Men's health: The relationship between sex and the seasons and how to adapt.

Does Sex Have a Relationship with the Seasons?

Some people often experience a sudden decline in sexual function during winter. This issue actually reflects the relationship between sex and the seasons. Some articles in the past have argued that humans, unlike animals, do not exhibit obvious seasonality in sexual activity. Their reasoning is that human sexual activity is controlled by higher nerve centers and is not primarily for procreation, therefore, the seasons have no impact on sexual function. I disagree with this view.

Like other physiological functions, sexual life is constrained and influenced by the seasonal and climatic changes in nature. Therefore, humans should adapt to these changes. Sexual activity includes two elements: sexual desire and sexual ability. Sexual desire, as a concrete expression of sexual psychological desire, is stimulated by the sexual environment and atmosphere, and also supported by endocrine sex hormones; that is, sexual desire relies on physical physiological activity as its foundation. Sexual ability, on the other hand, relies more heavily on sexual physiology for support.

Biological research has confirmed a close connection between human physiological activities and the sun. The sexual activity of many male animals is consistent with the increased secretion of testosterone in their bodies; testosterone secretion is influenced by the length of daylight; and the length of daylight also affects the activity of the pituitary gland. Generally speaking, the testes enlarge in spring, leading to higher levels of testosterone in the blood and more frequent sexual activity. Is this also true for humans?

Scientists, through measurements on a group of individuals, discovered that their testosterone levels are not only controlled by the seasons (peaking in spring and autumn), but also exhibit a daily rhythm, with the highest levels around 8 AM in spring and around 2 PM in late autumn. Research shows that the level of sexual activity is consistent with the level of testosterone secreted in the body, with the highest frequency of sexual activity and masturbation in spring and autumn. There is also a "fertility season," with spring being the peak season for pregnancy, while the abnormality rate and the number of dead sperm in born boys are highest in winter

As temperatures rise in spring, gonadal activity increases, and the secretion of sex hormones in both partners rises daily. Moreover, the spring air is invigorating, with flowers blooming, willows turning green, and birdsong filling the air. Spring is a time of renewal and growth, a time of rebirth for all things. Like nature, people should not suppress their thoughts and bodies during this season, allowing them to flourish and maintaining a free flow of energy. Sexual activity should be increased appropriately, without excessive restriction. At this time, people are in a state of maximum comfort, easily arousing sexual passion. With tender caresses and loving words, both partners can more easily reach orgasm and maintain prolonged sexual excitement. Therefore, compared to winter, the frequency of sexual activity in spring is naturally much higher. This is beneficial for enhancing marital harmony, maintaining proper hormonal balance, and preserving vigorous sexual function. Furthermore, it resonates with the vibrant life force of nature, where all things flourish and thrive, further promoting the metabolic activities of the body's tissues and organs and enhancing their vitality.

Summer temperatures are high, a season of abundant growth for all living things. People should maintain a cheerful mood, allowing the body's Yang energy to flow freely without hindrance. Therefore, sexual activity should be spontaneous and unrestricted, allowing the body to maintain its vigorous growth. Moreover, Yang energy is easily released in summer, and with lighter clothing, sexual activity is more convenient, so it should be natural and not forcibly suppressed. However, in the sweltering heat of summer, when sweating profusely, it is understandable that couples may lack interest in sexual activity, thus avoiding excessive sweating that could damage Yang energy and Yin fluids. Of course, with improved living environments and the widespread use of air conditioners and electric fans, indoor spaces are no longer unbearably hot. With comfortable room temperature, various positions and postures for sexual activity, such as sitting, standing, kneeling, and woman-on-top, become more convenient, naturally leading to an increase in sexual activity.

As summer fades and autumn arrives, the weather cools, and the pleasant climate brings a renewed tendency for sexual activity. However, once late autumn arrives, with its clear skies, yellow leaves, and the rustling of leaves, the cicadas chirping sadly on the shallow water, the yang energy begins to recede. Sexual activity should then be moderated. One should cultivate tranquility and restraint, reducing the frequency of sexual activity to prevent excessive depletion of yang energy and prepare adequate conditions for resisting the harsh winter.

With the arrival of harsh winter, snow and howling winds bring insects to hibernate, and the air is filled with the image of yang energy being stored and sealed away. People should follow this natural order, keeping their desires hidden and not overly disturbing the body's yang energy. They should strictly control the frequency of sexual activity to prevent the stored yang energy from being disturbed and leaked out. Otherwise, indulging in excessive sexual activity will not only damage the body's yang energy but also harm the yin essence. A body with both yin and yang deficiencies will find it impossible to "nourish and replenish essence." Even if one avoids illness in winter, the body will lack the source of vitality for growth in the following spring, affecting its health. Furthermore, with the arrival of winter, testosterone levels decrease, penile blood vessels constrict significantly, sexual ability weakens, and the frequency and strength of penile erections are less than in spring and autumn. This is a form of "self-protection" by the human body; there is no need to panic or force it, creating unnecessary trouble. Of course, appropriately using some kidney-tonifying, essence-replenishing, qi-boosting, and blood-nourishing products to enhance "winter tonification" is still very beneficial for restoring physical energy and improving sexual function. However, despite this, Traditional Chinese Medicine still advocates for less sexual activity in winter. This is partly to align with the natural state of decreased sex hormone secretion and declining sexual ability, and partly to conserve energy and protect latent yang and yin essence for use in the following spring. This is especially significant for middle-aged and elderly people whose physical energy and "competitive" state are inferior to those of younger people, and it will also prevent their life activities in the following year from being "shaken in their foundation." Therefore, self-restraint in sexual activity during winter is key to harmonious sexual life throughout the four seasons and should not be taken lightly.
严冬来临，雪和呼啸的风让昆虫进入冬眠，空气中弥漫着阳气被储存和封存的景象。人们应遵循这种自然秩序，隐藏欲望，不过度扰乱身体的阳气。应严格控制性活动频率，防止储存的阳气被扰乱并泄漏。否则，过度沉溺性行为不仅会损害身体的阳气，也会损害阴性。阴阳两者都缺乏，无法“滋养和补充精华”。即使冬天避免疾病，身体在春季时也缺乏生长所需的活力，影响健康。此外，随着冬季的到来，睾酮水平下降，血管显著收缩，性功能减弱，勃起的频率和强度也低于春秋季节。这是一种人体的“自我保护”;无需惊慌或强迫，避免制造不必要的麻烦。当然，适当使用一些补腎、补精、提气和滋血的产品来增强“冬补”，对于恢复体力和改善性功能仍然非常有益。然而，尽管如此，中医仍主张冬季减少性活动。这部分是为了配合自然的性激素分泌减少和性能力下降的状态，部分是为了保存体力，保护潜伏的阳华，为来年春季使用做准备。 这对中老年人尤为重要，他们的体力和“竞争”状态不如年轻人，也能防止他们来年的生活活动“根基动摇”。因此，冬季节制性行为是四季和谐性生活的关键，绝不可轻忽。