Sex and Your Gut

Low sex drive? Erectile dysfunction? Gut bacteria may be key to a good sex life.

• Your gut microbiome plays an important role in sexual health by regulating hormones, neurotransmitters, and more.
• Studies of the gut-sex connection suggest that your microbes play a role in libido and general sexual function.
• New research provides insights into the relationship between microbiome diversity/balance and sexual health.

Human sexual behavior is regulated by key areas of the brain through the action of various hormones and neurotransmitters. Sexual excitation is driven by norepinephrine, dopamine, melanocortin, oxytocin, and vasopressin, while sexual inhibition is regulated by serotonin, opioids, prolactin, and the endogenous cannabinoid system.

What happens if you are dissatisfied with your, or your partner’s, sexual behavior? Sexual problems are common in both men and women and can occur at any age. According to a 2022 report, approximately 40 percent of U.S. females report sexual concerns, while The Journal of Sexual Research³ reveals that 38.2 percent of surveyed sexually active men and 23 percent of women reported one or more of four specific sexual problems including lack of interest, difficulty achieving erection and/or climax, and discomfort with sexual activity.

Sex and Your Gut