Sexual and Reproductive Health

A groundbreaking long-term study has turned conventional wisdom on its head, revealing that modest rises in blood sugar—not age or testosterone—are a primary driver of sexual decline in men. Presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, these findings highlight that even non-diabetic glucose levels can slow sperm, impair erections, and reduce libido, with important implications for men’s health across Thailand and the world (SciTechDaily).

For years, discussions about aging men’s declining sexual and reproductive health have focused on hormone levels and the inevitable march of time. But this newly published research, led by a respected German endocrinologist, argues that subtle metabolic changes—particularly slight increases in blood sugar—play a more pivotal role than previously recognized. “Although age and testosterone levels have long been considered an impetus for men’s declining sexual health, our research indicates that these changes more closely correlate with modest increases in blood sugar and other metabolic changes,” said a University Hospital in Muenster professor involved in the study. This suggests that lifestyle management and blood sugar monitoring may hold the key to preserving sexual health as men age.

A six-year study presented at ENDO 2025 challenges the view that aging alone governs men’s sexual health. Researchers found that even modest rises in blood sugar, rather than age or testosterone alone, are linked to declines in sperm quality, erectile function, and libido. The findings underscore the importance of metabolic health for men’s sexual vitality in Thailand and beyond.

Traditionally, discussions about declining male sexual and reproductive health have focused on hormones and aging. The new study, led by a senior endocrinologist, suggests that subtle metabolic changes—especially small increases in blood sugar—may play a larger role than previously recognized. “Although age and testosterone have long been linked to changes in sexual health, our findings show these shifts align more closely with modest rises in blood sugar and other metabolic changes,” the lead researcher noted. The takeaway: lifestyle management and regular blood sugar monitoring could help preserve sexual health with age.

A new study published by BMC Public Health has revealed a dramatic rise in public attention toward infertility in China, using Baidu search data to map nationwide trends and public sentiment around reproductive health issues. As infertility rates have soared from 7.5% in 2007 to an estimated 18.2% in 2020—now affecting one in five Chinese couples of reproductive age—the demand for information and solutions is reaching new heights, underscoring both societal anxieties and gaps in healthcare infrastructure. The findings provide powerful insights for Thai policymakers and families as Thailand faces similar demographic transitions and a shifting culture around fertility and family planning.

A recent study in BMC Public Health analyzes Baidu search trends to understand how people in China seek information about infertility, IVF, and related topics. The findings show infertility rates rising from 7.5% in 2007 to about 18.2% in 2020, suggesting roughly one in five couples of reproductive age could be affected. The research highlights public demand for information and gaps in healthcare infrastructure, offering timely lessons for Thailand as it navigates similar demographic and cultural shifts around fertility.

A sizable international study finds that small rises in blood sugar, well below diabetes levels, can impair male sexual function and sperm motility. The findings challenge the idea that aging or testosterone alone drive sexual decline in men. For Thai readers, the results come at a time of rising metabolic disorders and changing lifestyles across the country.

Historically, low libido, erectile difficulties, and poorer semen quality were attributed mainly to age or low testosterone. The FAME 2.0 study, conducted at a German university hospital, shows that even modest metabolic shifts—measured by HbA1c—correlate more strongly with declines in sexual health than age or testosterone. The study followed nearly 200 healthy men aged 18–85 over six years, excluding those with diabetes, heart disease, or cancer to isolate the effects of prediabetic glucose elevations.

A groundbreaking new study has challenged decades-old assumptions about men’s sexual health, showing that even slightly elevated blood sugar—well below diabetic levels—can significantly impair sexual function and sperm mobility. The findings, which upend the notion that age or testosterone alone drive male sexual decline, have special implications for Thai men amid rising rates of metabolic disorder and changing lifestyles nationwide.

For years, it was widely believed that reduced libido, erectile challenges, and compromised sperm quality in men naturally came with aging or declining testosterone. However, the international team led by physicians at University Hospital in Münster, Germany, has demonstrated that subtle metabolic changes—marked primarily by the HbA1c blood sugar test—correlate far more closely with sexual health decline than either age or testosterone levelsScience Daily. The study, known as FAME 2.0, followed nearly 200 healthy men aged 18-85 in a rigorous six-year analysis ending in 2020, excluding any participants with diabetes, heart disease, or cancer to isolate the effects of modest (pre-diabetic) blood sugar elevation.

A new wave of research is challenging long-held beliefs about men’s sexual well-being, revealing that even slightly elevated blood sugar levels—far below the traditional diabetes threshold—can quietly disrupt erectile function and sperm health. The findings, which stem from a six-year study recently presented at the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2025 conference and published by sources including ScienceDaily and Neuroscience News, suggest lifestyle choices affecting blood sugar control play a far more significant role in men’s sexual vitality than previously recognised.

