How does excess weight affect marital relations? And 10 steps to bring love back

Many couples complain about a lack of intimacy in their relationship but don't know the real cause. However, the surprising truth is that excess weight could be one of the most significant factors affecting marital relationships, both psychologically and physically! When weight increases, self-confidence may decrease, attraction between spouses can be impacted, and overall health deteriorates. All of this reflects on emotions and intimacy. In this article from Dilly Medical, we will explore how excess weight affects relationships, why it can lead to tension or distance at times, and provide simple, easy steps to help you start your journey towards change without deprivation or exhaustion.

Is there a relationship between obesity and sexual health?
Yes, there is a strong connection between obesity and sexual health in both men and women. Excess weight not only affects appearance and self-confidence, but it also has a direct impact on fertility, sexual ability, and even pregnancy chances.

Effects of Obesity on Women's Sexual Health:

Hormonal Imbalance: Excess weight can disrupt hormone balance, affecting menstrual regularity, leading to delayed or even absent periods.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Obesity increases the risk of developing PCOS, which affects ovulation and reduces pregnancy chances.
Difficulty Getting Pregnant: The more weight gained, the lower the efficiency of ovulation, which reduces natural pregnancy chances.
Health Risks During Pregnancy: Risks include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm birth.

Effects of Obesity on Men's Sexual Health:

Poor Sperm Quality: Obesity affects sperm count, motility, and morphology, reducing fertility chances.
Low Testosterone Levels: Excess fat disrupts hormone levels, impacting libido and sexual performance.
Chronic Health Issues: Conditions like diabetes and heart diseases also affect fertility and erectile function.

How Does Fast Food Affect Male Hormones?
Fast food, especially those containing high levels of soy, can harm male sexual health. Soy contains a substance called "phytoestrogen," which can lower testosterone production. Therefore, it is better for men to reduce or avoid soy-based foods and fast foods in general.

Does Obesity Affect IVF Success?
Yes, obesity can reduce the success rate of IVF in both men and women for these reasons:

For Women:
- Obesity affects ovarian efficiency and reduces response to fertility medications.
- It lowers the quantity and quality of eggs.
- It increases the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a dangerous condition.
- Obesity reduces the overall success rate of the procedure and increases health risks during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or preterm birth.
For Men:
- Obesity affects sperm quality, which can reduce the chances of IVF success.

Does Reproductive Health Allow Couples to Choose the Timing of Pregnancy?
Yes, good reproductive health gives couples the freedom to choose the timing of their pregnancy. They can make informed decisions and select the right time for having children by using contraception methods, allowing them to delay pregnancy until it is appropriate for their physical, mental, and financial stability. Reproductive health helps couples plan a balanced family life and gain control over the timing of childbirth.

Does Obesity Affect Women’s Fertility?
Yes, obesity significantly impacts women's fertility. Excess weight causes ovulation disorders and increases the likelihood of developing PCOS, which greatly reduces the chances of getting pregnant.

Does Obesity Cause Infertility?
Obesity can cause infertility in some women. Excess weight impacts ovulation, increasing the risk of conditions like PCOS, which in turn reduces pregnancy chances.
For men, obesity also affects sperm quality, decreasing fertility.

What Are the Health Risks of Obesity During Pregnancy?
Obesity increases health risks during pregnancy. The major risks include:

Gestational diabetes
High blood pressure
Complications during delivery, such as cesarean section or preterm birth
Obesity can also negatively affect the baby’s health and increase the chances of birth defects.

Does Obesity Affect Sexual Relationships?
Yes, obesity can affect sexual relationships. Excess weight leads to:

Reduced libido due to body changes
Increased anxiety and embarrassment about physical appearance
Negative impact on overall health and physical fitness

Does Obesity Cause Infertility in Men?
Obesity doesn’t only affect women; it also has a significant impact on male fertility.
Obesity leads to a decrease in testosterone levels, which directly impacts sperm quality.
Excess fat reduces sperm count and affects sperm motility, lowering chances of conception.
Studies show that for every 4-inch increase in a man’s waist circumference, testosterone levels drop by 75%, significantly impacting male fertility.

How Does Obesity Affect Sperm Quality?
Obesity has a significant impact on sperm quality in men, including:

Reduced Sperm Count: Obesity can lead to hormonal changes that affect sperm production, reducing the overall count.
Impaired Sperm Motility: Excess fat affects the sperm’s ability to move effectively towards the egg, decreasing the chances of conception.
Negative Impact on Sperm Morphology: The accumulation of toxins in the body due to obesity can harm the DNA integrity of sperm, which reduces the chances of pregnancy.

