Creatine is part of the daily life of all human beings, but it takes on special importance in the context of sports practice in a wide variety of physical disciplines. Due to its physiological effects on the body, its relationship with various benefits has been speculated, but on the other side of the coin, there are hypotheses of its adverse effects, including affecting male sexual potency.
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Let's solve this concern of the sex and sport from the medical perspective of the Low T Center Based on physiology, the most up-to-date clinical studies and our vast clinical experience with patients in Spain, we will explore step by step, starting by clarifying the following questions: What is creatine? Does it have positive effects on sexuality? Has its consumption been associated with impotence or erectile dysfunction? How can we avoid its possible adverse effects?
What is creatine and what is it used for?
Creatine is a nitrogenous compound that is formed in the body from 3 amino acids: Arginine, Glycine and Methionine. The liver is the largest producer of creatine, as are the kidneys and pancreas, but they provide a smaller amount. These 3 organs produce 1 to 2 grams daily.
Its function is to provide energy, as quickly as possible (seconds), required in muscular movement, for this it must be associated with a phosphate molecule, forming phosphocreatine, thus we find 2 forms of creatine in the body, spirit which occupies 40%, and the phosphocreatine is the remaining 60%.
Beef, poultry and fish provide abundant creatine, providing 4 to 5 grams per kilo of food weight.
It may interest you: Carnivore Diet
Creatine supplements in the form of creatine monohydrate are considered ergogenic substances, which increase the ability to exercise and improve physiological functions, which is why they are widely used in sports practice to provide energy and increase muscle mass, expecting it in repeated efforts and short-term power activities:
- Increased muscle strength.
- Increase in muscular endurance.
- Increased muscle overload capacity.
- Improve performance in high intensity, short duration exercise.
A high intake of 20 to 30 grams of creatine for at least 2 weeks is required to increase intramuscular free creatine and phosphocreatine concentrations by 30%. This is not a medical indication for free and generalized use, it is recommended to consult with your doctor for the correct prescription.
The latest update from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in July 2021 continues to maintain that its use for a period of 5 years is safe and well tolerated in healthy people.
Creatine, does it have effects on sexuality?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence to show that creatine consumption causes serious problems related to sexuality. However, as with any supplement, it is essential to use it responsibly, respecting the recommended doses and avoiding any excess.
The effects of creatine on sexuality may be secondary or indirect, in relation to healthy lifestyles, and not as a consequence of the consumption of creatine itself. Thus, an athletic person with a responsible consumption, not only of creatine to improve their sports performance, but also of an adequate and balanced diet, results in a better quality and stimulation in the daily sex due to increased testosterone.
Given these biologically plausible conclusions, there are no systematic studies focused on resolving this question, however they do not have deleterious consequences for the reader.
You may be interested in: Learn more supplements to increase testosterone
Does creatine consumption cause impotence or erectile dysfunction?
Creatine has some adverse effects which we will discuss later, however in medicine conducting studies is not as easy as it is believed, and there is not much capacity to resolve all the questions through clinical trials. At the time of research for this article, in search engines specialized in medical clinical studies there are no reports of this association between creatine and erectile dysfunction or sexual impotence.
Perhaps in the context of creatine consumption, given that it coincides with a fairly high prevalence of up to 46% of recreational and elite athletes, and in turn the high prevalence of some erectile dysfunction event in the course of a man's life, they may be associated by concurrence but not by causality.
The truth is that erectile dysfunction in the sports context is not far from the causes in general, it can be associated with overtraining and fatigue, but you do not need to be a great athlete to feel anxiety and sexual performance stress, among this and many other causal factors, you should inform yourself and consult with your doctor if you have presented any symptoms of erectile dysfunction, here is an article that may be useful to you and do not hesitate to request your Free Information Appointment to resolve all your concerns. Or you can also access our fast and free online testosterone test examined by our team of professionals.
Does creatine affect sexual desire?
There are no scientific studies that claim that creatine affects libido. There are studies that indicate that creatine may positively influence libido by promoting an increase in testosterone levels and improving the body's overall energy, but direct evidence is still scarce. Conclusive evidence has not been found to show that creatine has a significant impact on sexual desire. Most research has focused on the effects of creatine on athletic performance, muscle strength, and recovery, leaving its possible implications on sexuality as an area that requires further study.
Does taking creatine increase testosterone?
The relationship between creatine supplementation and testosterone levels has been the subject of several scientific studies. Some suggest that creatine may positively influence testosterone when combined with physical training programs. However, other research claims that there is no direct and significant effect that accurately determines how creatine may influence testosterone levels.
What are the contraindications of creatine?
Creatine is a popular supplement used to improve athletic performance and increase muscle mass. However, it may have some contraindications and side effects that are important to consider. Here are the main contraindications and precautions associated with the use of creatine:
Contraindications and Precautions
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Kidney Problems:
- Renal disease:People with pre-existing kidney disease or kidney function problems should avoid using creatine, as it can increase the load on the kidneys and potentially aggravate problems.
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Dehydration:
- Risk of dehydration: Creatine can cause water retention in the muscles, which increases the risk of dehydration, especially if not enough fluid is consumed.
