Brain fog, muscle soreness, weight gain, low motivation, and low self-esteem aren’t just issues that affect women. Many men also experience these symptoms—often due to hormonal imbalances that go undiagnosed or untreated. When hormone levels are off, the mind and body both take a hit. That imbalance can quietly create a ripple effect that impacts confidence, relationships, and quality of life.
In my practice, I’ve seen couples struggle with connection—not just sexually, but intimately—and this is often rooted in a lack of understanding around how mental and sexual health work together. When those two areas align, they create something safe, strong, and deeply fulfilling.
Mental and sexual health are two critical, interconnected aspects of wellness for men—especially as they age. When either one is out of sync, the other often follows.
How Mental Health Affects Sexual Health
High stress levels, anxiety, and depression can dramatically affect sexual desire and performance. Emotional distress chips away at mental clarity and confidence—making it difficult to engage in or enjoy healthy sexual experiences. In turn, poor sexual function can deepen struggles with anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. It becomes a cycle that’s hard to break without addressing both sides.
When I spoke recently with a colleague who works closely with men and women on hormone balance, fitness, and long-term health, she put it plainly:
“Hormonal balance is the foundation of men’s sexual health — but it’s also closely tied to mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life. When testosterone is low, it’s not just libido that suffers — motivation, mood, and mental sharpness decline too. Many men don’t realize how deeply their hormones influence not just their physical health, but their emotional and mental well-being too. Balanced testosterone levels are critical for sexual health, energy, confidence, and mood stability.”
— Tesha Baker, APRN-BC, owner of Lavish Grace Wellness Med Spa in Sebring, FL
We can’t afford to overlook the link between mental and sexual health. They work hand in hand—when one falters, the other is often affected. Here’s how:
How Mental Health Impacts Sexual Health
- Stress & Anxiety: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which interferes with testosterone and sexual function. It can make it harder to focus, connect, or even be present with a partner.
- Depression: When depression shows up, libido often disappears—and so does the ability to enjoy intimacy. It’s not about “trying harder.” It’s chemistry, biology, and psychology at work.
- Relationship Strain: Emotional disconnection, unspoken resentment, or lack of trust can all create distance, even when physical attraction is still there.
- Erectile Dysfunction: ED is often misunderstood. While physical causes are real, stress, anxiety, and past trauma are frequently at play too.
- Sleep Issues: Poor sleep—often caused by stress—can reduce testosterone and circulation, which are both vital to healthy sexual function.
How Sexual Dysfunction Affects Mental Health
- Self-Esteem Drops: When sexual performance changes, men often feel shame, embarrassment, or frustration—even if they don’t say it out loud.
- Increased Anxiety or Depression: Struggles in the bedroom can increase stress and heighten emotional isolation.
- Relationship Tension: When sex becomes difficult, communication often suffers. This creates a loop of silence, misunderstanding, and emotional distance.
Breaking the Cycle: What Can Help
- Talk to a Professional: Whether it’s a therapist, sex therapist, or medical provider, don’t wait until things get worse. There’s no shame in asking for support.
- Be Honest With Your Partner: Open conversations can lead to closeness—not just in the bedroom, but emotionally. Vulnerability is strength.
- Lifestyle Shifts Matter: Small, steady changes—like movement, whole foods, better sleep, and stress management—can shift hormones and mindset alike.
- Practice Mindfulness: Breathwork, meditation, or even just slowing down for 10 minutes a day can quiet racing thoughts and ease tension.
I believe it’s time we normalize these conversations for men. Men’s wellness is more than physical—it’s mental, emotional, and sexual too. When we view mental and sexual health as part of the same foundation, we can pursue lasting balance, stronger relationships, and a better quality of life. Men’s mental and sexual health aren’t just private matters—they’re health matters. They deserve the same attention and care we give to any other aspect of wellness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jennifer Goodson, MA, LMHC, CAGCS is a licensed mental health counselor with an office in Winter Haven, Fla., a Professor of Psychology at Warner University in Lake Wales, Fla., and a transformational speaker. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va. For more information, visit www.pathwaycounselingservice.com.