Does Fish Oil Help Sexually? (Everything You Need to Know)

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Published by James Cunningham, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: January 23, 2024
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As a fitness coach, I always recommend fish oil to my clients for building lean muscle mass and burning fat.

However, one less-known benefit of omega-3 in fish oil is its ability to spice up your bedroom activities and enhance your intimate experiences.

And to show you how I teamed up with a dietician and we went through the scientific literature on fish oil and how it can help boost your sexual health.

Quick Summary

  • Fish oil helps sexually by boosting testosterone, a key sex hormone, unclogging the plaque in arteries and veins, aiding in blood flow and circulation to your reproductive organs, and improving your mental health which is vital for a vibrant sex life.
  • You should avoid fish oil supplements if you're taking high blood pressure medication, are on weight loss nutritional supplements, or are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners.
  • According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help boost semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology.
  • Based on the positive feedback from clients, I'm convinced that fish oil can be a key ingredient in the recipe for a fulfilling sexual health regime.

How Does Taking Fish Oil Help Boost Sexual Health?

Taking fish oil can help boost your sexual health by improving your mental health which can elevate your sexual performance, enhancing blood flow to your reproductive organs, and stimulating the production of sex hormones for a fulfilling and enjoyable intimate experience.

Let's go deeper.

1. Helps Your Mental Health

woman with her hands on her chin thinking

The health benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids include fighting depression by increasing dopamine production in the body, which is responsible for pleasurable feelings and emotions, energy, focus, and arousal.

According to the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, one of the health benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids is to fight depression by increasing dopamine production in your body [1].

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help boost semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology.

Fish oil may address erectile dysfunction and increase dopamine levels in the brain, potentially enhancing sexual arousal and pleasure.

2. Improves Your Blood Flow

If you're smoking or living a poor lifestyle, you probably might have clogged arteries in your body. It affects your heart health and overall libido because the sex organs need good blood circulation.

According to my dietician, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help unclog the plaque in arteries and veins. This improves blood circulation to different organs in the body including the penis, hence helping solve problems like erectile dysfunction.

3. Boosts Your Testosterone Levels

Research published by the National Institute of Health shows that testosterone is a key hormone in regulating the timing of the erectile process and coordinating penile erection [2].

I've had clients who incorporated fish oil into their dietary routines, and they've reported increased energy and vitality, which aligns with research published in the National Library of Medicine indicating that fatty acids in fish oil can play a role in boosting testosterone levels [3].

“Many of our male patients over the years are receiving enduring improvements in erectile dysfunction, taking a potent fish oil concentrate for at least 6 months.”

-Dr. Rachelle Herdman, MD, ND

The essential fatty acids in fish oils also provide a good flow through the penis by relaxing arteries and removing inflammations. The anti-inflammatory effect helps the testes produce high levels of testosterone.

4. Boosts Your Sperm Production

A man holding a supplement capsule that boosts sperm production

I once had a client who was actively seeking ways to enhance his fertility and overall sexual health. I recommended incorporating fish oil into his daily routine.

Over time, he noticed a significant improvement in his overall well-being and fertility, thanks to Omega 3 and Zinc supplementation which studies published in the National Institutes of Health have shown is potent in combating oxidative stress, a factor in male infertility [4].

Should You Take Fish Oil?

hands holding a glass of water and a stack of pills

Yes, you should take fish oil supplements to boost your sexual and overall health. However, you should avoid fish oil supplements if you're taking high blood pressure medication, are on weight loss nutritional supplements, or are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners.

Like I always advise my clients, it's best to consult a doctor before starting any nutritional supplements, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. Fish oil is not an exception.

To fully harness the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, incorporating fish like salmon and mackerel into your diet is beneficial. Moreover, embracing recipes that feature these omega-3-rich foods can not only enhance your diet but also potentially contribute to a more vibrant sex life through improved overall health.


References:

  1. https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/article/17/3/383/758961
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19997070/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33221700/
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18795169/
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About The Author

Dr. Kristy Dayanan, BS, MD
Dr. Kristy Dayanan, BS, MD
Medical Doctor
Education: University of Perpetual Help System, JONELTA Foundation School of Medicine
Lives in: Davao City, Philippines
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD
Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD
Medical Doctor
Education: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences
Lives in: Bathinda, Punjab, India
Learn more about our editorial policy

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