Sex and Muscle Growth

Ever wonder if your sex life is hurting your ability to build muscle mass?


Ever wonder if your sex life has to come at the expense of your ability to build muscle mass in the gym? If so, you aren't alone. Many people wonder if regular bedroom time is something that's really going to hurt their progress and some are even willing to make sacrifices if it's true.

While it is definitely true that there is a connection between sex and muscle building, it's important to understand fully what this connection is.

Potentially one of the most critical connections between sex and muscle building is the zinc status within the body. Whenever a male has an orgasm, zinc will be released in the semen. Zinc is a critical nutrient that is required for proper sperm growth and development and when levels fall short, infertility is often the consequence.

In addition to this, zinc also plays a key role in muscle development as well, as it is closely tied in with total testosterone levels. When zinc levels are low in the body there is more likely to be a noticeably lower sex drive as well as a difficulty shown with generating more lean muscle mass.

So then because zinc is lost through orgasm, if you're frequently having sex but not replacing this lost zinc through your diet, it is very likely that you're going to fall into that deficit.

In order to prevent this from happening and make sure you not only maintain healthy libido levels but also keep progressing towards your goal of muscle building, you'll want to fill your diet with foods rich in zinc such as oysters, shellfish, wheat germ, liver, cashews, pine nuts, and pecan nuts.

Sex and Strength Levels
The next connection to know about when it comes to sex and muscle building is the connection it has with your strength levels. If you've ever taken notice of yourself, most guys will find that immediately after sex they feel very relaxed and often want to fall asleep.

At this point there is a very high release of oxytocin in the body, which serves to really relax you and could cause you to feel slightly weaker than before the sex took place. This relaxation phase does not last for an extended period of time, however, and you will return to your usual hormonal levels in the body, but the take home message is that trying to attempt a training session immediately after you're involved in sexual activity may not be the best of approaches.

Aim for at least a 3-4 hour time span afterward to allow the hormones to normalize again and for you to recover your strength and energy.

Impacts Of Sex On Overall Testosterone Levels
With the issue of zinc and the effects on testosterone aside, another correlation to look at is the overall impact of frequent sexual activity on testosterone and libido levels. For most men, the more frequently they are engaging in sex, the higher their libido levels tend to be. If a large break is taken for whatever reason, at first libido will increase, but over time if release is not achieved, levels may begin to drop.

Studies have also demonstrated that when testosterone levels are elevated in the body, it has a positive impact on libido levels. Therefore, when testosterone levels are higher, this will, in return, keep you interested in sex and the act of sex will serve as a positive reinforcement, further maintaining the cycle.

Since testosterone levels are one of the primary predictors of muscle growth and development, having higher levels in the body will help to induce greater muscle gains.

Obviously the workouts must be performed in conjunction to simulate the muscle growth response, but doing everything possible to maintain high testosterone will work to your benefit.

Sex and Focus
Finally, the last impact of sex on muscle building is going to be with regards to your focus levels. Maintaining focus both in the gym and out for the actual gym sessions will be critical to see optimal results. In some extreme cases if you become too fixated on sexual activity, you may prioritize this ahead of regular workout sessions, which will then have a large impact on the overall results you experience.

Obviously this will be to the extreme and most people will have no trouble maintaining a normal balance between the two, but if you feel like you may be pushing the barrier between an unhealthy balance it is worthwhile to seriously consider.

For many people this will never be an issue as their workouts are directly tied in to their desire to become more sexually appealing as they workout for a large part to look good for members of the opposite gender. So by keeping up with their workouts regularly, they will help promote the chances of frequent intercourse.

Conclusion
So next time you find yourself questioning what the impact of sex is on your muscle building efforts, keep these points in mind. The good news is that those who do take a more active role in regular workouts and maintaining a good diet are far more likely to be healthy and thus experience fewer sexual problems such as pre-mature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, so you won't have to worry about either of those impacting your overall ability to perform in bed.

