Long-Term Erectile Dysfunction Linked to Chronic Heavy Use of Alcohol

Written by: Keith G. Tolman
Published 07/21/2015
Updated: 07/21/2015

A little alcohol can improve your confidence and banish bedroom jitters. But overall, it may not be good for your sex life. Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it can reduce sexual desire and inhibit your ability to get an erection. In fact, excessive alcohol consumption is a common cause of erectile dysfunction.

You don’t need to completely stop drinking alcohol, but moderation is important. The CDC defines moderate alcohol consumption as two drinks per day for men. Your liver can only break down the contents of one alcoholic beverage per hour. If you regularly drink more than that, the toxins in alcohol can affect sexual function. Here’s why you should consider limiting your alcohol consumption.

Short-term erectile dysfunction
A University of Washington study found that sober men could get an erection more quickly than men who had been drinking. Furthermore, some of the intoxicated men couldn’t get an erection at all. Alcohol decreases blood flow to the penis, which can make if more difficult for you to get an erection. It may also lower your libido and reduce the intensity of your orgasms. So, even if you can have sex after drinking, it probably won’t be as fun for you.

Long-term erectile dysfunction
Drinking too much over an extended period can lead to long-term sexual health problems. Chronic heavy use of alcohol has been linked to long-term erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that alcoholic men may be up to 70 percent more likely to suffer from a variety of sexual issues such as low libido, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.

Relationship problems
A glass of wine can help you and your partner relax or enjoy a night out on the town. However, if you drink too much, your night could be ruined by an alcohol-fueled argument. Excessive alcohol consumption may be associated with relationship problems, including arguing, infidelity, and financial troubles. In many cases, these issues can eventually lead to divorce. Additionally, alcohol consumption is involved in up to 90 percent of sexual assault cases.

Sexually transmitted diseases
When you combine sex and alcohol, good judgment can go out the window. Young adults are 7 times more likely to have unprotected sex after drinking alcohol. If you don’t use protection during sex, you may be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. Studies have shown that alcohol is involved in nearly 60 percent of sexually transmitted disease cases. Plus, almost 50 percent of unplanned pregnancies result from sexual encounters that involve alcohol consumption.

Less is more when it comes to alcohol consumption
Drinking can help you have fun and make you feel good. Alcohol has been one of the most popular beverages in the world for almost 10,000 years. Some studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption may benefit your heart and improve circulation.

But when mixing alcohol with sex, it’s important to proceed with caution. If you’ve experienced erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low libido, or relationship problems due to alcohol, it may be time to cut back. If you need help, ask your doctor about alcohol treatment programs.