Alcohol’s Influence on Male Libido, Fertility, and Performance

Millions of people worldwide consume alcohol for celebrations and social situations. But how does alcohol affect a man sexually? The answers might depend on a few factors. In this article, we dive into how alcohol can affect men's sexual performance, its potential impact on relationships, and its long-term effects on health.

The immediate effects of alcohol on sexual performance

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down brain activity. It can have a negative effect on your emotions, behavior, and even sexual performance. The amount of alcohol you drink, your age, genetics, and overall health are also contributing factors to how alcohol can affect your body. Too much alcohol can lead to sexual dysfunction in individuals with male genitalia by decreasing blood flow to the penis and depressing the central nervous system.

Alcohol and erectile function

When thinking short term, like a night out, alcohol may make getting an erection more difficult. Too much alcohol can cause decreased sensitivity and numbness. Coordination can be impaired, and balance can be unsteady. Erections may be partial or not happen at all.

Maintaining an erection long enough for a satisfying sexual act for both partners may be challenging. Premature ejaculation may also occur with minimal sexual stimulation, dampening sex before it begins, or shortening the process.

Alcohol and libido

Libido is also known as sex drive or desire for sex. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, can impair decision-making, and may lead to risky sexual behavior. Too much alcohol may lead to erectile dysfunction and include symptoms such as decreased sexual desire.

Long-term effects of alcohol on sexual health

According to the CDC, alcohol use is associated with an increase in the risk of long-term effects on men's health and quality of life. Alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction can affect individuals differently. However, it is common to experience some of the following conditions. These conditions may exist at the same time, further compounding issues surrounding sexual behavior.

Chronic alcohol use and sexual dysfunction

Alcohol works on multiple body systems, organs, and hormones. Long-term alcohol use can result in chronic erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation. Reaching orgasm may become difficult, and some individuals may not climax at all. Chronic ED can impact a person's intimate relationships and quality of life.

Alcohol and testosterone levels

Testosterone is a hormone produced through a complex series of reactions in the body and is essential for overall health in both men and women. It decreases with age and is responsible for libido, bone mass, muscle mass, and sperm production, among other processes. Research is fairly clear that long-term alcohol use can negatively affect testosterone levels.

In fact, research suggests that alcohol use may interfere with the multistep process, lowering the body's ability to produce healthy testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels can place men at increased risk for some health conditions.

Alcohol and fertility

Men wishing to conceive a child may want to limit their alcohol use. Alcohol can affect sperm quality, which can make getting pregnant more difficult. Too much alcohol can lower libido, alter testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction, and impact sperm. The processes affecting male fertility can be intertwined and multifactorial. Although more research is needed, alcohol use in fathers may affect children who are conceived.

Psychological effects of alcohol on sexuality

Worldwide, people partake in alcoholic beverages. The degree and extent of psychological effects seem to depend on the amount of alcohol consumed on any given occasion and a person's patterns of use over time.

Confidence and inhibition

Alcohol consumption may reduce inhibitions when initiating sexual activity. As intake goes up, like in the case of binge drinking, people may be more inclined to engage in risky sexual behaviors. Excessive drinking can impair judgment, leading to actions that one might not consider when sober, such as having unprotected sex or an increased likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Mental health and sexual function

Alcohol abuse has been linked with anxiety and depression. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is likely multifaceted and may depend on a person's genetics, environment, and health history, among other factors.

Additionally, these factors can all intertwine and play off each other. For example, in the case of ongoing binge drinking or heavy alcohol intake, a person may experience erectile dysfunction, which can negatively impact intimacy and may put a strain on their relationships. In turn, they may experience feelings of anxiety or depression, which may lead to more drinking. It can become a cyclical process.

Alcohol may lead to other health concerns or diseases, like liver disease, further complicating the situation and affecting a person's mental and emotional health.

Alcohol and sexual relationships

Intimacy is the feeling of closeness and attachment that partners have with each other. Sexual intimacy is part of healthy relationships. But when alcohol is involved, things can get complicated.

Impact on intimacy

Alcohol can lead to decreased genital response, reduced sensitivity, and numbness, making it difficult to get or maintain an erection. Some people may also experience feelings of regret after sex.

