Sexual Health is an Important Part of Health

Sexual health is an essential component of overall well-being, deeply connected to quality of life, chronic disease risk, and longevity. Many adults' value sexual health highly, and its impact stretches across emotional, physical, and mental domains, making it a critical subject to address in primary care for both men and women.​

Sexual Health & Quality of Life

Sexual health is highly important to quality of life for both men and women, with large-scale studies showing that sexual satisfaction strongly correlates with better self-rated health, increased psychological well-being, and life satisfaction. Women with high sexual wellness scores and men with excellent general health report greater sexual satisfaction, which is linked directly to mental health outcomes such as reduced anxiety and depression.​

Chronic Disease & Sexual Health

Chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and depression can profoundly impact sexual function, including erectile dysfunction (ED), low libido, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), and dyspareunia (painful intercourse). These effects may be due to vascular, neurologic, or hormonal changes, as well as medication side effects, and manifest as decreased sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction for both patients and partners.​

Sexual Health & Longevity

Sexual health concerns, especially erectile dysfunction and poor libido, have been associated with increased risks of mortality. Several studies show that men with ED have a 26–43% higher risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, even after adjusting for other risk factors. Sexual health symptoms may be early warning signs for cardiovascular disease and higher risk of death.​

Sexual Dysfunction: Common Issues

• Erectile dysfunction in men may signal broader metabolic or vascular disease.​

• Low libido and HSDD affect both men and women, often linked to hormonal imbalances, chronic illness, or psychological distress.​

• Dyspareunia, including vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, frequently occurs in women, particularly those who are postmenopausal or suffering from chronic conditions.​

  
  

Treatments: Pharmacologic and Lifestyle

Pharmacologic approaches include local and systemic hormone replacement therapy (testosterone or estrogen/progestin) for men and women, as well as targeted medications:

• PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil) for ED in men; emerging data suggests benefit for women with certain sexual dysfunctions​

• Addyi (flibanserin) for female HSDD, which may improve desire and satisfaction​

• Local estrogen therapies for vaginal dryness and dyspareunia in women​

• Menopausal hormone therapy (systemic estrogen w/ or w/o progesterone)

• Testosterone ( in men and women) 

Lifestyle interventions have powerful effects:

• Diet and exercise can improve metabolic markers, cardiovascular risk, and vascular health, thereby supporting better sexual function.​

• Sleep and stress management reduce psychological distress, boosting sexual desire and satisfaction.​

• Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and optimizing medication can resolve or improve sexual symptoms.​

The Importance of Conversation

Sexual health is health, and it's critical to discuss openly with your doctor. At Mission Metabolic Health, Dr. Cassleman recognizes the importance of sexual function in your health journey—it's not a taboo subject, but a vital part of living life to the fullest.​