Could what you eat be affecting your erections?

This large, long-term study followed over 20,000 U.S. men aged 40-75 for up to 16 years to see whether diet quality was linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers focused on two healthy eating patterns: the Mediterranean diet and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, both rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats, and low in red and processed meats.

Men who ate the healthiest diets had a lower risk of developing ED than those with poorer diets. The effect was strongest in men under age 60, where high diet quality lowered ED risk by about 22%. Specific foods that stood out included fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish, while a higher intake of red and processed meat was linked to higher ED risk. Improving diet may help protect erections by supporting blood flow and reducing inflammation. Among all approaches studied, a Mediterranean-style diet showed the strongest and most reliable benefit.

Can medications for overactive bladder affect a woman’s sex life?

This study explored exactly that question, examining how medications for overactive bladder (OAB) affect sexual function in women. The researchers evaluated women receiving standard OAB medications and measured changes using validated sexual function questionnaires before and after treatment.

OAB medications did not worsen sexual function. In fact, some domains, particularly desire and overall satisfaction, showed improvement after treatment, likely because urinary urgency and leakage were better controlled. When symptoms like urgency and frequency improved, women reported feeling more confident and less anxious during intimacy. Importantly, no significant negative impact on arousal, lubrication, orgasm, or pain was observed.

The key takeaway: effectively treating OAB symptoms appears to support, not harm, sexual well-being. This means symptom control may restore comfort and confidence rather than create new sexual problems. While the study had limitations, including sample size and follow-up duration, it challenges a common fear about bladder medications.

This week, someone asked me, “My wife has often experienced a tear during intercourse. She uses a prescribed vaginal estrogen cream. We’re in our 70’s, married 4 years ago. Use lubricants. What’s happening?”. With age, the vaginal tissue thins and becomes less elastic, a condition called the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which makes tearing more likely during intercourse. Using estrogen cream should prevent this, but perhaps she needs more frequent or higher dosing. She may also have other issues affecting her pelvic floor muscles, making it difficult for her muscles to relax during intercourse, putting her at higher risk for tears. At home, you can try to add longer-acting lubricants like oil or silicone-based products and talk to her gynecologist or urologist to get a pelvic examination to ensure there’s nothing else causing these issues.

I love hearing from you, so if there’s a question you’ve been wanting to ask, just let me know. Who knows? Your question might be the one I dive into next!

This week, I attended the Figs scrubs event honoring International Women's Day. Check out my Instagram to see some photos from the event.

If you're interested in purchasing scrubs, you can get 15% off your first purchase with the discount code: RenaFirstFigs

I had an honest conversation about the real habits that set people apart when it comes to having a great sex life—and it’s not luck, it’s discipline and intention! “The people who show up intentional, disciplined, and self-aware in life—if they take that same drive to having better sex, they show up that way in the bedroom too.”

Here are some quick takeaways:

Bottom line: There’s no magic bullet, but small, intentional changes really add up over time. If something’s off, don’t suffer in silence—ask for help! Want more tips? Subscribe to the channel and join me every week for more evidence-based advice!

Last week's conversation with Holly Randal was about the adult entertainment industry, how it’s changed, and what really goes on behind the scenes. Holly brings years of experience and shares some honest perspectives. As she puts it “You don’t learn to drive by watching The Fast and the Furious. You shouldn’t learn how to have sex from watching Backdoor Sluts 15.”

Here’s what stood out:

So, if you’ve ever wondered what really happens in porn, or why it’s so controversial, tune in for a myth-busting discussion! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here and see why people are commenting, “Great intelligent, mature conversation with 2 very smart ladies! Thx!”

Feeling drained, unmotivated, or “off” in the bedroom? Check out my new Substack: Testosterone Replacement Therapy: What Every Man Needs to Know—Urologists Answer Your Top Questions.

In this article, I break down when low testosterone matters, how lifestyle changes and therapy can help, and what every man should know to boost energy, libido, and overall health safely.