I say “gut”, you think tummy, digestion, nutrient absorption. That’s correct. But much more is happening down there. So much so that our gut is now called our “second brain”. See, there is a reason why we feel butterflies in our stomach or “go with our gut”. Researchers have found that our gut influences our mood, cognition, immunity, and even our behavior.[1] So, naturally, they have also explored whether there is a connection between our gut and our sexual health and wellness. And, you guessed it, there is.

But first, what exactly do we mean by 'gut'? The gut refers to the digestive system, in other words all organs involved in digestion. Think mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, intestines, etc. In the gut – aka in all these organs – live trillions of microorganisms like bacteria, microbes, viruses, fungi, and other companions. All these little bugs are called the microbiome and they play a fundamental role in how our body functions. And our sexual health, too.

How So?

Recent research links the gut microbiome to various aspects of our sexual health including arousal, desire, erectile function, and satisfaction. An unhealthy gut can thus disrupt many factors that are essential for our sexual well-being. Here is what, and how.

• Discomfort & Lower Arousal

Our gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating estrogen – rings a bell? Estrogen is an essential hormone for sexual arousal, vaginal elasticity, lubrication, and comfort during sex. When our gut health is off, hormonal imbalances can happen, and these can lead to several issues such as vaginal dryness, reduced readiness, desire, and/or pleasure during sex.

• Less Pleasure, Less Desire

Our gut produces several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Their name might sound familiar. Yes, it’s them: they’re the famous “feel-good transmitters”. They are key in regulating our mood, sexual motivation, and pleasure. And our gut microbiome can positively or negatively affect their levels. So, our gut can also positively or negatively affect our arousal, motivation, and overall enjoyment of sex.

• Increased Infections Risk

Another consequence of an unbalanced gut microbiome? Inflammation. Now you know what to blame for those unwanted aches and discomforts. And experiencing chronic inflammation obviously impacts the desire for sexual activity. But that’s not all. Inflammation also plays a role in urinary and vaginal health. When the gut microbiome is unbalanced, it can contribute to infections like UTIs and yeast infections.

• But also…

Disrupted gut health means reduced absorption of nutrients. And a reduced absorption of nutrients means less energy and vitality. Which, in turn, can result in less sexual stamina and desire. Ouch. But gut imbalance can also mean gas, nausea, bloating, and whatnot. And we’re on the same page here: it doesn’t really set the mood we’re looking for. Re-ouch.

Alright, turns out our gut is pretty powerful, huh?

The good news? We can actually use that power to our advantage. Yes! And that’s exactly what we will do in part II. We’ll not only give you the practical steps to boost your gut (and, guess what, your sexual health too!), but we’ll also look at the science showing just how connected they really are. Stay tuned!

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. It is not a substitute for personalized medical or mental health advice, nor does it establish a client-practitioner relationship. Always consult with your own healthcare or mental health provider when making decisions regarding your health.

[1] Appleton J. The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2018 Aug;17(4):28-32.