Alcohol and Sexual Performance

Some studies indicate that moderate drinking (one or two drinks a day) can be beneficial for the heart. In any event, there is little evidence that this level of alcohol consumption causes any serious physical problems for most people.

The story is quite different for heavy drinkers and alcoholics. Men who drink a great deal and have been doing so for a long time very often have severely impaired sexual function. They may have problems getting and maintaining erections and may also have difficulty with ejaculation and orgasm. Many lose interest in sex altogether.

The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found a link between excessive drinking and an increase in erectile dysfunction. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and, over time, it can result in serious damage to the brain. High levels of alcohol can also cause shrinking of the testicles, severe liver damage, a lowering of a man's level of testosterone (which affects his sexual drive), and can also affect the ability of neurotransmitters to carry sexual messages from the brain to the genitals.

Each person has a different tolerance for alcohol and as we age, the tolerance level drops. Some people cannot drink at all, while others find that once they start, they are unable to stop. If you think that your alcohol consumption may be affecting your erections, you should definitely cut back or stop drinking altogether. If you need help, therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous, and resident programs can be of assistance.

The message is simple: Drinking too much is very bad for your sexual health and performance.