As men age, their bodies go through changes. Specifically, once men turn 30, their testosterone levels gradually decrease. And while this might not be super noticeable at first, it becomes more noticeable the more men age.

Low testosterone is usually associated with sexual symptoms like a low sex drive (libido), sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction (ED), or infertility. However, low testosterone affects more than your sex life. It can also cause chronic fatigue, hot flashes, muscle weakness, loss of muscle, loss of body hair, and weight gain. And it can affect your mental health by increasing depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

In this article, we’re going to look at ways we can counteract this natural progression of male’s sexual health — which are almost always linked back to lower testosterone levels.

Before we begin, let’s cover what we mean by sexual health so we’re on the same page.

What is a male’s sexual health?

Male sexual health is a state of wellbeing that allows them to participate in and enjoy sexual activity. It’s usually associated with the following characteristics:

1. Testosterone levels 
2. Libido, or sex drive 
3. Erectile function 
4. Sperm count 
5. Sperm motility, or quality

And while some of these problems can be embarrassing, it’s important to remember that this is a natural part of life for all men. But there are some natural ways you can increase your sexual health — including restoring your libido, getting rid of ED problems, increasing your fertility chances (including increasing sperm count and motility), and boosting your natural testosterone levels. Let’s take a closer look at each of these common problems first and then we’ll recommend natural ways to improve your sexual health.

1. Testosterone levels

As I stated earlier in this article, almost all sexual health and performance problems can be traced back to male’s gradually declining testosterone levels. The trouble is, there’s no sudden change in men’s hormones as there is with women. Which leaves struggling men wondering about why they’re more irritable, have more mood swings, are more susceptible to heightened anxiety and depression, as well as all the sexual health problems associated with declining levels of testosterone. Men’s testosterone levels begin to decline by about 1-2% each year after they turn 30. However, testosterone levels are different for each man, which can either exacerbate or delay this decline. If you already have low testosterone levels at a younger age, you’re likely to feel the effects of low testosterone more and more as you age. Some of the lesser known symptoms of low testosterone in men include:

• Sleeping pattern changes
• Difficulty concentrating and focusing 
• Lack of motivation 
• Decreased bone density 
• Increased breast size 

And of course, all of the other sexual symptoms explained in the beginning of this post.

2. Libido, or sex drive

One of the biggest signs that you’re suffering from low testosterone levels is that your libidio, or sex drive, is gone. Despite gradually declining testosterone levels, men can lose their sex drive rapidly if their testosterone levels are too low. The internet is full of anecdotal stories from men who have lost their desire to have sex pretty rapidly due to low testosterone levels. Other men report that they simply don’t enjoy sexual activity as much as they once did. In addition to the obvious sexual problems this creates, a lowered libido can also create some mental health problems such as depression. Mental health problems and sexual health problems are more related than they seem. For example, excessive stress and worry can diminish the quality of your sexual life even if you have normal testosterone levels. This is why it’s so important for men to be honest with themselves about these issues.

3. Erectile function 

Low testosterone levels can create a host of erectile problems. Perhaps the most popular (and most embarrassing) is erectile dysfunction (ED). ED can haunt men in several ways. It’s related to a lowered libido, but they’re not necessarily related. ED is commonly referred to as the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. Having infrequent trouble isn’t a cause for much concern, but if it happens frequently it could be signaling a bigger underlying problem. One potential symptom of improper erectile function could be having fewer spontaneous erections. Like with a lowered libido, ED can cause serious mental anguish for men. Suffering from ED can deteriorate your sex life and relationships — which can lead to depression, anxiety, stress, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. (All of which can exacerbate the problem, creating a vicious cycle.) And, ED could mean the inability to get your partner pregnant and start a family. Which leads me into my last point regarding sexual health..

4. Infertility

All of the previously mentioned points can result in male infertility — or the inability to get your partner pregnant. This is probably the worst symptom someone can suffer because the inability to start a family can cause serious confidence and other mental health issues. In addition to the points mentioned above, men’s sperm count and sperm motility (quality) also reduce their fertility. This is linked back to men’s gradually declining testosterone levels. As men age, their sperm count and quality also decline. Infertility is a terrible issue I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. However, there is some good news: There are solutions if you suffer from any of these sexual health problems. Let’s get right down to it.

1. Zinc

Zinc has been widely touted as a way to improve sexual health and function in men for several reasons. Zinc deficiencies are prevalent throughout the world, including the USA. Severe and moderate deficiency of zinc is associated with hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency) in men. So what’s the relationship between zinc and testosterone and the bigger problem of sexual health?

Zinc and testosterone

For starters, zinc plays an important role in producing testosterone (which is the culprit behind many of these sexual health problems in men). A 2006 study about athletes concluded: “Both resting and exhaustion total and free testosterone levels following 4-week zinc supplementation were found significantly higher than the levels (both resting and exhaustion) measured before zinc supplementation (p<0.05).”  And a 1996 study about normal healthy adults reached similar conclusions. Since low testosterone levels are the main culprit behind many of these sexual health issues, supplementing with zinc is a good way to boost your overall testosterone levels, which both directly and indirectly support men’s sexual health. But how does zinc help with other sexual health problems?