A six-year study presented at the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2025 conference suggests that blood sugar levels below diabetes thresholds can quietly affect erectile function and sperm health. The research points to lifestyle factors that influence blood sugar control as important influences on male sexual vitality. Clinicians say managing sugar intake, staying active, and ensuring good sleep may help preserve sexual wellness.

Among Thai men, rising rates of metabolic syndrome and prediabetes make these findings particularly timely. Beyond aging or hormonal shifts, modest increases in blood sugar appear to be associated with changes in sexual function. The message underscores everyday lifestyle choices as part of reproductive health.

A new international study has revealed that even modest increases in blood sugar levels—not just advanced diabetes—can have a significant negative impact on men’s sexual health as they age, shifting the traditional understanding of male reproductive well-being. The latest findings, presented at the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2025 annual meeting in San Francisco, spotlight metabolic health, especially mild hyperglycemia, as a key driver in changes to sexual functioning among men, offering a new roadmap for prevention and intervention.

A global study reveals that even small rises in blood sugar, not just diabetes, can affect men’s sexual function as they age. The findings shift how researchers understand male reproduction and highlight metabolic health as a key driver. Results were presented at the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2025 annual meeting.

Traditionally, aging and lower testosterone were seen as the main causes of reduced male sexual health. The new study, conducted at a leading German university hospital, challenges this view. While age and testosterone matter, the strongest link appears to be modest blood sugar increases and related metabolic changes. This suggests lifestyle changes and medical care can help men maintain sexual health longer.

A growing body of research from Asian hospitals and institutes is challenging long-held myths about female sexual health. The findings stress accurate education and frank conversation, with clear relevance to Thailand where sex education and women’s health topics remain culturally sensitive.

A 2024 study conducted at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore found that more than half of women aged 21–45 could not identify symptoms of common female sexual health conditions, even though they valued awareness. Only 43% said they would seek medical help if problems arose. A parallel survey of healthcare professionals showed gaps in knowledge of screening tools, with only a small fraction feeling confident diagnosing or managing female sexual health concerns. The results point to broader gaps in public understanding and professional training that Thailand’s health system can also learn from.

A growing body of research is shedding light on long-held misunderstandings about female sexual health, debunking myths from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to challenges surrounding menopause. These findings, many led by hospitals and research institutions in Asia, highlight the critical need for education and open discourse—issues that are especially relevant in Thailand, where taboos around sex education and women’s health persist.

In a recent 2024 study by Singapore’s KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), over half of participating women aged 21–45 admitted they could not identify symptoms of common female sexual health conditions, despite acknowledging the importance of awareness and education. Alarmingly, only 43% said they would seek medical help if they encountered such issues. Compounding the problem, a parallel survey of healthcare professionals treating women of reproductive age found that more than 8 out of 10 lacked awareness of screening tools, and only around 1 in 10 felt confident diagnosing or managing female sexual health complaints (CNA Lifestyle).

A growing body of research highlights that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can have profound and often overlooked effects on sexual health and intimate relationships, affecting millions of women globally — including many in Thailand. Experts are calling for a more holistic approach to PCOS care, integrating medical treatment, psychological support, and open dialogue between partners to address these sensitive challenges.

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder marked by irregular menstrual cycles, increased levels of androgens (male hormones), and cysts on the ovaries. While much focus has traditionally been given to its physical symptoms — such as menstrual irregularity, acne, and unwanted hair growth — a recent report from the Indian Express draws attention to the significant and often hidden burdens that PCOS places on a woman’s sex life and emotional well-being (Indian Express).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects millions worldwide, including many women in Thailand, and its impact extends beyond physical symptoms. Recent research emphasizes the importance of addressing sexual health and intimate relationships as part of comprehensive PCOS care. Experts advocate for a holistic approach that combines medical treatment, psychological support, and open partner communication.

PCOS is a common hormonal condition characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgens, and ovarian cysts. While discussions often focus on acne, hair growth, and weight changes, emerging studies highlight the substantial impact on a woman’s sexual health and emotional well-being. For Thai women, stigma and cultural norms can make conversations about intimacy challenging, underscoring the need for sensitive, culturally informed care.

The struggle to access contraception in the United States has become more difficult in recent years, prompting advocates in New York to devise novel solutions such as vending machines dispensing Plan B pills and other over-the-counter products on university campuses. As the national landscape of reproductive rights continues to shift—especially in the wake of clinic closures and new legal hurdles—New York’s approach offers fresh hope and urgent lessons for other regions, including Thailand, where access to reproductive healthcare is an ongoing concern.

