Alcohol may temporarily affect the ability to get an erection. This can lead to development of temporary or worsening of existing erectile dysfunction. ED is the inability to sustain an erection long enough to enjoy sexual intimacy.
Alcohol and Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. An erection is sustained after the brain, hormones, blood vessels and nerves all work well together. Drinking alcohol can affect all these parts of the body and can contribute to the development or worsening of ED.
Alcohol related erectile dysfunction or alcohol induced sexual dysfunction is a temporary form ED which may occur in people who drink too much alcohol. Those with alcohol dependence can have sexual dysfunction such as taking longer to orgasm, maintaining an erection or unable to get an erection at all.
How does alcohol affect health and wellbeing?
Every little bit of alcohol affects you. However how it may affect you depends on how much you drink accompanied with other factors. It can affect physical, mental and sexual health. The alcohol and erectile relationship is based on genetics, weight, gender, age and the state of mind along with the medications someone is taking.
Central nervous system
Although alcohol can help some people feel into the mood of intimacy, it is a depressant affecting the central nervous system. It begins by increasing the activity of GABA which is a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity and produces a sedating effect.
Little alcohol intake is unlikely to cause any issues with sexual function, but may cause relaxation and inhibition. Excessive alcohol consumption can affect cognitive and motor function as well as nerve function. This could result in decreased sexual performance due to reduced response to sexual stimulation.
Blood circulation
Furthermore, Alcohol affects pathways involved in blood circulation. It slows down signal and blood flow to the penis thus altering the ability for an erection.
Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic which means it can cause dehydration and increased urination. The dehydration can lead to narrowing of blood vessels which limit the blood flow to the penis. This limitation of blood flow is a common reason behind ED.
Hormone function
High levels of alcohol consumption can impact testicular function and hormone production causing a drop in testosterone levels which lower the sex drive. This dip in sex drive can affect those with PE or ED as existing problems.
Cardiovascular function
Light to moderate alcohol drinking is linked to low risk of cardiovascular disease, while heavy consumption leads to increased mortality. A study found that heavy alcohol drinking increased the risk of high blood pressure which is a risk factor for sexual dysfunction.
Chronic heavy drinking can result in damaged blood vessels raising the risk of alcohol induced ED, stroke and heart disease.
Alcohol withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal can occur when a person drinks heavily and then suddenly stops. The symptoms which occur at that time are linked to cardiovascular symptoms such as high blood pressure. This could interfere with the ability to get an erection. A slow withdrawal and then moderation or abstinence is key to reverse the effects of alcohol on dysfunction.
Treatment
Usually men who experience ED as a result of alcohol consumption should consider reducing or abstaining from alcohol intake. It could be a difficult step, especially if alcohol is a big part of your life and withdrawal symptoms are concerning you. There are life style modifications which can be implemented alongside healthy communication and seeking support when needed.
There are many treatment options for this. Individuals may need treatment for ED which are sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil. Some individuals may need alcohol withdrawal medications or other medical treatments to ensure the alcohol withdrawal doesn’t pose a problem whilst also treating ED.
Support
Behavioural support such as speaking to healthcare professionals or counselors can be beneficial in developing coping strategies. Individuals may drink alcohol before sexual activity in order to calm them. This however can cause the reverse effect.
Males may have underlying anxiety and performance concerns which are already a factor of ED and once they drink alcohol it worsens the erection condition despite suggesting betterment.
Lifestyle modifications
Adopting a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, balanced diet and managing stress can help improve overall sexual health and function.
Communication
It is important to communicate with your partner about the situation so together they could decide on other sexual activities or explore intimacy beyond sexual arousal.
Prevention of alcohol induced erectile dysfunction
Individuals wishing to avoid sexual dysfunction should drink alcohol in moderation. The usual responsible ways of drinking would apply here especially if males want to prevent intoxication affecting their performance. These include drinking after a meal, drinking slowly, not mixing alcohol with medications and alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Complete abstinence from alcohol for 3 months or more can improve ED significantly. A study of 104 patients showed that within 3 months of abstinence from alcohol 88% of the patients had improvement in their ED.
Contacting a doctor
If you believe you may have a problem with alcohol, it is best to see a doctor to help you get treated. Individuals who may experience sexual dysfunction in rare circumstances should not be concerned. However if it happens frequently and occurs without alcohol consumption, it is best for them to see a doctor.
Erectile dysfunction can mask any underlying health condition, hence seeing a registered doctor for a consult about men’s health is vitally important.
