Causes Of ED

Alcohol Causes Impotence

Alcohol Causes Impotence, But Can It Benefit Sexual Health Too?

Alcohol causes impotence through performance anxiety and chemical imbalances. It is a popular method of relaxation and entertainment and in  moderation, alcohol can actually be good for you however, too much can lead to all sorts of issues.  It is accredited for making sexual intercourse a better experience - but is it really?  Let's take a look.

If you are nervous, a little alcohol can actually relax you enough to perform.  If you have too much then you risk under performing. It is a fine line.

Taking alcohol can lead to a temporary boost in confidence and desire when engaging with intimate partners. However, it's important to be aware of its potential impact on your sexual experiences and overall reproductive health.

In the long run, excessive alcohol consumption may lead to difficulties in the bedroom. One common issue is erectile dysfunction (ED), where achieving and sustaining an erection becomes challenging. This happens because alcohol disrupts the signaling pathways in the brain responsible for filling the penis with blood.

Moreover, alcohol can influence the production of testosterone, a crucial hormone governing male sexual functions. When its levels are affected, it can contribute to sexual performance issues.

It's important to remember that ED is typically a temporary problem, especially if steps are taken to address its underlying causes. If you find yourself experiencing this, it's a signal to consider healthier habits and seek support.

In addition to sexual concerns, it's worth noting that alcohol misuse can have broader effects on your overall well-being, including potential long-term impacts on fertility. If starting or expanding a family is a priority, it's wise to be mindful of alcohol consumption.

Choosing a balanced and mindful approach to alcohol can greatly support not only your sexual health but your overall physical and emotional well-being. Remember, seeking advice from healthcare professionals can provide tailored guidance and support for your unique situation. Your health and happiness are paramount.

A clinical study on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence found that:

"The 100 male subjects had a mean age of 37.09 (± 6.74) years. The quantity of alcohol consumed per day was 20.6 (± 9.07) standard drinks [8-42 drinks per day]. The mean duration of alcohol dependence was 8.59 (± 6.64) years. 87% of the subjects also used tobacco [chewing and / or smoking]. Seventy-two of the 100 subjects reported one or more sexual dysfunction. Four (4%) subjects reported aversion to sex to the extent that they had not attempted sexual intercourse in the last one year. Consequently, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction other than aversion to sex and low sexual desire, had to be calculated after excluding these 4 subjects."

Drinking Alcohol Causes Impotence

HOW DOES ALCOHOL CAUSE IMPOTENCE?

Alcohol is a depressant meaning it can alter your brain's balance of chemicals and natural processes.  This can have an effect emotions, physicality and mental health. Neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between nerves in the brain, are responsible for these changes.  In shorter terms, alcohols can block these signals from the brain to other areas of the human body such as the penis!

When too much alcohol is consumed, the blood vessels expand as they should to cause an erection but then they do not close allowing the blood to escape. Therefore, an erection is lost.  In the long run this can cause major damage to the blood vessels and may lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.  Also, it could lead to dependence & alcoholism.

Also, dehydration can a play a factor here too.  Alcohol will dehydrate you as you continue to drink it.  This in itself is dangerous, (unless you are replenishing your body with fluids) but during sex dehydration may cause the lowering of blood flow around the body.  This will also stop blood getting the penis to help create an erection.

The effects of alcohol cause depressive and anxious behaviour as it is a stimulant so you could even be affected the next day.  This leads to worry and performance anxiety as you think it will happen every time you try to have sex. Yes alcohol makes you braver but causes more problems to your health in the long run.

Also, drinking alcohol frequently may actually lower testosterone levels. Testosterone is vital for  male sexual health therefore if you have a low testosterone you should really think about stopping your alcohol intake.  It can reduce your libido and reduce arousal significantly.  To check whether or not your testosterone levels are at a normal level then you should contact your doctor or health professional who can arrange tests for you.

Over consumption of alcohol over time can lead to other serious conditions that may also contribute to ED.  It is not worth it guys!  It really isn't!

YouTube player

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF LONG-TERM HEAVY DRINKING ON YOUR SEX DRIVE (LIBIDO)

It's concerning to hear about the potential challenges you may be facing with your sex drive, and I want to offer you a deeper understanding of how long-term heavy drinking can contribute to a decreased libido. This effect is primarily due to the way alcohol influences your hormone levels, specifically, testosterone.

