While you're lying on the couch scrolling through YouTube videos or immersed in computer games, you might be enjoying a moment of comfort, but changes are quietly happening in your body, especially in terms of male function. Many men may think that spending time in front of the computer is just a harmless form of entertainment. However, research shows that this seemingly innocent habit may pose a significant threat to the "lower half" of your body. Men who spend long hours in front of a computer may find their "weapon" gradually losing its power.
"Prolonged sitting just makes the waistline bigger and physical stamina worse, right?" Many people hold this dismissive view. But the reality is far more serious. Researchers have found that prolonged sitting in front of a computer is closely linked to a hormone that affects sperm production. This hormone acts like a "fertility commander" in a man's body, quietly overseeing the operation of sperm and testosterone. When the level of this hormone drops, it's like an engine running without proper lubrication gradually, the "power system" starts to shut down.
Scientists are still unsure how this drop in hormone levels directly affects erectile function, but one theory suggests that it may indirectly affect the release of testosterone. Testosterone is the "fuel" that drives a man's system, and when the fuel supply is insufficient, the engine naturally can't run at full speed. In other words, sitting in front of a computer for long periods is like keeping an engine idling for too long, causing the body's "performance" to decline over time.
Let's take a look at Aaron's story. Aaron, 30 years old, spends most of his free time playing computer games. He often sits for hours at a stretch, sometimes even skipping meals. At first, he didn't think it was a big deal, but gradually, he began to notice some subtle changes. Whenever he was intimate with his girlfriend, he felt "out of shape," and sometimes he couldn't even get into the mood. Aaron initially thought it was due to stress, but over time, his "problem" worsened, until one day his girlfriend jokingly asked, "Are you not attracted to me anymore?" This made Aaron anxious, and he had no idea what was going wrong. After visiting the hospital, the doctor told him that his issues were likely related to spending long hours playing computer games. The doctor explained that prolonged sitting in front of a computer could reduce the body's secretion of key hormones, which affects testosterone production, and a lack of testosterone was the main culprit behind his "performance issues." It was only after hearing the doctor's explanation that Aaron realized the problem wasn't due to psychological stress, but rather that prolonged "companionship" with the computer had pushed his body into a silent "crisis."
The causes of erectile dysfunction are quite complex. Besides prolonged inactivity in front of the computer, factors such as stress, low self-esteem, and insomnia can also affect the "lower half." Moreover, physical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity can pose potential threats to a man's
"combat power." Interestingly, even oral health can be connected to this issue— poor dental health can lead to chronic inflammation, which may affect the body's overall function. Therefore, to maintain their "strength," men not only need to step away from the computer and engage in more outdoor activities but also maintain a routine to prevent their bodies from staying in "idle mode" for too long. Imagine that a man's body is like a finely tuned sports car— prolonged sitting in front of a computer is like leaving the car parked for too long, making it impossible to step on the gas, and naturally, the engine will rust. If you want the "sports car" to always be ready to hit the road, you need to refuel, maintain it regularly, and take it on "long drives" to keep it in peak condition.
Eventually, following the doctor's advice, Aaron adjusted his lifestyle, reduced the time spent on computer games, and increased his exercise and outdoor activities. A few months later, he was pleasantly surprised to find that his "performance" had returned, and his relationship with his girlfriend had become closer. Aaron's experience teaches us that the body is a sophisticated system. To maintain "combat power," it's not just about focusing on mental health but also keeping the body active, ensuring that those key "hormonal commanders" remain on duty so that you can always be in the best shape on the "battlefield" of life.
