How Does Alcohol Consumption Affect Male Sexual Health?

Although alcohol and sex are frequently associated, drinking alcoholic beverages is linked to erectile dysfunction because it affects the blood flow necessary for an erection. In addition, alcohol compromises male fertility. Learn more.

The relationship between alcohol and sex is delicate because alcohol is legal and often seen as something that helps overcome shyness in intimacy. However, relying on this strategy is risky, as it can lead to dependence and potentially harm sexual performance. Understand why.

How Does Alcohol Consumption Affect Male Sexual Health (alcohol and sex)?

Erectile dysfunction is the most well-known effect of frequent alcohol consumption. The reason is that the beverage prevents the cavernous vessels from filling with blood, which is essential for the penis to become erect.

Prolonged and excessive alcohol use increases the inability to achieve adequate penile rigidity for sexual intercourse, affecting a man’s mental health. As a result, he may consume more alcohol to cope with this frustration.

Why Does Alcohol Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Excessive and frequent alcohol consumption may be associated with erectile dysfunction because it can compromise blood flow in the corpora cavernosa, a vascular structure located on the upper and lateral parts of the penis.

When a man experiences sexual stimulation, the corpora cavernosa dilate, and the amount of blood increases in the area, making the penis erect. However, if alcohol is present in the body, the blood vessels involved in penile rigidity constrict, affecting circulation.

According to a study by Professor Carlos Renato Tirapelli of the Ribeirão Preto School of Nursing at USP, this constriction—reducing blood flow and consequently hindering erection—results from decreased nitric oxide, a substance whose main function is to dilate blood vessels.

In the long term, excessive alcohol consumption causes peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which peripheral nerves are damaged. These nerves transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, so the signals the brain sends to the penis are not received, and erection does not occur.

Hormonal Imbalance

Combining alcohol and sex can also trigger hormonal changes.

Regarding testosterone, alcohol reduces the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulate the testes to produce the male hormone. With less free testosterone—meaning the amount actually available for use—men may have more difficulty achieving erections and may also experience:

Fatigue and lack of energy;
Difficulty concentrating and memory issues;
Hair loss;
Decreased male libido;
Mood changes;
Depression;
Loss of muscle mass and strength;
Increase in body fat.

Chronic alcohol exposure also reduces insulin levels. This reduction makes the body struggle to process glucose, a substance that helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. When insulin is lower, there is a greater risk of abdominal fat accumulation and the development of insulin resistance, factors that can lead to diabetes.

Hypoactive Sexual Desire

The association between alcohol and sex can lead men to develop hypoactive sexual desire, characterized by a lack of interest in having sex. A physician will diagnose this condition if the disinterest persists for six months.

One of testosterone’s functions is to regulate libido and sexual function. Excessive and frequent alcohol consumption may be related to a decreased interest in sexual activity due to possible hormonal alterations.

Premature or Delayed Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates one to two minutes after penetration—or even before it. Delayed ejaculation is a difficulty in ejaculating, where the process is significantly delayed or may not happen at all. Here’s what explains these situations:

1. Premature Ejaculation
Alcohol’s anesthetic effect lowers sensitivity, making it harder to detect arousal signals.

Furthermore, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, a substance that impairs communication between the brain and the nervous system. This interference prevents the man from recognizing how close he is to orgasm, causing him to ejaculate prematurely.

2. Delayed Ejaculation
In some men, alcohol’s sedative effect slows the nervous system functions to the point that ejaculation takes longer. Another reason for alcohol-induced delayed ejaculation is that it reduces testosterone levels, which can hinder the ejaculatory process.

Relationship Between Alcohol and Male Fertility

This research explains that sperm quality is affected because alcohol modifies the metabolism of proteins involved in sperm development, reducing both the number and quality of sperm cells. Studies suggest that excessive alcohol consumption can impact male fertility by altering the metabolism of proteins involved in sperm production.

Healthy Limits: How Much Alcohol Is Safe?

Brazil follows the WHO guideline stating there is no completely safe amount of alcohol consumption. However, the same institution sets 10 g of pure ethanol as a standard dose and advises people not to drink more than two servings per day and to go at least two days without drinking.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Here are some situations in which alcohol consumption may require medical intervention:

When a person cannot control how much they drink;
When it affects daily obligations at home, work, or school;
In cases of mood changes, anxiety, or depression;
When it harms relationships and leads to isolation;
If there are problems like loss of motor coordination, memory loss, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

How to Prevent Sexual Dysfunctions?

We have already seen that combining alcohol and sex does not help with sexual performance. Check out what really helps:

Regular physical activity;
Healthy diet;
Adequate sleep;
Managing stress and anxiety;
Proper penile hygiene every day during shower;
Regular medical check-ups.

Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can impact male sexual health and may be associated with reduced fertility. To better understand how this might affect you, schedule a pre-analysis with Dr. Paulo Egydio. Also, feel free to continue exploring the blog for more health and wellness information.

How does alcohol consumption affect male sexual health?