Energy drinks do not directly cause erectile dysfunction, but excessive stimulants can affect erections by interfering with blood flow and hormones.
Many people turn to energy drinks to increase their stamina during intense routines or to prolong energy at parties.
Recently, a brand launched a limited edition for Carnival associating its name with tadalafil. Even without containing the medication, the product drew criticism for trivializing the use of stimulants.
The beverage is often associated with sexual side effects, raising the question: do energy drinks cause erectile dysfunction? The main problem lies in excess, since moderate consumption generally does not pose risks.
Are energy drinks part of your daily life? Below, understand the effects of excessive consumption and how to avoid health damage.
Do energy drinks cause erectile dysfunction?
An energy drink, on its own, does not cause erectile dysfunction.
However, excessive consumption can interfere with testosterone levels and contribute to a decline in erectile function, as this hormone plays a fundamental role in male sexual health.
How can energy drinks affect erections?
Next, understand what energy drinks do to men and why it is important to avoid excessive consumption.
Impact on blood circulation
The composition of energy drinks helps explain this.
Although quantities vary between brands, they all contain caffeine and, in many cases, high fructose corn syrup — substances that affect blood flow when consumed in excess.
Caffeine, in high doses, causes blood vessels to constrict by blocking adenosine, which is responsible for vascular relaxation.
It also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing adrenaline release and heart rate, which intensifies this constriction.
Meanwhile, high fructose corn syrup, used as an industrial sweetener, can reduce levels of nitric oxide — an essential substance for relaxing blood vessels and allowing blood to enter the corpora cavernosa during an erection.
Effect on the nervous system
Energy drinks also contain guarana and taurine, which intensify the stimulating effect of caffeine.
These substances hyper-stimulate the nervous system and keep the body in a state of alert.
As a result, they increase the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can cause restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and even tremors.
Relationship with anxiety and performance
Excessive consumption of energy drinks can cause anxiety due to the high load of stimulants, especially caffeine.
High and frequent doses increase adrenaline and noradrenaline levels, causing a “racing mind” sensation, worsened memory, poor concentration, and palpitations, which can be confused with anxiety attacks.
Excess also impairs physical performance, as it affects motor coordination and makes even simple activities more tiring.
What is the safe amount of energy drinks?
Is there a safe amount of energy drinks?
The European Food Safety Authority considers safe a consumption of up to 200 mg of caffeine per dose and up to 400 mg per day, combining all sources, such as energy drinks, coffee, and sodas.
Caffeine tolerance varies depending on body weight, nervous system sensitivity, and each person’s health conditions.
What are the warning signs?
Check out the warning signs of the relationship between energy drinks and erectile dysfunction:
When should I see a urologist?
Consult a urologist when difficulty getting an erection persists for weeks, even after reducing or stopping energy drink consumption.
The specialist doctor evaluates erectile function based on clinical history and may request hormonal and cardiovascular tests to investigate possible causes.
Fill out the pre-analysis form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paulo Egydio, a urologist specializing in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
