How Gut Microbes Affect Sexual Health

Some evidence demonstrates gut microbiota influence on gonadal functions and reproduction. Microbiome exerts their functions on gonadal performance through the modulation of sex hormone levels, the inhibition of inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and a decline in reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Human body resident microorganisms affect our physiological and pathological states.

Like an ecosystem, the human body is receptive to billions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and viruses. Most of them reside in the gastrointestinal tract, and the rest in the mouth, vagina, and skin. The first seeding of these microbes originates from the birth canal if the delivery normally takes place and from the mother’s skin if delivery occurs by cesarean. So, the main and first source of the microbiome is the mother’s microbiota.

The composition of microbes for each person is unique depending on environmental and internal factors. Despite its external origin, the microbiome functions similarly to one of our organs, playing an essential role in body functions, and our body mutually influences it. Based on new studies, the functions of the microbiome are more extensive than previously thought. It can be argued that the microbiome has a significant role in shaping our identity, thoughts, behaviors, decisions, and bodily functions. Although there is strong evidence regarding the role of the microbiome in physiological and pathological states, the exact impact on human health and diseases is not yet clear.

The composition of the microbiome constantly changes throughout life, and an imbalance in gut microbiota may affect human health. Several factors are involved in altering the microbiome population, also known as dysbiosis. Some foods play a crucial role in this process. For instance, a diet designed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), known as the FODMAP diet, decreases microbes that produce gas through fermentation. Chemical compounds consumed as food additives may alter the composition of the microbiome.

Laxatives, antibiotics, antidepressants, antidiabetics, anti-blood pressure drugs, beta-blockers, and statins have been shown to cause an imbalance in the microbiota population, which shows that some of their side effects may arise from this alteration. Nutrition, environment, individuals, and animals living close to us also shape our microbiome signature, and their alterations may change our microbiota.

Does the microbiome impact human reproductive function?

The gut microbiome regulates immune response and modulates inflammation through innate and adaptive immune functions. Inflammation is a primary factor in disrupting the insulin response in its target tissues. Chronic inflammation impairs insulin action and leads to insulin resistance, which is central to metabolic diseases like diabetes and cardiometabolic-related conditions. Enhancement of insulin action and sensitivity improves the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The optimal levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), subsequent follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) lead to the improved production and release of sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Optimal sex hormone levels promote ovarian function and normal spermatogenesis.

An imbalance in gut microbiota and an increase in adverse types of microbes promote systemic chronic inflammation. Hyperactivated innate immune response, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress impair gonadal functions, leading to a decline in reproductive capacity in both men and women. These conditions can even result in infertility [1].

Does gut microbiota influence libido?

Sigmund Freud believed that sexual desire is the main part of the human ego and the driving force of their behaviors. Some evidence showed that microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract may determine our desire for some behaviors, such as the desire to eat some foods or even to perform exercise. Based on their effects on sex hormones and immunity, it is plausible to assume that the microbiome also influences sexual desire or libido. Some researchers believe that this is true.

Low self-confidence and self-esteem can be consequences of a loss of libido, which is relatively common in both women and men worldwide. Recently, a study has revealed that women with low sexual desire have a reduced abundance of Ruminococcaceae and an increased abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. The abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and certain fecal metabolites correlated negatively with the sexual desire score, while the number of Ruminococcaceae correlated positively with the sexual desire score in all subjects. [2].

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Moreover, there is a correlation between gut microbiota diversity and psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). Research has uncovered significant differences in gut microbiota composition between individuals with ED and healthy controls. Two species, Streptococci and Subdoligranulum, were markedly increasing in the ED group [3].

Overall, these findings indicate that the gut microbiota contributes to reproduction, libido, and erectile problems. Therefore, dysbiosis may influence sexual health. These observations highlight the importance of further research in this area to develop strategies for adjusting human sexual desire by modifying gut microbiota.