As with anything in life, balance is key and as long as balance is achieved, you should have no worries about maintaining a healthy sex life while making the absolute most of your muscle building efforts in the gym.

What Are Sex Steroids?

Sex steroids are fat soluble compounds that are important in reproduction, sexual function, and sexual development. The endocrine glands are responsible for the production of sex steroids in both men and women. In most human beings, sex steroids are secreted over the course of an entire lifetime, though the levels of production and release often vary. For example, the level of production often increases when a person reaches puberty and then declines in conjunction with old age.

Though both females and males produce sex steroids, females typically produce mostly estrogen and progesterone. Males, on the other hand, usually produce testosterone and other androgens, which are hormones that control characteristics that are primarily masculine. Interestingly, females also have androgens and males have estrogen in their bodies. Androgens that are produced in the female body usually convert to estrogens. Likewise, some of a male’s androgens become estrogens as well.

The processes that affect the production of sex steroids are both complicated and interesting. When a human being reaches puberty, a gland in the brain makes more of a substance called gonadotropin-releasing hormone. In turn, the increased production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone causes the pituitary gland to release hormones that are critical to the production of sex steroids. These hormones are referred to as follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The release of these hormones stimulates the production of sex steroids in both males and females.
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The estrogens the female body produces play important roles in preparing the body for ovulation and pregnancy. They also influence the development of female sex characteristics, including breast growth and the development of the female pelvis. Estrogens even have a role in how fat and muscle is distributed in the female body. Progesterone is critical in sustaining a pregnancy and affects conditions inside the uterus.

Male production of testosterone and androsterone, both of which are androgens, occurs in the testes. Testosterone is critical for sperm formation. As with estrogens influencing the development of female characteristics, androgens influence male characteristics. For example, they influence the growth of muscle as well as body hair and the deeper voices that are typical in males. They also influence male sex organ development.

Sex steroids are naturally occurring in the human body, but they may be used in medical treatments as well. For example, doctors may use them in the treatment of various types of cancer. They may also prove helpful for treating menopause symptoms. In fact, these hormones may even help in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

Low Testosterone and Your Sex Life

Having a low testosterone level can affect your energy level and your mood. Most men who have low testosterone also report having a diminished sex drive and trouble getting and maintaining an erection, also called erectile dysfunction. Low testosterone is a common condition that's often overlooked because its symptoms are similar to those of many other health issues. Despite the impact that it can have on their lives and sexual relationships, most men with low testosterone are not getting treated.

Studies have suggested that 2 million to 13 million men in the United States have low testosterone, with increasing age as the primary risk factor. Decreased energy, loss of sex drive, or libido, and erectile dysfunction are the three most common symptoms of low testosterone.

The Impact of Low Testosterone on Your Sex Life

"Testosterone is essential to sexual function, through effects on both the brain and sexual organs. Studies demonstrate a reduction in frequency, amplitude, and rigidity of erection in men with low testosterone. Testosterone also affects energy level, which may contribute to a decreased interest in sex," says Dr. Fenig.

Many men with type 2 diabetes also have symptoms of low testosterone, and yet a survey released by the American Diabetes Association found that many men with low testosterone and erectile dysfunction were unaware that they had a treatable condition and felt frustrated, but had not talked about the issue with their doctors or sexual partners.

Talking to Your Partner About Low Testosterone

For many men, sex is a difficult issue to talk about with their spouse or partner. Many men feel embarrassed and may lack the skills to bring up these issues.

“While some men are uncomfortable discussing sexual issues with their partner, it can be comforting to know there may be a medical reason for decreased libido or energy,” Fenig says. "This affects the sex life of both partners and becomes a ‘couples’ issue. For that reason, men should be encouraged to discuss their feelings with their partners and, if diagnosed with low testosterone, discuss potential treatment options."

