Dopamine, Testosterone, and Sexual Function

sexual function

We could fill this entire website with research articles on dopamine and sexual function. Dopamine is the key player in sexual desire, erections, sexual fetishes, sexual addictions and thus sexual function. When a porn user asks why they have sexual dysfunctions – the answer is dopamine. One of the most common complaints is erectile dysfunction, which is due to overstimulation of the reward system.  Overstimulation can result in a reduction of dopamine signalling – which is important for both sexual arousal and erections.

Questions often arise about testosterone and heavy porn use. In some of these studies you will see that blood testosterone is not affected. Testosterone increases sexual desire by stimulating dopamine in the brain. Sexual satiety leads to fewer testosterone receptors, thus less dopamine. Sexual function doesn’t correlate with blood levels of testosterone.