Long-term alcohol use and dependence can contribute to dissatisfaction in the sex life of both partners, potentially leading to an aversion to sexual intimacy. These challenges in the bedroom may manifest in relationship and family issues, health concerns, and other significant difficulties.

Alcohol and sexual consent

Alcohol consumption can play a role in sexual assault and violence toward any individual. Alcohol can impair judgment and motor functions. Sexual activity under the influence can result in blurred lines of consent and communication.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), consent requires a 'yes,' not just the absence of a 'no.' The participants must be willing and engaged with clear boundaries and communicate a clear 'yes' as consenting adults. However, because drugs and alcohol can impact decision-making, a person who is intoxicated or impaired cannot give clear legal consent for sex.

Risks of excessive alcohol consumption

According to the CDC, excessive drinking accounts for roughly 120,000 male deaths annually in the U.S. Men are more likely than women to binge drink, and they suffer more alcohol-related injuries like fatal car accidents and physical violence or fights. Additionally, sexual aggression can lead to assault.

Potential for sexual assault

The NSVRC states that 81% of females and 43% of males have experienced some degree of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. And one in five women have experienced either attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. Alcohol can increase the incidence of sexual aggression, assault, and intimate partner violence.

Some studies indicate that alcohol may increase sexual violence in men who already have a tendency towards aggressive sexual behavior. Alcohol-related sexual assaults on college campuses have been studied, and education programs have been implemented on many campuses to bring awareness to the issue.

Long-term health consequences

Besides affecting a man's sex life, according to the CDC, alcohol is the primary cause of preventable deaths in the U.S. Health is intertwined; the body's organs and systems do not exist in a vacuum independently of each other.

Additional medical conditions can impact your sexual health and quality of life. Depending on quantity and duration, alcohol use can place men at higher risk of the following:

Mitigating the effects of alcohol on sexual health

If you are concerned about your sexual health, speak with your healthcare provider and be honest about your alcohol intake. Some research suggests that reversing sexual dysfunction may be possible when men stop drinking or change their drinking patterns. Although long-term use may cause irreversible damage, the body has a remarkable ability to heal.

Make conscious, educated decisions surrounding your alcohol intake and consult professional help when needed to find support.

Moderation and drinking habits

Patterns of alcohol intake seem to have some predictive ability when it comes to the negative effects of alcohol. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the following categorize alcohol intake according to consumption for men:

• Moderate consumption. Limit drinks to two or less daily. Moderate to low consumption or not drinking at all is recommended.
• Binge drinking. Drinking five or more alcoholic beverages within a 2-hour period and a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more during one occasion.
• Heavy drinking. More than five drinks a day or 15 or more drinks in a week.
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD). Also called alcoholism, alcohol abuse, or dependence. People are not able to control or stop drinking alcohol. Men with AUD can experience irreversible damage to their bodies over time.

Seeking help for alcohol dependence

If you are concerned about your alcohol intake, seek help from healthcare professionals. This may be your doctor, a therapist, or people trained in substance abuse disorders. Many people struggle with drinking alcohol responsibly or abstaining, and resources are available to help support you.

Expert opinions and studies

Scientific research is ongoing. New information is being published each year because alcohol use has broader implications on public health, including men's health and family health.

Insights from healthcare professionals

Healthcare professionals generally recommend either abstaining from alcohol or encouraging responsible drinking in moderation. Although alcohol is legal in much of the world, one UK study found that alcohol was one of the most harmful drugs because of the potential negative consequences to individuals and those around them.

Recent research findings

The effects of alcohol continue to be studied in broad and also very specific ways. Health professionals may recommend new treatments or therapies based on scientific research. Consult your doctor with any questions. The Sexual Medicine Society of North America website provides up-to-date information on sexual health topics. The CDC website offers the public reliable information regarding alcohol for the public.

All in all, alcohol and sex have a complicated relationship. Alcohol can impact a man's health, including their sexual health and relationships. Understanding the potential harms associated with alcohol intake can empower individuals, enabling them to make educated, conscious decisions about how much they drink. If you are experiencing issues with your sexual health, seek help from your healthcare provider and be honest about your alcohol intake.