Dr. R Grover

The body and its functions depend to a great extent on the play of hormones, which can greatly affect how we function and the quality of life that we enjoy. Men and women have many different kinds of hormones. Testosterone is a male hormone that is found mainly in the testicles of males, and is responsible for the development of their sexual behaviour and other typical male characteristics. 

Why Measure Testosterone?

This hormone affects the physical, mental and emotional side of men to a great extent and an alteration can also cause health problems. For example, symptoms like sudden weight gain and mood swings are just a few that can point towards a low T score, which is a measure of testosterone. This is why it is important to measure the levels of this hormone. 

There are many ways to measure testosterone levels in men, which are as follows. 

1. Sweat: One of the foremost ways to measure testosterone levels is to get acquainted with the sweat and its smell, which is basically a function of the apocrine glands. The more you sweat, the more testosterone you have in your body. 
2. Testicles: The size of the testicles also determines how much testosterone your body is producing. The smaller the size, the lower the level; while larger and firmer testicles will mean that your body is producing high levels of testosterone.
3. Erections: The erection that a male enjoys is driven basically by the level of testosterone being produced in the body. The size and frequency of the erection basically speaks volumes of the T score. Infrequent and small erections can point at low levels of testosterone, low levels of nitric oxide, as well as malfunctioning dopamine receptors. 
4. Saliva and Blood Spot Test: This home-based test kit or a blood test at the doctor's clinic can measure the level of testosterone that is being produced in the body, with the help of a vial that can ask for either saliva or blood In this method, you need to remember that the T score depends on the time of the day and is usually highest in the morning. Also, a blood test conducted by a doctor will have more accurate results. 

 In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Sex is usually great at any time of the day - and has a large number of health benefits. However, there are certain things about morning sex that can prove to be more beneficial than others, especially in terms of oxytocin release, which increases trust between couples and has been known to strengthen the bond between them. Overall, it keeps you healthier - and happier. Here are some of the benefits associated with morning sex:

- Works as an early morning workout:

Waking up to sex can often serve as a great option for a workout - and can even allow you to skip the gym. Research has shown that the number of calories burned during an hour of sexual activity is approximately close to the calories you will burn during a 30-minute jogging session - approximately 180 calories for women and 240 calories for men.

- Improves psychological health:

Sex, if it is the first thing you do in the morning, can often prove to be more beneficial than most other options for keeping you happy and healthy throughout the day. It also allows your brain to function better throughout the day by relieving stress and anxiety. Furthermore, research has shown that the positive effects can often last to over seven days.

- Improves immune system functioning:

People who have sex regularly, especially in the morning, have better functioning immune systems, as it can protect your body from viruses, diseases and germs.

- Increases intimacy levels between couples:

Waking up to the loving touch of your partner boosts endorphin levels in the body, and often leads to increase in trust levels and intimacy between couples, helping relationships to last longer.

- Leads to better skin:

The maxim about post-coital glow may not be as mythical as it seems. This is because, sex often leads to smoother and more glowing skin, and also helps boost confidence as a result of it.  

It is popular belief that men are more easily aroused erotically as compared to women. However, truth is the reduced sexual arousal, or loss of libido, as it is called in medical circles, is very common. For most people, given the private nature of the topic, it is not openly discussed. Often, the only source of cures comes from reading books and online content. For some, a few close confidants may be aware of the problem. This again builds stress and becomes a major contributor to loss of libido. The best way to break this vicious cycle is to begin by admitting the problem and seeking professional help to overcome it.

There are physiologic and psychologic causes for reduced libido. The most common physiologic problem is low testosterone levels. This can be managed through lifestyle changes including exposure to sun, diet modifications, workouts and stress management. Read on for more details.

1. Diet: A heart-healthy diet is healthy for sexual life too. A diet loaded with nutrients including fresh fruits and vegetables, fish oils, omega-3 fatty acids, nuts and seeds, etc., will definitely contribute to a healthy sex life too. Avoid processed, canned and packaged foods. Ensure the diet is packed with good amounts of cholesterol, vitamins (A and E in particular), and minerals (zinc and selenium) as these are required for the production of testosterone and thereby, enhancing sexual life.

2. Smoking: Another major reason for reduced libido (and even impotence) is smoking. Those who have reduced or quit smoking can vouch for connection between sex life and smoking.

3. Alcohol: While it is popular belief that alcohol allows for a great sexual experience, the truth is far from it. Though alcohol helps shed initial inhibitions, it reduces performance. Therefore, excessive alcohol should be avoided.

4. Exercise: A healthy heart directly translates to an active sexual life. Any vigorous activity for 30 to 45 minutes (running, jogging, swimming, or cycling) which pumps up the heart works wonders for the sexual life too.

5. Sun Exposure: Vitamin D is essential for the optional production of testosterone and effective functioning of the male reproductive system. If you can get about 15 minutes of sun a day, great! Else, try vitamin D supplements and see the difference.

6. Stress Management: One of the major reasons for reduced arousal is stress. When you are stressed about something or the other, the chances that you enjoy a good sex life are very less. Beat the stress and see the change.

7. Invest in the Relationship: Your partner and you should take some quality time out and invest in building a long-lasting, trustworthy, healthy relationship which will naturally lead to a great sexual life.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!