Here are some other tips that can help:

    Your partner’s worried, too. If you have noticed a problem with your sex life, your partner probably has, too. He or she may interpret this as a lack of interest — or a sign of interest in someone else. The longer you delay getting the problem out in the open, the more damage it can do to your relationship.
    Find the right time. It's best to tell your partner ahead of time that you have an important concern, and then plan a time when you can talk in total privacy without interruptions.
    Get the facts. If you're reading this, you already have some information to work with. Low testosterone is a medical problem, not a sign of weakness, and in most cases, it can be treated. The more you and your partner know about low testosterone, the easier it is to deal with.
    Work together. Low testosterone is a health issue you can address together. You may want to ask your partner to go with you to your doctor's appointment. Develop a plan of action and get started.

“Most men will be surprised about how willing their partner is to discuss sexual matters with them and how supportive they can be through the treatment process," Fenig notes. "In addition, previously unrecognized issues regarding female sexual dysfunction may be present, which can also be evaluated by an appropriate specialist."

If you're an older man, you may think a decreased interest in sex is normal. But although there is a gradual decline in testosterone as men age, any loss of interest in sex can be a sign of a medical problem and should be discussed with your doctor. It is not an inevitable part of growing older.

Getting Help for Low Testosterone

"If a man suspects he is experiencing low testosterone, it’s important he see a physician, as there are many ways to diagnose and treat the condition,” says Fenig. “I have had success treating low testosterone and erectile dysfunction patients with testosterone supplementation using gel, patches, or injectable anabolic steroids. Combining supplementation with medications for erectile dysfunction often results in optimal improvement in sexual wellness."

What Are Sex Steroids?

Sex steroids are fat soluble compounds that are important in reproduction, sexual function, and sexual development. The endocrine glands are responsible for the production of sex steroids in both men and women. In most human beings, sex steroids are secreted over the course of an entire lifetime, though the levels of production and release often vary. For example, the level of production often increases when a person reaches puberty and then declines in conjunction with old age.

Though both females and males produce sex steroids, females typically produce mostly estrogen and progesterone. Males, on the other hand, usually produce testosterone and other androgens, which are hormones that control characteristics that are primarily masculine. Interestingly, females also have androgens and males have estrogen in their bodies. Androgens that are produced in the female body usually convert to estrogens. Likewise, some of a male’s androgens become estrogens as well.

The processes that affect the production of sex steroids are both complicated and interesting. When a human being reaches puberty, a gland in the brain makes more of a substance called gonadotropin-releasing hormone. In turn, the increased production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone causes the pituitary gland to release hormones that are critical to the production of sex steroids. These hormones are referred to as follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The release of these hormones stimulates the production of sex steroids in both males and females.

The estrogens the female body produces play important roles in preparing the body for ovulation and pregnancy. They also influence the development of female sex characteristics, including breast growth and the development of the female pelvis. Estrogens even have a role in how fat and muscle is distributed in the female body. Progesterone is critical in sustaining a pregnancy and affects conditions inside the uterus.

Male production of testosterone and androsterone, both of which are androgens, occurs in the testes. Testosterone is critical for sperm formation. As with estrogens influencing the development of female characteristics, androgens influence male characteristics. For example, they influence the growth of muscle as well as body hair and the deeper voices that are typical in males. They also influence male sex organ development.

Sex steroids are naturally occurring in the human body, but they may be used in medical treatments as well. For example, doctors may use them in the treatment of various types of cancer. They may also prove helpful for treating menopause symptoms. In fact, these hormones may even help in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. 

Having Too Much Sex Can Make You Gain Or Lose Weight?