Zinc and libido

Some forms of zinc — such as oyster zinc (which has the highest amount of zinc compared to any other food) — may increase your libido. This is for a couple of reasons:

1. Zinc helps with the production of your testosterone — which can help improve your sex drive. 
2. Zinc from oysters specifically boost your dopamine levels, which is a hormone that boosts the libido of both men and women.

Zinc and ED 

ED is a complex issue, which could be the result of a myriad of physical, mental, or sexual issues. That makes it tricky to see how zinc could help with proper erectile functioning. But some studies have suggested that zinc was effective at improving erectile function if the cause was due to a zinc deficiency. A 2010 study looking at the relationship between ED and chronic kidney disease concluded that: “Oral zinc seems to increase testosterone levels and improve sexual dysfunction, but this evidence needs to be confirmed in future larger trials.”  A 2014 study looking into this issue also concluded that a zinc deficiency could be the cause of ED in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Zinc and infertility

Zinc is essential for the formation of sperm. And there have been many studies that have suggested a zinc deficiency could lead to low quality sperm. A 2018 study concluded males with a zinc deficiency have been shown to have less developed testes and reduced sperm count, which seems to imply that increasing your zinc intake could improve fertility. However, a 2020 study found that dietary supplements containing zinc and folic acid didn’t improve sperm count, sperm function, or rates of live birth. Though, a 2019 study looking at females and zinc concluded that lower levels of zinc were associated with a longer time trying to conceive, which could explain why the 2020 study found zinc in men only didn’t increase rates of live birth. So while zinc could help indirectly with infertility, the science seems to suggest it doesn’t make a direct improvement on fertility. But don’t worry, other natural products show promise for helping these issues.

Oyster Zinc recommendations: 1. Oysterzinc by Organic3 The zinc in Oysterzinc uses 100% real oysters from the pristine waters off Ireland. 60 oysters are used in every bottle and include no shell, fillers, or flow agents. Oysters are the richest source of naturally occurring zinc, 10 times more than red meat. In addition to being loaded with zinc (and it’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents), here’s other nutrients also found in Oysterzinc:

• 19 amino acids including Taurine
• 59 minerals including zinc, copper, calcium, manganese, selenium, phosphorous, iron, potassium, and sodium
• 12 vitamins including a good amount of Vitamin B12, along with smaller amounts of other B Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K  and Vitamin C
• Omega 3s DHA and EPA

This is one of our most popular products in our store and is frequently selling out. Click here to order a bottle before they’re gone. 2. 100% Australian Oyster Extract by NXGEN Similar to Oysterzinc, this zinc supplement is made with 100% real oysters — no shells, fillers, or flow agents. NXGEN harvests their oysters from the pure, clean Australian Pacific Ocean. And since it comes from real oysters, this supplement also includes many of the nutrients as Oysterzinc including important amino acids and trace minerals including copper. Plus, this bottle includes 90 servings per bottle compared to Oysterzinc’s 30 servings per bottle. Click here to order 100% Australian Oyster Extract

2. Cordyceps

Cordyceps are adaptogens, a class of plants found to help the body maintain a homeostasis. Cordyceps are known as the “Viagra of the Himalayas.” Adaptogens like Cordyceps are used to balance the nervous system and hormone functions, but have also had a positive normalizing effect on a person’s mood and sleep patterns. While cordyceps aren’t as popular as zinc (and as such, not studied as in-depth), some studies suggest that cordyceps can play an important role in several sexual health functions. A 2016 study found that when cordyceps were administered to 22 males for 8 weeks, it showed 33% increase in sperm count and 29% decrease in the sperm malformations, and 79% increase in the sperm survival rate. Another study found that cordyceps enhanced libido and sexual activity, and restored impaired reproductive function in both sexes of humans. If you’re interested in adding Cordyceps into your supplement stack, I recommend Perfect Cordyceps by Perfect Supplements. Perfect Cordyceps is made with organic Cordyceps Sinensis mushrooms — a natural athletic enhancer and listed as one of Alternative Medicine magazine’s Top Five Natural Energy Boosters. Plus, it’s certified organic, vegan friendly, Gluten-free, and GMO-free, and made without fillers, flowing agents, sugar, yeast, maltodextrin, or magnesium stearate. Order a bottle of Perfect Cordyceps here. Which leads me into the last natural recommendation into improving sexual health in men…

3. Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea is a widely researched herb that may have multiple health benefits, including increased energy and stamina, stress reduction and alleviation of mild depression. Rhodiola rosea is often recommended for and used to help ease the symptoms of menopause in women, but a 2002 study suggests it could be beneficial for men as well. In the small study, they found that administering 150 to 200 mg per day for 3 months substantially improved sexual function in 26 out of 35 men. The herb has been shown to improve energy and reduce fatigue (which both are issues connected to underlying sexual health). Further, rhodiola appears to help your body adapt to various stressors, which is another underlying cause of sexual health issues. If you’d like to try a bottle of Rhodiola rosea, I’d recommend Perfect Rhodiola Rosea by Perfect Supplements. It is 100% wild-crafted and freeze-dried Siberian Rhodiola rosea root. During the freeze-drying process, moisture is frozen and then vaporized. No chemicals are ever used, and the maximum level of nutrients from the Siberian Rhodiola rosea root are retained. Click here to learn more about Perfect Rhodiola Rosea and order a bottle.