A fresh wave of contraceptive access efforts is unfolding in New York, even as funding strains and policy shifts reshape services. At a large state university in upstate New York, emergency contraception is now available through a vending machine, helping reduce cost, stigma, and travel time. As clinics adapt to changing policies, these campus innovations provide practical models for health workers and policymakers worldwide, including Thailand, where reproductive services remain unevenly distributed.

A recent study has detected microplastics in the reproductive fluids of both men and women, sparking global discussion about the potential consequences for fertility and reproductive health. Presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), this research represents one of the first times microplastic contamination has been systematically documented in ovarian follicular fluid and semen, shifting the spotlight from environmental and dietary exposure toward intimate human biological systems. The findings urge both the scientific community and the public to reflect on the far-reaching impact of plastic pollution and what it could mean for future generations, including here in Thailand.

A new international study reveals microplastics in both female follicular fluid and male semen, raising questions about potential effects on fertility. Shared at a global reproductive health conference, the findings mark one of the first systematic detections of microplastics in these intimate fluids, expanding the conversation from environmental exposure to human biology. For Thai readers, the results highlight how plastic pollution could affect future generations and daily life in Thailand.

A sweeping review of over 150 scientific publications spanning nearly three decades has spotlighted critical gaps in how men’s involvement in family planning is understood and studied across 23 African nations. The research, led by a team of demographers, reproductive health experts, and population scientists, raises fresh questions about how health systems worldwide—including in Thailand—should rethink the role of men in shaping reproductive choices and outcomes. The findings suggest that involving men meaningfully in family planning discussions and programmes is not only essential for gender equity but also for the long-term success of reproductive health initiatives (The Conversation).

A broad review of more than 150 studies from 1996 to 2023 highlights a persistent gap in understanding men’s role in family planning across 23 African countries. Researchers urge health systems worldwide, including Thailand, to rethink how men contribute to reproductive choices and outcomes. Meaningful male involvement is seen as essential for gender equity and the long-term success of family planning programs.

Traditionally, family planning has been framed as a female duty. Public campaigns often show women visiting clinics to decide on contraception and family size. The review argues this narrow view misses men’s influence—shaped by household decision-making, cultural attitudes, and shared responsibility for reproductive health.

A respected sexologist in India has challenged the idea that longer intercourse or “extra time condoms” signify better sexual health. The expert warns that marketing-driven myths push false notions about performance, potentially harming sexual well-being. Health professionals emphasize that satisfaction comes from communication, intimacy, and mutual respect, not a stopwatch.

The discussion resonates in Thailand, where rapid modernization meets evolving attitudes toward sexuality and growing interest in sexual health education. Thai readers are increasingly exposed to advertisements for products that promise longer-lasting performance. Such messaging can create anxiety, misaligned expectations, and unsafe practices if not grounded in science.

A leading Indian sexologist has recently spotlighted the “extra time condom”—often marketed as prolonging sexual performance—as central to one of the most destructive myths about sex, urging people to stop believing that long-duration intercourse equates to sexual health or satisfaction. The expert’s warning, highlighted in a recent health report, adds to a growing chorus of medical voices pushing back against profit-driven misconceptions in sexual wellness (Hindustan Times).

This revelation resonates deeply in Thailand, a society navigating rapid modernization, shifting attitudes on sexuality, and rising interest in sexual health education. Thai consumers, like peers throughout Asia, are regularly exposed to aggressive advertising for “performance enhancing” products, including condoms promising to delay ejaculation. The implications are significant: not only do such myths create unrealistic expectations, but they may also foster anxiety, poor self-esteem, and unsafe sexual practices.

A growing body of research is shining a spotlight on so-called “superfoods”—such as honey, oysters, watermelon, ginger, and ginseng—for their potential benefits to male sexual health and fertility. According to a recent biochemical review published in the journal Current Research in Food Science, these foods may promote testosterone production, sperm quality, and erectile function, providing a natural alternative to pharmaceutical treatments and bringing renewed hope for men seeking to enhance their reproductive well-being (Physicians Weekly).

A growing body of research highlights so-called “superfoods” like honey, oysters, watermelon, ginger, and ginseng for potential benefits to male sexual health and fertility. A recent biochemical review in Current Research in Food Science suggests these foods may support testosterone production, sperm quality, and erectile function. The findings point to natural options that align with practical wellness goals for Thai readers.

In Thailand and around the world, interest in male sexual health and fertility is rising. Nations face concerns about declining birth rates and stress-related sexual function issues. Thai demographics show lower birth numbers alongside reports of male infertility. Many Thai men value evidence-based, natural approaches that honor cultural traditions about food as medicine.