Age isn't the only culprit in men's declining sexual performance - it's mild increases in blood sugar that play a much bigger role, a new study suggests.
The six-year study, presented at the American Endocrine Society's ENDO 2025 annual conference, followed 200 healthy men (aged 18 to 85, without diabetes, heart disease or cancer) to explore the link between metabolism and reproductive function.
The results showed that although hormone levels and semen parameters generally remained normal over time, sperm motility and erectile function were significantly impaired in men with only mildly elevated blood sugar levels - even below the threshold for diagnosing diabetes (HbA1c below 6.5%).
Professor-doctor Michael Zitzmann, Medical University of Muenster (Germany), commented: "It has long been thought that age and testosterone levels are the main causes of decreased male sexual health. But our research shows that this connection is more closely linked to metabolic changes when blood sugar increases slightly."
Specifically, testosterone does not directly affect erectile ability, but is related to the level of sexual desire. Meanwhile, even a slight increase in blood sugar levels has a negative impact on sperm quality and erectile ability.
The study, part of the FAME 2.0 project, began in 2014 with 200 participants, ending in 2020 with 117 remaining in follow-up.
The authors collected data on metabolic indices (BMI and HbA1c), assessed erectile function, desire, and performed periodic semen analysis.
According to Dr. Zitzmann, the positive point is that men can completely take the initiative to maintain long-term reproductive and sexual health through lifestyle changes and timely medical treatment.
"We hope these results will help doctors and patients develop effective plans to protect and restore sexual health. Maintaining sexual and reproductive health is completely within reach, even as we age," he said.
(Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/chi-so-duong-huet-tang-nhe-cung-lam-giam-kha-nang-sinh-san-o-nam-gioi-post1049471.vnp
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