How Does the Husband’s Obesity Affect the Sexual Relationship?
A husband’s obesity can affect the sexual relationship in two main ways: physical ability and sexual desire:

Impact of Obesity on Physical Ability in Intimacy:
- Fitness Level: An obese husband may struggle with flexibility during intimacy due to excess fat, which can affect sexual positions. Obesity is often accompanied by sluggishness and lethargy, reducing the desire to engage in physical activities, including sex.
- Movement Difficulties: The accumulation of fat can hinder movement, making it difficult to complete sexual intercourse naturally, especially with fat accumulation around the genital area.
Impact of Obesity on Sexual Desire:
- Effect on Blood Vessels: Obesity affects the ability of blood vessels to pump blood effectively, leading to weaker erections in obese men.
- Reduced Libido: Factors like fatigue, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases linked to obesity can lower sexual desire.
- Hormonal Changes: Excess fat alters testosterone levels, which contributes to reduced libido and poor sexual arousal.
- Psychological Factors: Obesity affects self-confidence, and low self-esteem due to weight gain can reduce sexual desire. An obese husband may struggle with lower expectations regarding his ability to satisfy his wife.
Post-Intimacy Issues:
After intimacy, an obese husband may experience excessive sweating and fatigue, which can negatively affect his wife’s perception of him and his attractiveness. These issues may lead to a decline in the sexual relationship over time.

Does Obesity Only Affect Fertility?
No, obesity affects many aspects of the marital relationship, from sexual desire to physical ability, which can cause communication problems both physically and emotionally between spouses.

What Are the Causes of Obesity Affecting Erectile Function?
Several factors make obesity directly contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:

Arterial Blockage (Atherosclerosis):
When fat accumulates in the walls of blood vessels, it reduces blood flow to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction. Blood flow is crucial for erections, and any disruption can significantly impact sexual function.
Hormonal Imbalance:
Excess fat in the body converts testosterone into estrogen, disrupting hormonal balance and negatively affecting sexual desire and function.
Insulin Resistance and Diabetes:
Weight gain increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a major cause of erectile dysfunction. Insulin resistance impacts blood vessels and nerves, significantly weakening erectile function.
Chronic Inflammation:
Obesity contributes to increased chronic inflammation in the body, affecting the health of blood vessels and nerves, which play an essential role in the erectile process.

How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Obesity?
Fortunately, erectile dysfunction caused by obesity can be treated by following a combination of strategies to improve overall health and sexual function:

Weight Loss:
Losing weight is the first and most important step to improving erectile function. Reducing body mass index (BMI) helps improve blood flow and restore hormonal balance, which naturally enhances erectile function.
Follow a Healthy Diet:
Eating fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins, and reducing saturated fats and sugars that contribute to fat accumulation can promote sexual health and improve erectile function.
Exercise Regularly:
Regular physical activities like brisk walking, swimming, or resistance exercises can improve circulation and increase testosterone levels naturally. Exercise boosts physical activity and sexual health.
Medications:
A doctor may recommend medications like Viagra or Cialis to treat erectile dysfunction, but this should only be done under medical supervision.
Hormonal Therapy:
In cases where testosterone levels are significantly low, a doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy to improve erectile function.
Surgery (Bariatric Surgery):
In cases of severe obesity that do not respond to traditional methods, bariatric surgery, such as gastric sleeve surgery, may be considered. This surgery has proven to significantly improve erectile function after significant weight loss.

Dealing with an Overweight Husband in Intimacy

Health Is More Important Than Appearance
When you feel frustrated about your husband's weight gain, it should be due to concern for his health, not just his appearance. Excess weight can increase the risk of obesity-related diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, which negatively affect his life and health. It’s essential to encourage him to maintain his health because you want to spend many healthy, happy years together.
The Importance of a Healthy Diet
Not eating healthy and avoiding exercise can be a sign of neglecting health. You both should focus on fostering a healthy lifestyle rather than focusing only on appearance. You can help him follow a healthy diet by encouraging him to eat healthy foods and participating in physical activities together.
Helping, Not Criticizing
There’s a big difference between helping your husband lose weight and hurting him with constant criticism. Love and genuine support can be a powerful motivator for him to improve his health, while continuous criticism may lead to frustration and overeating. Love and encouragement are the best solutions.
Are You the Reason for His Weight Gain?
It’s important to ask yourself whether you might be an indirect cause of your husband’s weight gain. Overeating can sometimes be an emotional reaction for many people, where they turn to food to cope with feelings of criticism or stress. If you realize that you may be contributing to this, you need to work on adjusting your behavior and offer him emotional support.
Encouraging Your Husband to Lose Weight
To encourage your husband to lose weight, balance between motivation and avoiding discouragement. Be a role model for him in living a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet. If you’re in good health and have an ideal weight, you can be an inspiration to him.
Supporting Him Without Forcing Him
Your husband won’t succeed in losing weight unless he is convinced that he wants to change. Therefore, you need to support his decision without pressuring him. If you know he needs your help in preparing healthy meals or engaging in physical activities, you can assist by adjusting the food at home and encouraging him to participate in fun physical activities.
Focus on Other Aspects That Attract You to Your Husband
Weight isn’t the only factor that affects your attraction to your husband. There are many other aspects that you may find attractive, such as his eyes, his voice, his scent, and the understanding and compatibility between you two. Attraction isn’t limited to physical appearance; it also includes emotional and intellectual attraction. Maintaining a healthy relationship depends on emotional connection and mutual understanding.

