Facts About Alcohol and Erectile Dysfunction

The great William Shakespeare once noted that alcohol, “provokes the desire but takes away the performance” and studies have proven this to be true. For many men, alcohol can help put both them and their partner in the mood, but at the end of the day, alcohol is a depressant and too much alcohol consumption can negatively affect the man’s sexual performance, ability to attain an erection, or reach orgasm. Hence, the popular slang "whiskey dick" emerged to refer to alcohol-related sexual dysfunction after a bout of heavy drinking. ED that's induced by alcohol is a temporary condition due to binge drinking or overindulging in alcohol in the short term. In the long term, higher levels of alcohol intake in heavy drinkers and alcoholics can also do permanent damage to their penile arteries and become impotent from overindulging in alcohol over a long period of time.

Quick Facts on Alcohol and Erectile Dysfunction

• Alcohol abuse in men can cause impaired testosterone production and shrinkage of the testes (i.e. testicular atrophy).
• Alcohol dilates and expands the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow by 20 to 40 times. If you are able to achieve an erection during this state, the alcohol in your system actually keeps the blood vessels open, allowing the blood to drain out quickly, returning the penis to a relaxed state.
• One reason why drinking large amounts of alcohol can make it hard to get or keep an erection is that, as a diuretic, drinking alcohol causes dehydration which then causes decreased blood volume and increased angiotensin that can limit blood flow to the penis.
• Long-term alcohol abuse affects the central nervous system and impairs the impulses between the brain’s pituitary gland and the genitals.
• Consuming alcohol can contribute to the development of ED but chronic and persistent alcohol use is known to induce sexual dysfunction.
• Multiple studies found that a significant percentage of men with alcohol dependence syndrome had one or more sexual dysfunction; such as low sexual desire, dysfunction in satisfying orgasm, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.
• Men with underlying conditions should take extra careful precautions regarding their alcohol intake. For example, pairing excessive alcohol consumption with diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing erectile dysfunction since alcohol can greatly affect the blood sugar levels in your body.
• Clinical studies have shown that prolonged alcohol abuse causes irreversible damage to the nerves in the penis, greatly affecting male sexual function and resulting in alcohol impotence.

Effects of Alcohol on the Body and Sexual Health

It is crucial for any drinker to understand how alcohol affects their body, especially in relation to sexual health.

Alcohol consumption, especially heavy alcohol intake, can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction by impacting several aspects of men's health. While moderate drinking may not significantly impact sexual health, regular alcohol consumption and especially excessive drinking and chronic alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol related erectile dysfunction. This is because consuming more than the recommended number of drinks per day can lead to cardiovascular disease and heart disease, both of which are closely linked to erectile dysfunction. High blood pressure, a common condition exacerbated by excessive alcohol consumption, can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. The health issues caused by excessive drinking can impair sexual functioning by damaging the blood vessels and nerves needed for a strong erection. For an erection firm enough for sexual activity, a man needs healthy blood flow to the erectile tissue. Moreover, depending on how much you drink alcohol, it can lower testosterone levels as well; as we've mentioned above. What's important to add to this though is this affects not only a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection, this also affects sexual arousal. Therefore, reducing alcohol intake, especially if you're consuming too much, is crucial to maintaining overall health and supporting proper erectile function.

Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential for individuals who consume alcohol regularly to discuss its effects on sexual functions such as the ability to maintain an erection and overall sex drive. The effects of alcohol on the body can vary from person to person, but being informed about the potential risk factors and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help in managing and mitigating these risks effectively. Talking to trusted health professionals is also important for you to be informed of the most effective treatment options and suggested lifestyle changes you can explore for alcohol-related ED or alcohol-induced ED

Get Help for Alcohol Induced Erectile Dysfunction at Boston Medical Group Today!

To get help for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, call Boston Medical Group Telemedicine today at 1-866-665-1184. Boston Medical Group Telemedicine services patients in all 50 states and remains the same trusted brand for over 20 years helping men improve their sex life and sexual health. Boston Medical Group offers effective erectile dysfunction treatment options tailored to individual needs, using advanced techniques and personalized care to help restore confidence, improve sexual health, and enhance overall well-being.

Many men are able to regain full sexual function and are able to please their partner after just one treatment!