Giving Thanks Below the Belt: Gratitude and the New Era of Men’s Sexual Health

November tends to be the month of gratitude—of turkey, football, and awkwardly long lines at the grocery store. But beyond the mashed potatoes and family small talk, it’s also a time for reflection.

And this year as we bring Movember to a close, let’s talk about something we don’t usually say thanks for: men’s sexual health.

No, not in the locker-room-bragging kind of way. In the “wow, science, therapy, and awareness have actually changed lives” kind of way. Because while women have long had their pink ribbons and powerful public campaigns, men have been quietly represented by a lesser-known symbol: the blue ribbon for men’s health awareness—especially during Movember.

It’s like the cool, understated cousin at Thanksgiving—doesn’t make a scene, but definitely deserves a toast.

The Quiet Revolution in Men’s Sexual Health

Let’s start with the big picture: we’ve come a long way from the days when men’s sexual health was reduced to a punchline or a secret prescription. A few decades ago, talking about erectile dysfunction (ED) or low libido was like admitting you’d lost a duel. Now, it’s a normalized, treatable, and research-rich field. Thanks to advances in medical science and therapy, men are not only living longer but also loving longer—and healthier.

Consider just a few milestones:

• In the late 1990s, Viagra (and its pharmaceutical siblings) revolutionized how we approach erectile function—a little blue pill that changed the conversation around sexual confidence forever.

• In the 2010s, therapies for testosterone management, pelvic floor strength, and sexual mindfulness began addressing not just the body, but the mind behind desire.

• Now, in the 2020s, we’re seeing telehealth, sex therapy integration, and body-acceptance frameworks (yes, like Afterglow’s Wabi-Sabi Body™) helping men reconnect to their bodies emotionally, not just physically.

That’s worth a standing ovation—or at least, a moment of gratitude before dessert.

The Power of Thankfulness on Sexual Health

Now, here’s where science gets sentimental: gratitude itself is good for your sex life.

Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Research from the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that people who regularly practice gratitude report higher relationship satisfaction and more fulfilling sex lives. Gratitude increases dopamine and serotonin—the same brain chemicals linked to arousal, bonding, and pleasure.

Simply put, saying “thank you” helps your body say, “you’re welcome.”

Men who cultivate gratitude—toward their partners, their bodies, and their lives—show lower stress hormone levels and healthier testosterone patterns. In fact, studies from the American Heart Association show that grateful people have better cardiovascular health, which directly influences blood flow (and yes, that kind of blood flow too).

In other words, appreciation isn’t just emotional—it’s anatomical.

Why Gratitude and Awareness Go Hand in Hand

Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring problems; it means acknowledging the progress.

Many men still hesitate to talk about sexual health, seeing it as private, embarrassing, or somehow unmanly. But gratitude reframes that. Instead of feeling shame for needing help, men can feel thankful that help exists.

Think about it:

• Fifty years ago, ED was something whispered about behind closed doors.

• Thirty years ago, low testosterone meant you were just “getting old.”

• Twenty years ago, male sexual trauma and mental health were barely discussed.

• Today? There are therapies, medications, pelvic floor exercises, couples counseling, and mind-body programs—all available, accessible, and increasingly normalized.

Gratitude helps men pivot from denial to awareness. When you’re thankful for the tools, you’re more likely to use them.

The Forgotten Blue Ribbon

You’ve seen the pink ribbon. You’ve probably donated to it. It’s powerful, inspiring, and globally recognized. But fewer people know that the blue ribbon represents men’s health awareness—especially for conditions like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s sexual wellness.

While the pink ribbon became a movement, the blue one became a whisper.

It’s not because men’s health is less important—it’s because men are less likely to talk about it. The data is sobering:

• According to the CDC, men are 24% less likely than women to visit a doctor regularly.

• Over 60% of men report ignoring symptoms that affect sexual or reproductive health.

• Suicide rates among men remain four times higher than among women, partly because emotional vulnerability is still stigmatized.

That’s why awareness campaigns like Movember—and the growing acknowledgment of men’s sexual health as a legitimate part of overall well-being—are so vital.

So yes, this November, while the pink ribbons fade from October’s spotlight, the blue ribbon quietly steps in to remind us that men’s health deserves its moment too.

Why Men Need to Pay Attention (and Be Thankful They Can)

Men’s sexual health isn’t just about performance—it’s a window into physical and emotional wellness.

Changes in libido, stamina, or erectile function often serve as early warning signs for broader health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalance. In fact, the American Urological Association notes that ED can precede heart disease by up to three years in some men.

Your sex life is your body’s health report in real time. When you ignore it, you miss important signals. When you’re thankful for it, you tend to listen better.

What Gratitude Looks Like in Practice

You don’t need to start a gratitude journal shaped like a dumbbell (though, honestly, that would sell). Gratitude for men’s health can look like:

• Thanking your body instead of criticizing it. Whether you’re a “grower” or a “shower,” your body deserves recognition for what it does, not punishment for what it isn’t.

• Appreciating your partner’s patience, curiosity, and desire to connect. Sexual health is a team sport. Gratitude makes it cooperative instead of competitive.

• Scheduling checkups instead of skipping them. Preventive care is self-respect.

• Talking openly about your experiences. The more men discuss sexual health without shame, the faster stigma fades.

• Celebrating small wins. From better sleep and reduced stress to improved intimacy—those things count as much as numbers on a lab report.

Gratitude turns maintenance into mindfulness. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence.

A Thanksgiving Toast to Progress

Here’s the thing: men’s sexual health used to be a secret. Now, it’s a science. And while the blue ribbon might not yet rival its pink counterpart in fame, it represents a growing movement of men and clinicians who understand that sexual health is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. It’s how men measure vitality, connection, and confidence—not just performance.

So this November, when you’re raising a glass around the table, remember the quiet progress behind that little blue ribbon. Be thankful for the doctors, therapists, researchers, and partners who made the conversation possible. Be thankful for your body, even when it surprises or frustrates you. And most of all, be thankful that you’re part of the generation of men learning to listen, learn, and love more fully.

Because gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s medicine. For your mind. For your heart. And yes, for your sexual health.

Healing begins with understanding—Growth begins with Afterglow.