Patient's question:
I have always had a good relationship with my husband. Originally, we used to have sex twice a week. But recently, he seems to have changed a lot. He doesn't seem to be interested in it anymore. I remind him, but he doesn't feel anything.Doctor's answer:
1. Genital Organ Disorders: The genital organs can secrete androgens, which induce sexual desire. After sexual desire is stimulated, the secretion of androgens decreases, leading to reduced sexual desire. Common genital organ disorders include orchitis and epididymitis. If discovered, they should be treated promptly to prevent infertility.2. Neurological and Mental Disorders: Sexual desire is regulated by the nervous system. If the nervous system becomes diseased, interest in sexual life may be lost, causing sexual apathy. Common conditions include neurasthenia, depressive, and personality disorders.
3. Endocrine System Disorders: Human sexual desire is closely related to the endocrine system. Various hormones secreted by the endocrine system regulate sexual function. When the endocrine system is diseased, the secretion of sex hormones decreases, leading to reduced sexual desire or even sexual apathy. Common conditions include hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and pituitary dysfunction.
4. Liver Diseases: The liver participates in the metabolism of hormones in the body. When the liver is diseased and liver function is impaired, it can reduce androgens in men while relatively increasing estrogens, even leading to gynecomastia in men. Consequently, male sexual desire naturally declines. Common conditions include hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
5. Excessive Use of Tobacco and Alcohol: Nicotine in tobacco and alcohol in beverages, after being absorbed by the body, inhibit the production of androgens and block the neural pathways of sexual reflexes, leading to reduced sexual function and sexual apathy. Therefore, quitting or minimizing the use of tobacco and alcohol is one measure to maintain normal sexual function.
6. Excessive Physical Fatigue: Irregular living habits, failure to maintain a regular sleep schedule, and overly stressful work can lead to excessive physical fatigue. To maintain the body's optimal state, the brain needs to focus on rest, reducing sexual desire and causing sexual apathy. Even strong men should pay attention to adequate rest to maintain good sexual function.
When men experience sexual apathy, their wives are often the first to notice it. Therefore, if a wife detects changes in her husband's sexual function, she should encourage him to seek further medical examination. If the cause is another disease, early treatment is crucial. This not only promotes sexual harmony between the couple but also helps in preventing and treating other systemic diseases.