This podcast explores the science of sex drive, including male vs. female sex drive and how it changes with age. It discusses the impact of technology on sex drive, the importance of sex drive within couples, and the potential desensitization caused by porn. The podcast also delves into factors affecting sex drive, such as exercise and medication.
Factors such as age, chronic conditions, and medication can contribute to a lower sex drive, highlighting the variability of sex drive throughout an individual's life.
Exercise and physical activity have consistently been associated with higher sex drives, though the specific mechanisms and effects on hormone levels are still being studied.
Higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress can often lead to lower sex drive and sexual dysfunction, highlighting the connection between mental health and sex drive.
Deep dives
Hormonal protein linked to sex drive
A protein called kisspeptin, which increases during puberty and affects sexualization, has been found to increase arousal in both mice and humans. However, despite the physical effects observed, individuals may not feel any noticeable difference in their sex drive.
Exercise and sex drive correlation
While research on the direct link between exercise and increased sex drive is limited, physical activity and exercise have been consistently associated with higher sex drives. However, the specific mechanisms behind this correlation and the effects on hormone levels are still being studied.
Factors contributing to low sex drive
Factors such as age, chronic conditions, and medication can contribute to a lower sex drive. It is important to remember that sex drive can vary and is not constant throughout an individual's life.
The Impact of Mental Health on Sex Drive
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast episode is the connection between mental health and sex drive. The hosts explore how higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress can often lead to lower sex drive and sexual dysfunction. They also speculate that the worldwide increase in stress and anxiety levels may contribute to a global decrease in sex drive. Additionally, they discuss the importance of communication and relationship equality in maintaining a healthy sex drive, highlighting a study that found a correlation between sex drive issues and a lack of equality within relationships.
Gender Differences in Sex Drive
The podcast also delves into the topic of gender differences in sex drive. They reference a meta-analytic review that examined 211 studies with over 600,000 participants and concluded that there is a generally stronger sex drive in men compared to women. However, the hosts stress that this does not mean all men have higher sex drives than all women, as there is significant variation within genders. They also mention that women can have higher sex drives than the average man, with approximately 24-29% of women exhibiting a higher sex drive. The discussion touches on societal perceptions and stereotypes surrounding gendered differences in sex drive.
Sex drive is a controversial concept, depending on your age or who you ask it could be decreasing or even increasing. Today we talk about the science of male vs. female sex drive, what happens as you age and if your phone is making your hornier. We also look into why sex drive is important and how it can change within couples. LEGGOH
