Is This Ruining Your Sex Life?

Does watching sexual content impact erectile function? The results may surprise you!

This Week’s Yourology With Dr. Malik:

Is This Ruining Your Sex Life?

Welcome to Yourology with Dr. Malik – your weekly prescription for the latest medical updates, valuable insights, and freshest highlights straight from the frontlines of medicine!

Does watching porn ruin your sex life? A recent study looked at 280 men to see whether time spent watching sexual content impacts sexual function. The results? More hours viewing visual sexual stimuli (VSS) were linked to stronger sexual arousal—not erectile dysfunction. In fact, men who watched more VSS had a greater desire for sex with a partner.

This study challenges the belief that watching too much sexual content damages your performance. So, if you've ever worried about this, science suggests the number of hours watching is likely not contributing to issues with erections.

This week, someone asked me, “Hi Dr.Malik, MY QUESTION: My partner and I are turning 50 soon . So my question really is : Is there ever a thing as physically too old for sex??How old is too old for physical sexual intimacy and what would be your BEST ADVICE for men and women 50 years and beyond with respect to sexual intimacy? Thanks so much Dr.Malik for everything you do for all of us! So grateful 🙏”. Here’s the answer to that, there is absolutely no age limit for sexual intimacy! Many people remain sexually active well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. While our bodies change over time, that doesn’t mean pleasure or connection has to fade—it just means adapting. Prioritize open communication with your partner, explore what feels good for both of you, and take advantage of natural boosts in libido, like having sex in the mornings when testosterone is higher. If challenges arise, simple solutions like lubricants, vaginal estrogen, using sex furniture or devices to help make positions easier or addressing health factors can make a big difference. Most importantly, stay optimistic and focus on pleasure rather than performance—intimacy is about connection, not perfection. Embrace this stage with confidence and curiosity, and keep celebrating your relationship!

I love hearing from you, so if there’s a question you’ve been wanting to ask, just let me know. Who knows? Your question might be the one I dive into next!

WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY

Testosterone isn’t just a “male hormone”—in fact, women have four times more testosterone than estrogen, and it plays a critical role in cognitive function, energy, muscle strength, and overall well-being.

I recently joined The Neuro Experience with Louisa Nicola to break down the science behind testosterone in women and why it matters more than you might think. We dive into the impact of testosterone on mood, motivation, and libido, the effects of stress and modern lifestyles on hormonal balance, and the best strategies, both medical and natural, to support optimal levels.

This is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve longevity, vitality, and performance, so tune in here!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY CHANNEL

In the latest episode of my podcast, I dove into whether it's safe to use ED medications like sildenafil or tadalafil for fun, even if you don't have erectile dysfunction. Quote: "Do I think it's harmful to take it if you're having issues? Absolutely not."

Here are some quick takeaways

  • These meds work wonders for ED by improving blood flow but using them recreationally isn't risk-free.

  • Combining them with substances like cannabis or other drugs can lead to unpredictable and sometimes dangerous side effects.

  • If you're considering using them for fun, always consult your doctor first to avoid potential complications.

Remember, these medications are generally safe when used correctly, but going overboard—especially with other substances—can pose serious health risks. Tune in to the full episode for more insights on safely navigating the use of ED medications!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY PODCAST

I had an incredible conversation with Dr. Nicole Prause about the fascinating ways our brains and bodies react to different forms of sexual arousal, the dynamics of pornography use, and the revolutionary realm of sex tech. Dr. Prause shared some eye-opening perspectives! For instance, she mentioned “If you try an abstinence goal, you're very likely to fail. You're very likely to have harm from it.”

Here are a few key points:

  • Partnered interactions provide much higher intensity activation in the brain compared to just watching porn.

  • Caution against the abstinence approach, as it can lead to feelings of shame and potential harm.

  • The realm of sex tech, including innovations like clitoral suction devices, is ever-expanding and quite fascinating.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here to discover why Dr. Prause’s research might just change the way you think about our intimate lives—and check out why listeners are commenting “You are my hero! I grew up in a Catholic but sex positive house. Watching how the country swings from open minded to close minded. Had a TURP in Sept 2024 and had horrible complications and my wife and are just getting back into intimacy sexual expression. I often refer to your videos and knowledge. Thank you!

Check out my new location and book a consultation with me today!

Empowering Your Health Journey

I believe in empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your health. Explore my informative resources for valuable insights on reproductive systems and other health topics.

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As always, remember to take care of yourself because you're worth it!

Yours Truly,

Rena Malik, M.D