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Digestive problems:
- Side effects: May cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal cramps in some people, especially at high doses.
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Specific Medical Conditions:
- Heart disease: Those with heart problems should consult a doctor before using creatine, as it could have effects on the cardiovascular system.
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Use in Children and Adolescents:
- Caution in Young People: Although some studies suggest that creatine may be safe for adolescents, its use in children under 18 years of age should be supervised by a health professional.
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Drug Interactions:
- Pharmaceutical products: Creatine may interact with certain medications, such as diuretics and some diabetes medications, which could affect the effectiveness of the treatment or increase side effects.
How to avoid its possible adverse effects?
Just as multiple benefits of creatine consumption have been described, it is important to report the adverse effects recorded in clinical trials that guide evidence-based medicine. In the update of the ACSM As mentioned in previous lines, the most frequent are those related to kidney function such as:
- Fluid retention
- Decreased urine output.
Others with less frequency of presentation:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Muscle cramps
- Heat intolerance
All of them are related to excessive doses, pre-existing organic failures or combined use with other potentially harmful substances or those that interact with creatine (it is worth mentioning that the combination with anabolic steroids and muscle mass increasers have been associated with an increase in testicular cancer, in some studies reported in the British Journal of Cancer).
For all of the above reasons, the best recommendation for using creatine and any other supplement or medication is to be directed by an expert in medicine or clinical nutrition.
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How does creatine affect hormones?
Creatine is a popular supplement among athletes and people looking to improve their physical performance and increase muscle mass. Although its main function is to increase the ability of muscles to perform intense and prolonged work, it can also have side effects on hormones. Here's how it can affect hormones:
1. Testosterone
- Evidence: Studies on the effect of creatine on testosterone levels have shown mixed results. In some studies, creatine has not shown a significant effect on testosterone levels. However, some data suggests that creatine may have an indirect positive impact on testosterone by improving performance and muscle mass, which may influence overall hormone production.
2. Cortisol
- Evidence: Cortisol is a stress hormone that can be elevated during intense exercise. Creatine may help reduce cortisol levels by improving recovery and reducing muscle damage associated with intense exercise. However, studies have not shown a direct and consistent decrease in cortisol levels due to creatine use.
3. Insulin
- Evidence: Creatine may improve insulin sensitivity. This is important because insulin plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulation and nutrient storage. By improving insulin sensitivity, creatine could help with blood sugar management and muscle recovery.
4. Growth Hormones
- Evidence: Some studies suggest that creatine may have a positive effect on growth hormone (GH) in combination with high-intensity exercise. However, the direct impact of creatine on resting GH levels is not clearly established.
5. Estrogens
- Evidence:There is no significant evidence to suggest that creatine has a direct effect on estrogen levels, as this hormone is more closely related to female reproductive health and hormonal balance in women. Creatine does not appear to affect estrogen levels significantly.
Additional considerations
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Indirect effects: Creatine's influence on hormonal balance may be indirect through its effects on muscle mass, recovery and physical performance, rather than a direct alteration of hormones.
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Ongoing Research: Research into the effects of creatine on hormones is still ongoing, and results may vary depending on the individual and conditions of use.
Recommendations
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Moderate UseCreatine is generally safe when used at recommended doses. If you have concerns about how creatine may affect your hormones, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
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Monitoring: If you are using creatine and have hormonal problems or are being treated for hormonal problems, follow up regularly with your doctor to evaluate any changes.
In summary, while creatine may have indirect effects on some hormones through its impacts on performance and recovery, it has not been shown to have a significant, direct effect on most hormones at normal levels of use.
Conclusion
Creatine provides energy and additional benefits in short-duration, high-intensity sports training. It is produced by the body and can be obtained through the consumption of animal meat and supplements.
Its use at appropriate doses is safe for healthy athletes of all ages. To increase the safety of creatine consumption, it is important to know the benefits and adverse effects of any substance we consume, and above all, to have the guidance of a specialist in the subject to avoid unwanted outcomes.
Based on biological plausibility, it could be thought that the use of creatine in the context of healthy lifestyles has an indirect beneficial effect on sexuality, but there are no clinical studies to support this hypothesis.
The association between creatine and erectile dysfunction is not reported in clinical studies with solid evidence. Knowing the causes of sexual impotence is important in order to consult a doctor in time. If you have erectile dysfunction, at Dr T Clinics we will help you solve it.
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Bibliography and cybergraphy
- Hall, Matthew DO, CAQSM 1 ; Manetta, Elizabeth MD 2 ; Tupper, Kristofer DO 2 . Creatine supplementation: an update. Current Sports Medicine Reports: July 2021 – Volume 20 – Issue 7 – p 338-344 doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000863
- McArdle, W. D. & Katch, Frank & Katch, Victor. (2011). Essentials of exercise physiology: Fourth edition.
- Li, N., Hauser, R., Holford, T. et al. Muscle-building supplement use and increased risk of testicular germ cell cancer in men from Connecticut and Massachusetts. Br J Cancer 112, 1247–1250 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.2015.26
AUTHOR: DOCTOR SAMUEL ESCALANTE, PHYSICIAN AT DOCTOR T. CLINICS.