Some researchers say that having a lot of sex helps women burn calories and lose weight, while others sustain firmly that having too much sex is actually making women gain weight. Fitness magazine asked 2,400 women if they would sacrifice a full year of sex to be skinny and 51 percent said yes, which means that nowadays, many women have serious self-esteem and body issues. So, if you’re one of these women, whose opinion should you trust?
There’s a study that says women gain weight on their breasts and hips once they start making love. However, a recent research shows this is an absolute myth because there is no physiological reason why the breasts or hips should become enlarged or disfigured after a woman starts having sex.
According to some scientists, by having sex three times a week a woman can burn as many calories as running 30 miles per week, which came as good news for people who wants to lose weight easily. Besides, they sustain that ejaculated semen cannot get digested and assimilated in the bloodstream, and, in any case, 2–3 ml of semen, which is the average ejaculation, contains only about 15 calories.
Some recent studies analyzed for a long time couples who lived together for at least three years and concluded that increasing the number of intercourses per week, women’s appetite for food increases as well. According to this research, 62% of women gain more pounds than women who were having less sex. Besides, Swedish women tend to believe this study and they prefer to jog than to make love.
It seems that jogging gives them much faster satisfaction than sex, because when making love you need to have a foreplay that takes time and in the end there can be no satisfaction at all. So, why wasting all this time, when you can get the same endorphins while jogging? On the other hand, U.S.A. and the countries in Eastern Europe seem to keep sex on the top of the priorities list because they have the highest number of overweight and obese women. But, if you’re to believe another study made by the Society for Sex Therapy and Research, 13 minutes of sex won’t definitely make you hungry no matter how often you are making love.
Therefore, it’s up to you what study to believe in. but after all, the best thing you can do is to make your own research: have as much sex as you like (or can) and see for yourself if you are gaining or losing weight.

The Monotony of Sexual Life

If your sex life has become monotonous and predictable, almost ad nauseam, urgently take action. Let the sex will be the first thing you do in the morning, but not the last - in the evening. Do it in a new situation, the new clothes, a new mood. Even the most amazing lover get bored if you learned by heart all his tricks.
In the initial period of the intimate relationship or marriage, about the monotony of the question was not. Mutual attraction and impatience were forced to have sex in a variety of settings and with all possible variety of poses and techniques. But over time, something that was new, it has become commonplace, and even boring.

► Reason

Sexual partners are getting used to each other. This is entirely natural and in many ways is good, because it provides comfort in sexual relationships. However, as noted by psychologists, the habit of the constant presence of each other leads to the fact that the mutual interest and attention fade down to the fact that the spouses can not even feel the need to talk to.
The fact that the familiar and routine, including sex becomes boring. A person does not tend to keep the attention on something for a long time. Variety is necessary in all aspects of life - for work, for food, and, of course, sex.

► Did you know?

Why is it difficult for a long time remain faithful to the same sexual partner? The fact there are biological reasons. Over millions of years of evolution of the human species developed a penchant for sexual variety, which is part of the successful strategy of reproduction. The human being is not intended by nature limited to one sexual partner, so that sexual boredom, conjugate with monogamy, it is quite reasonable.
Multiple sex better ensure the preservation and multiplication of genes in the progeny of a given individual, it is ultimately the goal of reproductive behavior. But that does not mean that a person a slave to his genes. Is inherent in the people to unite in pairs, even in cultures where traditional multiple sexual contacts.
Long-term success and, therefore, happy sexual relationship - a complex physiological task, however, it is solved.

► How serious

Sometimes you just have to realize that you have been routine. The man often afraid to admit it and thinks with himself something wrong or that the recognition in the habit of traumatic sexual partner.

► Solutions

Take the first step. Do not assume in advance that your partner does not want to think about how to break the monotony of the relationship. If you get bored, then, most likely, and it, too. Are not boring people themselves, and the relationship between them. If you have a good idea is born, your partner is likely to support it.
Play by the rules. Introduction Comic rules - a wonderful way to make a spicy sex life. Announce that today "Night of the Three Positions," or "Night Bust" or "Night of Sex Standing." Anything you like - as long as it winds you and your partner. Boredom is the law. Coming up with rules that ban the habitual posture. For example, a three-month ban traditional "missionary posture. Or a week disable themselves having sex in bed. This will not restrict your sex life, but instead will discover new and exciting opportunities.
Conquer over. Re-test with a regular sexual partner of the effect of the first meeting. Behave as in the days of the start of your acquaintance. Seduce her! However, for such a role-playing game is imperative voluntary and ownership partner.

