The lowly soybean may have some aphrodisiac properties. In at least one case, soy has been associated with a case of persistent sexual arousal syndrome. A woman who was consuming over one pound of soy a day became chronically aroused, and was compelled to masturbate 15 times or more each day. The woman reported the condition as an increase in physical arousal with no change in desire. A change of diet led to a resolution of the symptoms.

Soy is a particularly rich source of phytoestrogens: compounds from plants that have estrogen-like properties. Phytoestrogens usually have little activity on the alpha-estrogen receptors in the uterus and breasts, but have significant activity on the beta-estrogen receptors in the heart, blood vessels and bone. For this reason, phytoestrogens can play a protective role against heart disease and osteoporosis without increasing the risk of breast cancer.

Soy supplements have been used for treating menopause. There are some studies that show they can be beneficial, but other studies call that into question. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that regular consumption of soy foods (in Asia) is associated with a more graceful transition through the stages of life.

While soy is not a dependable replacement for Viagra, it is healthy for the blood vessels, and consuming soy foods may improve sexual function.