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Whether you want to celebrate a momentous occasion or just want to loosen up, alcohol is often the key ingredient that helps set things in motion.
The reason is simple. Alcohol possesses that magical property of relieving feelings of anxiety and self-doubt in just a short period.
However, don’t be fooled. While a drink or two is not too terrible, relying on alcohol too much can alter the way you respond to sexual stimuli. And more often than not, it’s for the worse.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, a chronic indulgence in alcohol has a negative correlation with sexual performance. This can subsequently worsen related conditions of distress, alcohol abuse, and depression.
Another older study published in the National Institutes of Health has found that 72% of male participants had at least one form of sexual dysfunction, particularly either premature ejaculation, low libido, or erectile dysfunction.
That said, alcohol moderation is critical to ensure that you don’t stunt your sexual health in the long term.
Let’s explore more about the health implications of excessive alcohol consumption, as well as alternative options to improve your sexual health.
What Happens to Your Body If You Drink Too Much Alcohol?
Increased alcohol use can impact you in several ways, including:
- Reduced testosterone (a male sex hormone) levels
- High cholesterol levels, leading to heart attacks and strokes
- Infertility
- Liver damage (hepatitis) and increased risk of liver cancer
- Depression and suicide
- Memory problems
In connection to sex, alcohol can lower sperm count and cause fertility issues. This is due to alcohol being a depressant, which makes it more difficult for male erections to stay firm.
Alcohol also increases the production of angiotensin, which is a hormone that’s linked with erectile dysfunction.
In addition, being drunk while having sexual intercourse is also associated with unsafe sex practices that could lead to sexually transmitted diseases.
A study reviewing related literature noted that college-aged students who binge drink twice or thrice a week are three times more likely to engage in unsafe sexual practices.
How Much Alcohol Can We Take?
Drinking alcohol, whether it’s an ice-cold mug of beer or a bottle of gin, can be a source of great pleasure. However, drinking too much can develop or exacerbate existing health issues, especially if you drink more than the recommended amount.
So if you’re looking for the answer to ‘what alcohol makes you last longer in bed’, sadly, there’s none.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), men should limit their alcohol intake by not having more than two alcoholic drinks per day. Any more than that can pose a risk to one’s health and sex life.
Drinking too much alcohol can be detrimental to the extent that it interferes with one’s physical health and mental faculties.
If you or your loved one is suffering from sexual problems caused by alcohol addiction, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Contact a medical professional to get treatment.
For the sexual repercussions of alcohol, such as ED or PE, contact a medically trained ED specialist in Cincinnati for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
What Are the Risks of Drinking Too Much Alcohol?
Here are six male-specific ways that drinking too much alcohol can harm your health:
- It’ll Take Longer to Get Hard. Researchers from the University of Washington found that sober men find it easier to become erect than intoxicated men. This is due to the reduced blood flow to the penis for men with alcohol in their system. In addition to having trouble staying erect, intoxicated men may also experience diluted sexual desire and reduced intensity of orgasms.
- Permanent Erectile Dysfunction. While the short-term repercussions are evident, long-term erectile dysfunction may also happen in men who drink alcohol far too often than they should.
- Your Relationships Will Suffer. Looking beyond the scope of the bedroom, alcohol dependence can also damage your interpersonal relationships. Your partner may vehemently disapprove of your drinking habits, and it could lead to conflict, distrust, breakup, and even divorce.
- You May Develop Premature Ejaculation. Men may also encounter premature ejaculation if they drink too much, which can greatly impact sexual arousal.
- Your Addiction May Lead to Other Habits. Smoking is another habit that can form when you’re addicted to alcohol. A study published in the National Institutes of Health found that men who smoked were more likely to also suffer from erectile dysfunction. Alcohol dependence syndrome and frequent smoking have also been linked with serious health problems like heart disease and erectile dysfunction, so it’s best to avoid relying on these vices immediately if you want to have improved sexual behavior.
- You May Feel Riskier in the Bedroom. It’s no surprise that alcohol can make us act in ways we wouldn’t when sober, but it can even lead to sexual risk-taking like unprotected sex. While it can be pleasurable at the moment and when under the influence, there’s a big chance that you may regret inebriated sexual activity the next morning.
Curb Your Drinking Habits and Consult a Medical Clinic for Sexual Health Issues
If you’re worried about your drinking habits, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are many options available for you to get treatment.
An inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program can help you detoxify from alcohol and other sedatives that could trigger the urge to drink again after sobriety.
Rehabilitation programs are also beneficial because they provide a safe and supportive environment where you can address the psychological aspects of your addiction.
If you think your drinking habits are symptoms of a larger mental health issue, it is also advisable to seek help from professionals. Drug abuse counselors, for instance, may be able to provide information about alcohol abuse treatment programs in your area.
A qualified medical center can also help you learn healthier coping mechanisms so you don’t have to rely on alcohol anymore. It can teach you how to deal with stress, depression, and anxiety in a more constructive manner.
There are many ways for men of all ages to control their drinking habits without having to worry about their effects on their health.
With the right treatment, you can improve your relationship with alcohol and live a healthier and meaningful life without sexual health issues.
The medical professionals at Proactive Men’s Medical Center in Cincinnati specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health, including premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
