Erectile dysfunction is nothing less than a nightmare for a man. It not only makes him sexually incompetent but also shatters his confidence from the core. And when it comes to a successful conception, it cannot happen without a proper erection. There is a reason why doctors advise you to avoid alcohol when you try to conceive. And it is equally essential for both males and females to follow this advice. So why do doctors give this advice? Can alcohol cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes, alcohol consumption can seriously impact your erection. While mild and occasional alcohol consumption is associated with arousal and zeal for sexual activity, regular and excessive intake is associated with long-term erectile dysfunction. So how can alcohol cause erectile dysfunction? How to manage and prevent alcohol-related erectile dysfunction? Let’s bring light to this issue.
In This Article
- Does Alcohol Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
- Causes of Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
- Who is Affected by Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction?
- How to Manage Alcohol-Related Erectile Dysfunction?
- Preventing Alcohol-Related Erectile Dysfunction
- When to See a Doctor
- FAQ’s
Does Alcohol Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, alcohol consumption can cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction or ED is the inability of getting or maintaining a firm erection of the penis to perform sexual activity.
A study published in IJIR has found a direct link between excessive consumption of alcohol with erectile dysfunction. The erection of the penis is a complex process that requires perfect synchronization between the brain, nerves, blood vessels, and hormones. A problem or late response to any of these can thus cause erectile dysfunction.
Causes of Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Alcohol consumption can directly cause ED by reducing the efficiency of the brain, nervous system, blood circulation, and hormone secretion. Both regular alcohol consumption and occasional but heavy drinking can negatively impact the erection.
Long-time overconsumption of alcohol can even permanently damage the nerves and blood vessels necessary for erection. Alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction occurs due to reasons such as
1. Slowing Down The Central Nervous System
Alcohol slows down our reactive ability. A study published in Ingenta Connect shows that alcohol is a depressant that makes our body relax and less reactive towards the stimulation of the brain. As a result, it may cause difficulty in getting a timely erection and maintaining it when the brain feels sexual arousal.
2. Restriction of The Blood Flow
Alcohol works as a vasodilator. It increases the blood flow and our blood vessels widen to make way for the increased amount of blood. In a short-term effect with a mild alcohol intake, it can give you a quick erection. But in the longer run the increased pressure on the blood vessels can damage them permanently. Blood vessels can lose their elasticity, get narrower or even block if alcohol consumption is associated with smoking and obesity.
3. Dehydration
A study published by NIH considers alcohol as a diuretic that often dehydrates the body through frequent urination or vomiting after its consumption. Erectile dysfunction then occurs due to a lack of water in the bloodstream.
4. Hormonal Imbalance
Alcohol can impact the production and regulation of hormones like testosterone. Excessive drinking can negatively impact erection as the testosterone hormone plays a vital role in it.
5. Psychological Factors
Drinking alcohol after a certain point can alleviate stress and depression instead of reducing them. If the person gets addicted then relationship problems are bound to occur. All of these can impact your performance in bed.
Who is Affected by Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction?
Any man who actively drinks alcohol can develop alcohol-induced ED. After how many drinks one can experience erectile dysfunction will however depend on their level of alcohol tolerance. Men who consume alcohol regularly are at greater risk of developing permanent erectile dysfunction. Drinking occasionally but excessively can also cause ED. As alcohol causes dehydration, a person who is already dehydrated before drinking can experience ED sooner than a hydrated person.
How to Manage Alcohol-Related Erectile Dysfunction?
If you have gone through alcohol-related erectile dysfunction then you need to be careful next time. You need to stop regular drinking and be moderate even during occasional drinking. Here are some tips for managing alcohol-related erectile dysfunction if it is not severe;
1. Quit Drinking or Drink in Moderation
You may have to stop drinking completely or be cautious about overdrinking. Take a pause in between the sips, and engage in talking instead of just focusing on your drinks to pace yourself.
2. Hydrate Yourself Before Drinks
Drink water before alcohol to avoid dehydration-related ED. Drinking water before alcohol will also indirectly keep you moderate with alcohol by making your tummy full.
3. Do Not Drink it Raw
Avoid drinking raw alcohol. Keep it minimal and blend it with water. There is nothing good that alcohol can offer you other than momentary pressure so avoid it.
Preventing Alcohol-Related Erectile Dysfunction
The only way to prevent alcohol-related erectile dysfunction is to limit alcohol intake. Avoid binge drinking. If your friends insist you drink every weekend then talk to them, and share your problem, you can even warn them for their own good.
A healthy diet, regular exercise, healthy weight, and proper balance of work life and personal life can prevent your alcohol-related ED from worsening.
You can take medicines to prevent ED. Drugs such as Viagra, Staxyn, Levitra, Stendra, Cialis, etc., are commonly used to prevent and treat erectile dysfunction in men. But in order to use these drugs you will have to avoid alcohol first as these drugs can adversely react on your body with alcohol. Also, you need to consult with a doctor before taking any of these drugs for ED.
When to See a Doctor
Occasional erectile dysfunction after drinking alcohol is harmless and it will go away with the effect of the alcohol. But if ED becomes a regular problem whenever you drink then you need to talk to a doctor. Erectile dysfunction can indicate underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. You need to also consult with a doctor if drinking becomes a habit for you.
The alarming symptoms of alcohol use disorder will be;
- Craving for alcohol
- Not having control over how much alcohol to take
- Drinking alone
- Drinking even in the morning
- Not having an interest in other activities and responsibilities
- Financial as well as family problems resulting from alcohol consumption
So drinking alcohol can harm you in various ways. Erectile dysfunction is one of them that you can prevent if you resist alcohol in time. Erectile dysfunction just like other sexual problems often worsens because of the embarrassment of speaking about it. So, speak to your partner and get help from the doctor before the situation gets out of hand.
FAQ’s
1. How Long After Quitting Drinking Will Erectile Dysfunction Improve?
It will generally take 3 to 6 months for your body to improve erectile dysfunction after quitting alcohol. For chronic alcoholics, suddenly quitting alcohol can adversely affect their mental and physical health. For quitting alcohol, you need to take an expert’s help.
2. How Long Does Erectile Recovery Take After Alcohol?
You can get your erection back after heavy drinking when the effects of the alcohol are gone. It can usually take 6 to 12 hours but can also last for 48 to 72 hours in some cases.
