Fact check: What makes men horny/turned on

1. Summary of the results

The question of what makes men horny or turned on is complex and multifaceted, involving both physiological and psychological factors ^[1]. Physiologically, male sexual arousal is defined as an autonomic nervous system response triggered by specific sexual cues, emphasizing penile erection, hormonal regulation, and brain regions such as the amygdala, insula, and anterior cingulate ^[1]. The role of testosterone is highlighted as a key physiological driver of male sexual arousal, with low testosterone levels linked to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and sexual desire ^[2]. Testosterone therapy has been shown to improve erectile function and libido in hypogonadal men, supporting the idea that adequate testosterone levels are essential for male sexual desire and performance ^[3]. Psychologically, male sexual arousal involves central (cognitive, emotional) and peripheral (genital) responses, with genital feedback, the link between desire and arousal, and multiple mechanisms (motivation, emotion, physiological cues) contributing to men’s feeling of being ‘horny’ ^[4]. Men’s own perspectives on what facilitates or interferes with sexual arousal identify a wide range of cues, including physiological, cognitive/affective, partner characteristics, relational factors, contextual variables, and self-perception ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A crucial aspect to consider is the interplay between physiological and psychological factors, as highlighted by the role of testosterone in regulating male sexual function ^[2] and the complex psychological mechanisms involved in male sexual arousal ^[4]. Additionally, individual differences in what makes men horny or turned on are significant, as men’s own perspectives highlight a wide range of cues that can facilitate or interfere with sexual arousal ^[5]. The contextual factors that influence male sexual arousal, such as setting, privacy, and alcohol consumption, should also be considered ^[5]. Furthermore, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying male sexual arousal, including neural pathways, neurotransmitters, and hormonal influences, provide a deeper understanding of the complex processes involved ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be oversimplified, as it does not account for the complex interplay of physiological and psychological factors involved in male sexual arousal ^{[1] [4]}. The statement may also lack context, as individual differences and contextual factors play a significant role in what makes men horny or turned on ^[5]. Additionally, the statement may overlook the importance of testosterone, which is a key physiological driver of male sexual arousal ^{[2] [3]}. The pharmaceutical industry may benefit from an oversimplification of the factors involved in male sexual arousal, as it may lead to a greater demand for testosterone therapy and other treatments ^{[2] [3]}. On the other hand, a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors involved in male sexual arousal may benefit men’s health and wellbeing, as it can inform more effective treatments and interventions ^{[1] [4] [5]}.