When you engage in heavy drinking over an extended period, several factors come into play:

Testosterone Reduction: Alcohol consumption can lead to a noticeable decline in testosterone levels. Testosterone is a crucial hormone responsible for regulating sexual desire in both men and women. As these levels diminish, so too can your libido.

Endocrine Disruption: Long-term alcohol abuse can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the release of hormones. Such disruptions can further exacerbate the issue, making it more difficult to maintain a healthy sex drive.

Physical and Psychological Effects: Beyond hormonal imbalances, alcohol can also cause physical and psychological issues, including sexual performance anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. These factors can have a compounding effect on your libido.

CAN ALCOHOL HELP WITH PERFORMANCE?

If you are experiencing erection issues after a heavy night of drinking alcohol then the answer is no!  If you are losing your erection because you are drinking too much alcohol to calm nerves, then try other forms of relaxation.  Meditation and visualisation may be a more effective way to relax and enjoy sex rather than getting drunk.

However, with all that said, alcohol (in moderation) can actually help you perform better.  Some wines are known aphrodisiacs and can really improve your sex drive, but remember in moderation! Alcohol is not your friend.  It may help in the short term (For a while anyway) but excessive drinking can turn great sex into bad sex very very quickly!

Following a bout of heavy drinking, you might notice:

Delayed or Rapid Ejaculation: Alcohol can lead to difficulties in ejaculating or cause ejaculation to occur too quickly. This can be frustrating and may affect your overall sexual experience.

Reduced Orgasm Intensity: You may find that achieving orgasm becomes more challenging, or that the orgasms you do have feel less intense. This can be disheartening, but it's important to remember that this is a common issue for individuals who consume alcohol excessively.

Additionally, it's worth noting that alcohol can also impact other aspects of sexual health. It can lead to decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and even a diminished ability to maintain an erection.

It's crucial to prioritise your well-being and seek balance in all aspects of life. If you're struggling with these issues, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice and support to help you navigate through this. Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to assist you in regaining a healthy and fulfilling sexual life.

It's important to recognise that this is a common issue for those who have been heavily consuming alcohol over an extended period. But remember, there are steps you can take to address these concerns and regain a healthy sex drive. Seeking professional guidance, such as speaking with a healthcare provider or a therapist, can be a crucial step in restoring a fulfilling and satisfying sexual life. You don't have to face this challenge alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate through it.

YouTube player

CAN ALCOHOL SERVE AS A REMEDY FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?

There has been a past notion that specific types of alcohol, like wine and dark beer, could potentially have health benefits due to their content of antioxidants known as polyphenols. However, it's crucial to approach this information with caution.

If you find yourself facing erectile dysfunction in conjunction with alcohol consumption, it's essential to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They are equipped to provide tailored advice based on your specific situation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that for men, moderate drinking should not exceed two standard drinks per day.

However, it's important to remember that your individual response to alcohol may vary. If you suspect that your consumption of alcohol is contributing to your erectile dysfunction or other health concerns, you may want to consider reducing your intake to even lower levels or abstaining altogether.

Read more on ED treatments
Smoking And ED Issues
Smoking And ED
Vitamin D Deficiency & Erectile Dysfunction
Vitamin D & Erectile Dysfunction
Psychological ED Issues
Psychological Issues For ED
Diabetes & Erections
Diabetes & Erections
High Blood Pressure & ED
High Blood Pressure & ED
Obesity & Erectile Dysfunction
Obesity And Sexual Health
Low Testosterone And ED Problems
Low Testosterone And ED Problems
Low Haemoglobin & Erectile Dysfunction
Low Haemoglobin & ED
Ed After A Prostatectomy
ED After Prostatectomy
ED & Heart Disease
Low Blood Pressure For ED
Low Blood Pressure And ED
Diet For ED
Diet For ED
Stress Induced ED
Stress Induced ED
ED After Vasectomy
ED After Vasectomy
Effects of Parkinson's Disease on Erectile Dysfunction
Parkinson's Disease
Can MS Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Cholesterol & Erectile Dysfunction
Cholesterol & ED
Psychological Issues That Arise From Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
PSYCHOLOGICAL ED
Want To Know More On Erectile Dysfunction?

Read our in-depth guide on everything about erectile dysfunction (ED). Equip yourself with knowledge to successfully treat this condition

Learn About Erectile Dysfunction
Join Our Community. Register For Our Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with everything regarding MedicineUnwired.  Sign up for our monthly newsletter and join our community.

Learn More
Important Resources You May Find Interesting

A fantastic video on the truth about alcohol and erectile dysfunction in men. Watch now.

Learn More
Have a query? Get in touch!