amenorrhea. Another main shadow of obesity on women with fertility is that obesity reduces the gonadotropin score and leads to low levels of androgens in the blood, which is generally manifested as low desire.

In short, obesity, especially high obesity, has an objective impact on the body, including the impact on sexual function. Timely diagnosis, treatment and effective control of obesity and efforts to lose weight are of great significance.