15. The impact of food on sexual function and the importance of genital hygiene

Male sexual function is affected by food

Male sexual function is related to many factors, among which diet plays a particularly close role. This understanding was recognized long ago in my country, as evidenced by the saying, "Food and sex are human nature" (Mencius, Gaozi I). Traditional Chinese medicine believes that foods that nourish the kidneys, replenish essence, and strengthen yang can maintain and improve male sexual function. my country's earliest pharmacopoeia, the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, records such foods, including jujubes, sesame seeds, honey, grapes, lotus seeds, yams, and walnuts. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicine texts throughout history have also suggested that dog meat, mutton, and animal penises can enhance libido and treat sexual dysfunction.

Walnuts contain protein and essential minerals such as calcium, manganese, and zinc, as well as fats, vitamins, and other nutrients. They have the effects of moisturizing the lungs, strengthening the kidneys, and replenishing blood. Whether eaten raw or cooked, they can treat symptoms such as kidney deficiency, impotence, and seminal emission. The septum (the inner part of the walnut kernel) can also treat seminal emission and enuresis. The *Yilin Zuanyao* states that walnuts nourish the kidneys, moisten the kidneys, and strengthen essence. Lotus seeds contain a large amount of starch and raffinose, protein, fat, calcium, iron, a large amount of phosphorus, and lotusine. Their functions include nourishing the heart and calming the mind, benefiting the spleen and strengthening essence, and also calming libido. Those with spleen deficiency and seminal emission should eat them regularly.

Yam contains choline, mucilage, glycoprotein, starch, carotene, vitamin C, B vitamins, copper, calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc., and has the effects of nourishing the kidneys and lungs, and strengthening the spleen and stomach. Regular consumption can treat male seminal emission and premature ejaculation caused by kidney deficiency.

Medicinal cuisine, made by combining herbs and foods with kidney-tonifying and yang-boosting properties, offers enhanced health benefits, satisfying both the palate and the body. For example, "Double Whip Yang-Boosting Soup" uses ox penis, dog kidney, mutton, rabbit shreds, cistanche, wolfberry, and a fat hen as main ingredients, stewed with cooking wine, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, and scallions. It warms the kidneys, boosts yang, and nourishes essence and marrow, suitable for impotence, premature ejaculation, and spermatorrhea caused by deficiency of essence and blood. "Dragon Horse Young Chicken" uses seahorse, young rooster, and shrimp as main ingredients, steamed with cooking wine, salt, ginger, and scallions. It tonifies the kidneys and boosts yang, suitable for men with impotence, premature ejaculation, and decreased libido.

Many foreign experts have conducted extensive research on certain foods using modern science and technology, concluding that foods with aphrodisiac effects include yam, eel, ginkgo, and sea cucumber. This aligns with ancient Chinese medical records because these foods contain relatively high levels of arginine, a key component in sperm formation. Foods rich in arginine include frozen tofu, tofu skin, peanuts, walnuts, and sesame seeds.

Male genitals should be kept clean regularly.

Sexual hygiene is part of personal hygiene. Sexual organs should be kept clean at all times to prevent diseases that may affect sexual life and fertility.

The male perineum, where the external genitalia and anus meet, is the primary site for male excretion. This area has many skin folds, high elasticity, and is delicate and easily damaged; it also has abundant and vigorous sweat glands; and is frequently soaked in urine, feces, sweat, and semen, thus becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, shed cells, and dirt, often becoming a "hygiene dead zone" for men. After defecation, it's generally not easy to wipe the anus clean with toilet paper, often leaving feces adhering to the skin folds of the perineum. This can potentially transmit various diseases through the anus-hand-mouth route, such as hepatitis and dysentery. If the body's resistance is lowered, bacteria can also take advantage of the weakened state, causing tinea cruris, dermatitis, eczema, balanitis, etc. Bacteria can also enter the urethra through the urethral opening, causing urinary tract infections. During sexual intercourse, bacteria can easily be introduced into the female reproductive and urinary tracts, causing reproductive tract inflammation or urinary tract infections in women.

In normal men, the area where the foreskin meets the glans penis contains numerous small sebaceous glands that continuously secrete a yellowish, oily substance. This substance, mixed with small amounts of urine and shed skin, forms a cheesy substance called smegma. If smegma adheres to the surface of the glans penis or accumulates in the coronal sulcus for a long time, it easily leads to bacterial growth and reproduction, causing balanitis or other diseases. Scientific research shows that smegma is a carcinogen, not only inducing penile cancer in men, but also being introduced into the wife's reproductive tract during sexual intercourse. In mild cases, it can cause urogenital tract infections in the wife, and in severe cases, it can induce cervical cancer.

Because phimosis or paraphimosis can easily lead to the accumulation of smegma, which is detrimental to penile hygiene and can also reduce sexual pleasure, and may even cause discomfort or pain during intercourse due to foreskin traction, surgical treatment should be actively sought.

Therefore, for the health of both partners, men should regularly "clean" their "hygiene blind spots." Develop the habit of washing the genitals daily. When cleaning the external genitalia, men can use mild soap and water to wash the penis and scrotum, paying special attention to cleaning the coronal sulcus to prevent smegma buildup. The foreskin can be pulled back towards the base of the penis to fully expose the glans, then washed. Finally, wash the perineum and anus. If possible, change underwear daily to keep the genitals dry and clean. After intercourse, promptly wash away semen and vaginal secretions to prevent an unpleasant odor from developing over time, thus promoting a more harmonious and fulfilling sex life.

It is also worth reminding men that the skin of the perineum and scrotum is thin and delicate, so they should avoid using iodine tincture and some highly irritating drugs when they are sick, so as not to damage the skin.

Four aspects of sexual hygiene in adulthood

After men enter adulthood (21-50 years old), their sexual development is fully mature, and they enter the stage of dating, marriage, and family formation, beginning to have normal sexual lives. Sexual hygiene in adulthood includes the following four aspects:

1. Harmony in sexual life

A fulfilling and harmonious sex life is an essential aspect of maintaining a good marital relationship. Both partners need sexual desire; if one lacks desire, roughness should be avoided, and gentle stimulation is necessary. Mutual trust and respect are crucial, and interference and suspicion should be avoided in social interactions. Maintaining chastity is paramount in sexual matters; this distinguishes humans from other animals who engage in promiscuous sex. Managing sex life well is a vital condition for building a happy and fulfilling family life.

2. Frequency of sexual activity

The frequency of sexual activity depends on various factors, including individual sexual physiology, age, physical condition, health status, mental and psychological state, and level of fatigue. Individual frequency varies greatly. Generally, around age 30, 1-2 times per week; around age 40, once every 1-2 weeks; around age 50, once or twice per month; and over age 60, once per month. It should be determined based on individual circumstances. Excessive sexual activity can lead to lethargy, dizziness, lower back pain, leg pain, and general weakness.

3. Sexual hygiene during sexual activity

Unclean sexual practices can cause diseases of the genitals. Therefore, it is important to maintain good hygiene of the genitals. Bathe frequently and change underwear often. The foreskin of the penis should be retracted and cleaned. If the foreskin cannot be retracted, such as in cases of phimosis, surgical treatment is recommended. Both partners should clean themselves before each sexual encounter.

4. Precautions during sexual intercourse

Sexual intercourse is not advisable when one is fatigued or has been drinking alcohol. Those with urethritis, balanitis, or trichomoniasis in their partners should be thoroughly treated to prevent transmission. Women should avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation, as it can easily lead to endometritis. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during pregnancy and before childbirth to prevent miscarriage or premature birth. Furthermore, sexual intercourse should be avoided for six weeks postpartum.