Climate change affects our sex lives in fairly surprising ways.
How extreme heat, eco-anxiety, and more can impact your sexual health.
But for most people, sex is a key aspect of our health.
And anything threatening our ability to have or enjoy sex is worth taking seriously.
And if our libido is at risk, so is our overall well-being.
The researchers found that years with extra days above 80 degrees Fahrenheit wereassociated with a decline in birth rates.
associate professor, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles
We need to remember that our emotional state greatly impacts our ability to feel sexual arousal and desire.
People get busy for many more reasons than procreation, and contraception exists.
And Dr. Bereccas study seems to suggest that fewer people are getting busy when its very hot.
Typically warmer months tend to correspond tolower testosterone levels in menandwomen(even those on hormonal birth control).
(But again, we dont knowwhywarmer weather results in less testosterone.)
Warmer weather can also have some direct impacts on reproductive health, adding to our woes in the bedroom.
(Defective sperm can lead to fertility issues and make it harder to conceive.)
Heat also has indirect effects on our sex lives.
A 2022 study in the journalOne Earthfound that people worldwidelose 44 hours of sleep per yeardue to hotter weather.
associate professor, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles
And not getting enough sleep is associated withreduced desire and arousal in women.
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Changing weather patterns fueled by global warming creates the perfect environment formore active (and intense) wildfires.
Even short-term particle pollution from wildfires can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,according to the EPA.
Unfortunately, there are potential consequences to your sexual well-being, too.
Theres also some evidence that air pollutant exposure isassociated with erectile dysfunction in older men.
There are lots of indirect effects from being constantly exposed to air pollution, too.
And studies suggest that there is a link betweensevere asthma and a loss of sexual desire.
These feelings are so prevalent that they have a name.
Deacon says that this key in of stress, depression, and grief can present itself in many ways.
For some, they may become angry, while others can see an issue in the bedroom.
Depression is linked tolow arousal and sex drive, especially in women.
These physical and mental disruptions all have a link tolowered libido and sexual dysfunction.
We need to remember that our emotional state greatly impacts our ability to feel sexual arousal and desire.
Is it possible to address how climate change affects our sex lives?
There are certainly things in your direct control to protect your health and well-being on a changing planet.
This is a form of talk therapy that has people manageanxietyanddepressionbyaddressing problematic thoughts and behavior patterns.
and nurturing yourself by exercising and eating a nutritious diet.
Dont underestimate thepower of activism, either, for mitigating eco-anxiety.
Talk about a win-win.
Yes, the climate crisis is very real, and were already living with the consequences.
But Deacon says we are a resilient species, and protecting our humanityand our sexualityis possible.
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