Prompt Cast
The Science of Sex Drive: Boosting Testosterone and Enhancing Libido
TLDR Boosting testosterone levels may not necessarily improve libido, but for individuals with clinically low levels of testosterone, increasing it may help. Research shows that women are more likely to have a higher sex drive just before ovulation, and exploring and owning one's own sexual power and scripts is a form of pleasure and empowerment.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Today's episode is about the science of sex drive and how many people struggle with their libido.
04:35
Boosting testosterone levels may not necessarily improve libido, as research shows that testosterone is not significantly correlated with sexual desire in individuals with normal levels of the hormone. However, for individuals with clinically low levels of testosterone, increasing it may help improve sex drive.
09:19
Researchers have discovered that women are more likely to have a higher sex drive just before ovulation, and a hormone called chispeptin, which triggers puberty, may also play a role in sex drive.
13:44
Researchers found that when men were given chispeptin and watched porn, their penises became harder and brain regions associated with arousal were activated, but overall, the participants did not feel significantly different in terms of their sex drive.
18:17
The host explores various libido-enhancing supplements, including Maca, which is a root vegetable that grows in Peru and has some research supporting its effectiveness.
23:07
Researchers are generally unimpressed with libido-enhancing supplements due to the placebo effect and lack of evidence, and many sexual enhancement supplements for men have been found to be laced with Viagra or similar drugs.
27:29
Using cannabis or CBD before sex can enhance sexual experiences, but it may not work for everyone and can have negative effects on some individuals' sexual function; research suggests that desire discrepancy, or when one partner wants more sex than the other, can be a major factor in low libidos, and studies have found that couples who share household chores more equally tend to have more frequent sex.
31:55
Resentment and inequality in a relationship can negatively impact sexual desire, while a strong and equal partnership can boost libido; being open to trying new things and being creative in the bedroom can also enhance sexual experiences, especially as we age and face physical limitations.
36:46
Low libido has been medicalized and overemphasized, but exploring and owning one's own sexual power and scripts is a form of pleasure and empowerment.