How Can You Improve Your Chances of Reaching Orgasm if You or Your Partner Struggles with Weight Gain?

Find a Comfortable and Confident Sexual Position
Choosing a sexual position that makes you feel comfortable and confident is essential for a better intimate experience. Ensure that you’re in a position that doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. Enjoy the moment and focus on your inner feelings rather than your external appearance.
Foreplay Enhances Sexual Desire
Foreplay is an essential part of reaching orgasm. It not only boosts sexual desire but also makes the body feel pleasure and anticipation. Make sure to give yourself the opportunity to enjoy the moment and don’t rush toward orgasm.
Know Your Pleasure Points and Share Them with Your Partner
Everyone has specific points that trigger their sexual pleasure. It’s important to know these points well and share them with your partner. Open communication can greatly improve your intimate relationship and increase the chances of reaching orgasm.
Expressing Your Needs Is Important
It’s essential to express your sexual needs openly with your partner. If you have any issues or particular preferences, don’t hesitate to share them. Clear communication enhances the relationship and helps achieve the best sexual experience for both of you.
Adding Excitement with a Diverse Sexual Life
If you want to enhance your sexual pleasure, you can try some sexual toys like vibrators or arousal tools. These additions can help achieve more sexual pleasure and improve performance.

Tips for Burning More Calories During Sex
If you want to burn more calories during intimacy, here are some fun and effective tips:

Try Different Sexual Positions
Changing positions helps activate different muscles in the body, meaning more calories burned. If you want to burn even more, try focusing on hip and torso movements in new positions, which will enhance your physical experience.
Sigh and Moan Naturally
Sighing and moaning are not only part of the pleasure but can also increase your heart rate, helping to burn more calories. Don’t hesitate to enjoy every moment without thinking about other things.
Incorporate Squats During Sex
If you want to burn more calories, try incorporating squats during intercourse. Squats strengthen the thigh and buttock muscles, helping improve your fitness and increasing activity levels.
Use Push-Ups During Sex
When your partner is lying on their back, try using a push-up position. This movement helps strengthen the upper body muscles and burns more calories, while also adding excitement to the experience.
Dance for Your Partner
Dancing is not only fun but can also be a great physical workout. Dance for your partner as part of foreplay—it’s not just enjoyable, but it also helps burn calories.
Embrace Sweating
Energetic sex with lots of movement helps burn more calories. Don’t be afraid of sweating—keep your enthusiasm and continue interacting naturally with your partner.
Add Massage During Intimacy
A massage can improve blood flow to your muscles and make you feel more energetic. Adding a massage enhances sexual pleasure and prepares your body for more effective sexual activity.
Try Deep Penetration
If you’re ready for it, try positions that allow for deep penetration. These positions require more muscle engagement and may help burn more calories during intimacy.

Specialists for Sexual Health Issues
The doctor treating sexual health or related issues may specialize in several medical fields, depending on the type of problem that needs treatment. Here are some medical specialties that might deal with such cases:

Urologist
Specialized in treating issues related to the urinary and reproductive systems, such as erectile dysfunction, fertility problems, prostatitis, and other conditions affecting male sexual health.
Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Specialized in treating sexual health issues for women, such as painful intercourse, sexual desire disorders, vaginal infections, and other reproductive health problems.
Endocrinologist
Specialized in treating hormonal disorders such as testosterone or estrogen issues that may affect sexual health and performance, like erectile dysfunction due to hormonal imbalances or menstrual cycle problems.
Psychiatrist or Psychologist
In cases where there are psychological impacts on sexual life, such as anxiety, depression, or emotional disorders affecting sexual desire and performance. This doctor helps treat the psychological causes of sexual issues.
Nutritionist
If sexual issues are linked to weight gain or unhealthy nutrition, a nutritionist can assist in creating a healthy eating plan to improve overall health.
Physical Therapist
In some cases, such as sexual issues related to physical strength, movement ability, or exercise, physical therapy may be part of the solution.