ED and Physical health - Kebab anyone?

It is normal for even the most ardent and passionate lover to be tired, stressed, or unwell at times — and therefore not in the most appropriate state of mind for intimacy. These same reasons apply to women and vulva owners and affect their sexual response in a similar way, with two notable differences.

The first is that the effects of these stressors are not as visible, since the similar erectile tissue that engorges during male erection is mostly hidden in the female body, and what is exposed is far less dramatic about the whole affair. As such, the experience of seeing the Commander take an unexpected leave of absence — and furthermore, seeing your partner bearing witness to it — is not something those not equipped with a male organ are accustomed to, or fully appreciate the impact of.

The second is that society and popular culture, banter, and delusional expectations — equate ‘masculinity’ with the ability to get it hard on command and keep it hard. Always. No excuses, no exceptions, no off days. This is not something the female of the species experiences in the same way: femaleness is never questioned if the sexual response wanes. This is not to say that women are exempt from pressure or criticism in the sexual sphere — far from it — yet not due to the lack of a physically evident sexual response.

It is more than understandable, then, that a penis that does not respond to its host’s expectations can be a source of real anxiety and fear. So if you feel the ED is more than an occasional lapse, it is worth investigating — if nothing else, to be reassured.

And here is the uncomfortable truth: as much as you might think you have total power and control over your dick, it does not respond to you. It responds to external circumstances and internal context. It is, in this sense, considerably wiser than you give it credit for.

Let’s start with general physical health. Are you eating well — a balanced diet, low in fat and sugars, rich in fibre, protein, fresh fruit and veg? Because if you are stuffing your face with junk food and expecting your dick to function and respond to your wishes without hesitation regardless, then you need to wake up from your three-nights-a-week burger-and-chips laden dream, mate.

And calling it a ‘treat’ does not change its nature, so do not kid yourself. Junk food is called junk food for a reason.

The penis needs blood to fill up its spongy chambers and become erect. This blood travels through your circulatory system, using it like a highway. Fat of the less healthy variety — the saturated and trans fats found in fried food, red meat, cheese, and junk food — acts on different fronts.

Firstly, it works in much the same way as the fatbergs clogging the sewers of London — depositing on the inner lining of your circulatory system, hardening, and reducing flow. You may recall the Whitechapel fatberg that made headlines a few years back: a bus-sized monument to bad dietary choices. Your arteries, it turns out, are quite similar in this respect.

Saturated and trans fats also interfere with the production of the chemical responsible for promoting blood flow. Less flow? Less blood to the penis. You can see where this is going

Another important effect of excess fat in the diet is its influence on testosterone production and utilisation. Testosterone is partly responsible for libido and the motivation to have sex — so if its availability is disrupted, your penis function will be affected too.

In a fat-rich diet, testosterone is more easily converted to oestrogen, reducing its availability. Its transport across the body is compromised. Excess fat contributes to chronic inflammation and increases cortisol production - testosterone’s sworn enemy. All of this chips away, quietly and persistently, at the likelihood of your penis working at its best.

Yes, I know it does not paint a pretty picture. But if you want your dick to work as you wish, then it is worth thinking about what your dietary choices are doing to you and your body.

Switching to a healthier diet can partly reverse the effects of a junk food habit — and this is evidenced in weight loss and an increase in lean muscle, which in themselves affect how you see and feel about yourself. You are healthier, stronger, and more confident. And there is a correlation between a confident you and a confident penis. Who knew.

Hormone production can also be restored closer to its optimal level. The body, it seems, is considerably more forgiving than it has any right to be.

A diet change does not replace going to your GP if you suspect low testosterone — a straightforward blood test can assess its availability and distribution, and your doctor can advise from there.

But the correlation between poor diet and poor sexual function, as well as poor health more broadly, is undeniable.

Your penis is paying attention, even when you are not, so listen to it.