Erectile dysfunction can be affected by many factors, including hydration levels. Dehydration can reduce blood volume and affect mood, so a person may find that drinking water can help with maintaining an erection.

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is when a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. An estimated 30 million men experience ED at some point. A wide range of factors can influence ED.

In this article, we look at the relationship between hydration and both ED and sex drive, how you can tell if you are dehydrated, and other causes of erectile dysfunction.
Is dehydration linked to ED?
Being dehydrated may cause a number of physiological changes, such as temporary ED.

It is possible for a person’s hydration levels to influence temporary ED. A lack of sufficient body water can affect a person physiologically and mentally.

Several elements are needed for a man to achieve and maintain an erection. A breakdown in one or more of these steps means he may not be able to achieve an erection that is firm enough for sex. The process includes:

sexual arousal, or the messages sent to the brain that stimulate blood flow to the penis
increased blood flow into two chambers in the penis called the corpus cavernosum that leads to the penis swelling and becoming erect
when a man achieves ejaculation, the blood leaves the chambers, and the erection goes away

When a man is dehydrated, he does not have as much blood volume in his body as when he is properly hydrated. Therefore, his blood vessels become constricted, as there is not enough blood to keep them tense. This impairs blood flow to all parts of the body, including the penis.

Little research has looked at whether dehydration directly causes erectile dysfunction, so further studies are needed.

When a person is dehydrated, their body releases greater amounts of the enzyme angiotensin I, which leads to the blood vessels constricting.

The presence of angiotensin II, which the body makes from angiotensin I, has been associated with sexual dysfunction in animal studies, although more research is needed into how this affects humans.

In addition to the physical effects of dehydration that impact penile erection, mood is also associated with dehydration.

A small scale 2011 study found that mild dehydration was associated with impaired memory, tension, and anxiety in men.

A person’s mental state can have a profound effect on their sex drive and ED. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, stress, anxiety, depression, and nervousness can all contribute to ED. Therefore, it is possible that the mood changes associated with dehydration could lead to ED.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes a range of symptoms, including hyperactivity, difficulty paying attention, and behavioral problems. ADHD may also affect romantic relationships, feelings of self-worth, or even the ability to perform sexually.

These markers are not used to make a diagnosis, and they may be due to the disorder itself or develop as a side effect of medicines used for treatment.

Though ADHD is frequently diagnosed in childhood, it affects the lives of many adults. Some adults with ADHD report experiencing changes in their sex life.
Medical News Today Newsletter
Stay in the know. Get our free daily newsletter

Expect in-depth, science-backed toplines of our best stories every day. Tap in and keep your curiosity satisfied.

Your privacy is important to us
How does ADHD impact sexuality?

Nailing down symptoms is difficult because these changes can affect everyone differently:
Hyposexuality
A person with ADHD may have a low sex drive.

Some people with ADHD report changes in their sex drive.

Some experience hyposexuality or the loss of the desire for sex.

A person experiencing hyposexuality may have no interest in sexual activity whatsoever.

They may find sex challenging to focus on, lose interest in the middle of sexual activity, or become easily distracted.

Hyposexuality might be symptomatic of ADHD in some cases, but it is also a possible side effect of some ADHD medications or antidepressants that are often used to treat ADHD symptoms.
Inability to orgasm

Many people with ADHD experience other issues apart from their sex drive. Some people may have a healthy sex drive but have difficulties reaching orgasm, even after prolonged stimulation. This may be due to boredom, problems staying focused, or other feelings. In some cases, an inability to orgasm is a side effect of medications.
Hypersensitivity

Many people with ADHD experience a physical hypersensitivity to a variety of things, including touch.

Being hypersensitive may mean that stimulation of their genitals might be uncomfortable or even painful in someone with ADHD. This sensitivity may also extend to other senses as well.

Smells or tastes associated with sex may reduce arousal or make it difficult for a person to focus on the act itself, which may lead to difficulties in staying aroused.
Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity, which is a symptom closely associated with ADHD, might also affect a person’s sex life. People with ADHD may find it difficult to relax or unwind, which could make it hard for them to become aroused. They may also feel the need to switch positions frequently or may be unable to stay focused long enough to have sex.
Other symptoms

Adults with ADHD may also present with a range of other symptoms that may include emotional instability or symptoms of anxiety and depression. Symptoms such as these can be extremely challenging on a day-to-day basis and may also affect a person’s sex life.

These emotional issues might put stress on a romantic relationship, making a difficult situation even more difficult than before.

These feelings of anxiety and instability may also affect a person with ADHD who is not in a romantic relationship. These emotions might lead to reluctance in seeking healthful relationships with other people or worry surrounding their individual sexuality.

If a person experiences stress on a regular basis, they might notice symptoms such as irregular eating patterns, difficulty sleeping, or problems with their heart and immune system.

Stress is a natural part of the body’s existence. However, stress is meant to be an occasional emotion, not a constant one.

This article will look at the effects that stress can have on the body, as well as some things a person can do to lower their stress levels.

tress can trigger a variety of diseases and conditions.

When a person experiences stress, the body increases its production of steroid hormones called glucocorticoids. These include cortisol, which is also known as the “stress hormone.”

Although these hormones typically help regulate the immune system and help reduce inflammation, chronic stress can cause a miscommunication between the immune system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This is the interaction between the adrenal glands, the pituitary gland, and the hypothalamus.

As a result, there is a higher chance of developing mental and physical conditions, including:

fatigue
diabetes
obesity
depression
immune conditions

Stress hormones can depress the immune system by lowering the activity of cells that respond to viruses and bacteria or other inflammatory conditions.

The following sections will discuss the physical effects of stress in more detail.

Readmore...