When the warm weather arrives, or even a rare British heatwave, it’s a signal that summer is here. Shorts are on, shirts are off and it is time to head to the beach or light the barbecue in the back garden.
It might also be a time when you can’t quite perform as well as usual in the bedroom. If you’re finding that you can’t get or sustain an erection in hot weather, then you are not alone. But what can you do to ensure you don’t wilt in the heat?
Is heat a direct cause of erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by many different factors unrelated to high temperatures. While heat does not have a direct impact on sexual function, dehydration due to heat is a big factor.
Additional factors include drowsiness and lower libido caused by antihistamines taken for allergies when the pollen count is high.
Fatigue and lower-quality sleep in the hot weather can also lower testosterone production.
What are the effects of dehydration on the body?
An increase in temperatures, particularly when you are not acclimatised, can have a number of physiological responses.
To begin with, you’re more likely to be dehydrated as your body sweats out water and your body’s waste products.
Dehydration can cause increased thirst, dark, strong-smelling pee, confusion and dizziness, tiredness, body aches and headaches.
It has a huge impact on the biological processes in the body:
- Reduced blood volume means your cardiovascular system has to work harder
- Lower fluid levels in the brain and nervous system can cause headaches
- Dehydration also reduces electrolytes, which the body needs to send signals to muscles, potentially causing cramps
- Less fluid in the joints means that you might experience aching
- Kidneys will struggle to do their job of removing toxins, causing strong, dark urine
- Constipation may also be an issue as the body reabsorbs liquid
- Potential heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Dehydration also increases the production of an enzyme called angiotensin II. This, in turn, increases blood pressure and vasoconstriction.
How does dehydration affect sexual performance?
What it comes down to is that dehydration in the summer heat can make it harder to get an erection. Below are outlined some of the biological reasons behind it.
Vasoconstriction
A knock-on effect of dehydration is vasoconstriction, which means that the blood vessels in and around the penis will narrow. This will make it harder to get and maintain an erection.
Reduced blood volume
Lower fluid levels mean there will be less blood available to fill the vascular tissues of the penis to achieve an erection.
Increase in blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common issue in men, whether it is a temporary or chronic condition. When unchecked, it can cause damage to the blood vessels, making them too narrow, which means you would find it more difficult to get hard.
Mood changes
Cognitive impairments caused by dehydration can impact mood and confidence, which will certainly impact performance.
Changes in hormones
Hydration impacts hormone levels in the body. A lack of hydration can increase cortisol and decrease testosterone. Both of these will impact your interest in sex and ability to get aroused.
How can you manage erectile dysfunction in summer?
Enjoying your summer is more than just getting outside in the sunshine; you might want to have a little fun with your partner, too. So, how can you manage or minimise the chances of erectile dysfunction when the weather heats up?
Dealing with dehydration
The simple answer is to drink more water than you would usually, as your body will sweat more. NHS guidance also recommended avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can make dehydration worse. So, maybe skip the beer garden or go for the zero option at the bar.
Squash and fruit juices can also help, and isotonic sports drinks can help replace lost electrolytes. For more severe dehydration, sipping an oral rehydration solution can help treat the issue.
Reduce alcohol consumption
Alcohol may reduce your inhibitions, but it doesn’t help with getting erections. Research shows that regular alcohol consumption can increase the chances of erectile dysfunction. Reducing your alcohol consumption in the summer can counteract the effects and reduce dehydration.
Rest and sleep
Before the heat fatigue hits, make sure you are getting plenty of good-quality sleep and rest when you need to. This can help with testosterone levels and overall mood, too, lessening the impact on your sex drive.
Keep cool
Wearing light, breathable clothes and sticking to shade when the sun is at its highest, where possible, can help regulate body temperature. Having a cooler bedroom environment can help too, and improve sleep quality.
Testicles are designed to be slightly cooler than the rest of your body to keep the sperm healthy. Research on heat stress in sperm has shown that it affects motility and can damage sperm; yet another reason to stay cool.
Take your meds
Medications are available to tackle erectile dysfunction from pharmacies and can be prescribed by GPs. If you are experiencing more chronic issues with achieving and maintaining an erection, there are oral and spray medications available.
Where can you get erectile dysfunction medication?
In the UK, there are four licensed erectile dysfunction drugs available. Their generic names are:
- Sildenafil
- Tadalafil
- Verdenafil
- Avadafil
Tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil are all prescription drugs, and you would need to speak to a GP or an independent prescriber for a consultation.
Approximately one third of pharmacists in the UK are now qualified independent prescribers, which means they can assess your condition and issue prescription drugs.
Sildenafil is available from reputable online pharmacies as a spray or tablets. You can find it under its brand name, Viagra Connect.
However, a generic branded version of the drug with the same active ingredients is also available.
Do you need a GP consultation for sildenafil?
To get sildenafil, you do not have to have a consultation with a GP. However, you will need to have a chat either in person or via an online consultation with a qualified pharmacist before you can buy sildenafil.
They will ask you about your current issues, medical history and general health before issuing the drug. This is to ensure it is safe for you to take it.
They can also discuss any potential side effects and other factors that might be causing your erectile dysfunction problems.
You can find cheap sildenafil online at Menschem, which is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.