► Alternative Approaches

Erotic movies. They will help to awaken the imagination of partners to each other and to breathe new life into sex. But only if you both do not have anything against it. By no means all women like to watch these movies.
For those who agree, you should choose a film with a meaningful story, not devoid of romanticism, the rough pornography without a hint of feelings can have an effect opposite to the desired.

► Adult toys.

Try the special adaptations of the store intimate accessories such as vibrators for women. Their selection is great, so visit the store together with partner-Perches. Men will help ring, wear pas base of the penis which prevents the outflow of blood and maintain an erection.
The ring should not be worn for more than 30 consecutive minutes pas can stop blood flow to the penis and cause damage to tissues.


► Prevention

Sex should be a priority. One of the saddest consequences of the intense rhythm of modern life that many put off sex "for later". You work, it works, and you have children. So if the usual time for sex occurs late at night, after exhausting daily worries, success is unlikely, and therefore, the interest will fade. How can I enjoy sex when you are not able to enjoy anything?

Be sure to allocate time for sex. Choose the right time to nothing to prevent you.

Sex In Late Terms Of Pregnancy

A new study debunked the popular belief that sexual relations in the last weeks of pregnancy can lead to preterm labor.

Data collected by researchers from Ohio State University Medical Center, indicate rather the opposite: future mother who refuses to have sex in the last weeks of pregnancy produced children born on average later than those who abstain from sexual relations. In the first group, the average length of gestation was 39.9 weeks, while the second - only 39.3 weeks.

The study involved 93 women attending gynecology from the 37th week of pregnancy. 47 of them said that they continue to have sex with their partners. Thus, the number is not abstaining from sex in late pregnancy among women was 50.5% - more than in any of previous similar studies.

Measurement of cervical cancer conducted participants did not reveal any relationship between the state of the cervix and sexual activity of women.

According to the coordinator of the research project of Dr. Jonathan Shaffira, a sign of the approaching early birth may be discomfort in the abdomen and the pressure in the pelvic cavity. Such feelings do not have to have sex, which probably explains the identified during the study the correlation between abstinence from sexual relations, and relatively more rapid resolution of the burden.

In any case, the results clearly indicate that sexual activity in the later stages of pregnancy can cause premature birth, says Shaffir.

Myths And Facts About Viagra. Part One.

 Today Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) is probably the most famous drug in the world. Moreover, about it know people who never needed it. Many people heard about Viagra but few know facts about it. This article would help you to reveal myths and truth about Viagra.

Myth. Erectile dysfunction depends mostly on psychological stare and expectations of male
Fact. We would really appreciate if this problem could be solved with heart-to-heart talks with sexual health specialist. However, clinical tests show that major erectile dysfunction causes are physical problems such as diabetes, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol level and other. Stress may also cause erectile dysfunction. If you experience primary signs of erectile dysfunction, you should refuse from smoking and alcohol because bad habits do aggravate the disease.

Myth. Why I need Viagra if problems with sexual life do occur rarely and erectile dysfunction is just a medical term for me.
Fact. It is wrong to think that rare problems are not problems. You should know that even temporal deviation from the norm are named erectile dysfunction. In reality, 2 to 5 males from 10 sufferers do really have problems with erection. Viagra helps to not think every time about quality of erection, it guarantees appearing of firm erection in both cases when problems are temporal and permanent. More than 20 million of males have already tested the quality of Viagra and are happy with the results.

Myth. I think that it is possible to go with  erectile dysfunction
Fact. Why to go with drawbacks that may be removed? Why miss out on pleasures, feeling of joy and feeling yourself as a fully healthy man? Many males think that erectile dysfunction is an indispensable phenomenon when aging. However, erectile dysfunction is a disease. It not only may be treated but it must be treated! Viagra helps males to prolong period of active sexual life and bring back self-confidence. Do not invent age-related diseases and do not deprive yourself from sexual  pleasures.

To be continued. 

How To Prevent Erection Failures

If you observe that erection failures occur more frequently, probably, you are waiting too much from yourself or you are trying to make sex in an inappropriate place. Check below ways to reduce to minimum these failures. Most important thing is that these tips would help to avoid anxiety which leads to a serious long-term problems.

 - Make sex only when you are disposed to it.

 - Admit that you are a human and not a machine. Your feelings and sexual performance not necessarily should be equal. Sometimes you are in condition of greater readiness and sometimes you need an additional stimulation. You should say this to your partner.

 - Avoid accidental partners, at least until you acquire self-confidence. You will trouble less and work better if you would create steady relationships with a partner whose reactions you know and whom you may trust.

 - Do not judge your quality observing condition of your penis. Mutual satisfaction may be achieved without sexual intercourse, though during physical contact erection may occur without your conscious participation.

- If you cannot achieve erection or it disappeared before sexual intercourse or during it, you should not get upset. Explain to your partner what has happened. “Probably, I am very tired today. Let us try tomorrow in the morning.” Do not feel yourself guilty and assure your partner that there is no his guilt in that. Most important is not to withdraw physically and mentally from each other only because this time you cannot achieve erection for performing sexual intercourse. Stay close with your partner by any means except sex. If you like to be together, no matter if you have erection or not, you will be less anxious the next time when experiencing erection failure.

Tips On How To Prolong Sexual Intercourse

1. Use condom when you make sex.

2. Try to think on abstract subjects during sex. Here sometimes help thoughts about an unpleasant event or phenomenon.

3. Try next yoga exercise. It is connected with urination. Learn to control it or in other words voluntarily keep urine stream and then again start to urinate. Scientists still have not found the connection but in some patients this yoga exercise works.

4. Masturbation helps to prolong sex as well. It should be done just before sex.

5. Operation of circumcision is an effective way to prolong sex by 2 – 3 times.

6. To delay ejaculation you should not squeeze urethra with hand because in this case part of sperm remains on the backside of urethra, goes back in seminal vesicles and enters the urethra. In males who frequently does this, occurs stagnation in prostate which may lead to development of chronic inflammations in prostate gland. Besides this, may appear disorders in functioning of prostate sphincteric apparatus that causes retrograde ejaculation.

Delayed Ejaculation. Part Two.

Refuse from alcohol
Alcohol stimulates the desire but prevents from its realizing. It delays ejaculation and many men are unable to orgasm being under its effects.

Pay attention to lubrication
Sometimes ejaculation not occurs because of poor natural lubrication in woman. In this case it is necessary to use special lubricants. However, the situation may be reverse where too much lubrication prevents from orgasm as it reduces the scrubbing effect. In this case it is necessary to stop, wipe penis dry and then continue sexual intercourse.

Increase the duration of sex play
Spend more time for foreplay – this would give pleasure to both of you. Especially, older men require this because in older age they need more physical stimulation for achieving erection and ejaculation than in youth.

Refuse from porn
Porn movies and magazines in this situation may do bad service. When the talk is about delayed ejaculation, the man is already aroused (there is no problems with arousal here) but he cannot orgasm. Nude scenes would provoke more arousal, from female point of view, inadequate one. She would think he orgasms with them and not with her. So you will be more disappointed because of this.

Reduce calories
Products with large amount of fats may tighten blood arteries which would break blood circulation into penis and would cause problems with ejaculation. Try to reduce the amount of fat food, eat more vegetables and fruits.

Look what medications you take
Some medications may cause problems with ejaculation. For example, antihistaminic drugs, medications treating blood pressure, some antidepressants. If you take regularly a drug and at the same time have appeared problems with ejaculations, it may be a side effect of the drug you take, so consult your doctor to find different drug which would have no effects on your sex life.