Drinks, Desire, and Dysfunction: The Link Between Alcohol and ED

The struggle to sexually perform may be causing you stress and anxiety. After a few drinks, you thought you’d be more relaxed and in the mood, but instead, you end up embarrassed and frustrated that you can’t keep an erection. 

You’re not alone — the connection is more common than most people realize. Erectile dysfunction affects a significant number of men at some point in their life.

In this article, you’ll learn how alcohol can cause erectile dysfunction and strategies to manage occurrences when it is alcohol-related.

Table of Contents

• Does Alcohol Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
• Why Does Alcohol Cause Erectile Dysfunction? 
• Will My Erectile Dysfunction Go Away if I Stop Drinking Alcohol?
• 5 Strategies To Manage Alcohol-Related ED
• When Alcohol Interferes With Relationships and Intimacy, the Team at Dove Recovery Can Help

Erectile Dysfunction is when a male is unable to achieve or sustain an erection. Both short-term drinking and chronic alcohol consumption can cause several issues that may contribute to ED.

Short-Term Alcohol Consumption

Occasional heavy drinking can cause ED through its immediate effects — disruption of the central nervous system. When the signals from the brain to the penis slow down, it can cause difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection.

Since alcohol is a diuretic, dehydration while under the influence is common. When the body is dehydrated, it affects your blood by decreasing its volume. Blood flowing to the vital organs are then prioritized, leaving less blood available for the penis. Blood flow is essential in the process of achieving an erection, as it is the cause of the penis becoming enlarged and firm.  

With short-term alcohol consumption, the erectile dysfunction effects should wear off as you become sober. 

Long-Term Alcohol Consumption

Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to nervous system problems, cardiovascular disease, testosterone changes, and mental health conditions, all of which may contribute to ED. 

If you are asking yourself, does alcohol abuse cause erectile dysfunction, it may be a sign that it's time to target the cause of your problem and find an alcohol rehab program. Give us a call today. Dove Recovery is here to support and guide you on your sobriety journey. 

Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is common among people with alcohol use disorder. The ANS largely controls unconscious functions which can become impaired when the body suffers from chronic alcohol use. Involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, breathing, and erections can be negatively impacted as a result of ANS dysfunction. A review of 55 studies concluded that autonomic dysfunction is very common in alcohol users. 

Alcohol neuropathy, nerve damage caused by alcohol, can affect the nerves that play an essential role in sexual function. If the nerves that are responsible for signals that widen blood vessels and increase blood flow in the penis are damaged, it can create difficulty or inability to have an erection. 

Long-term drinking can potentially cause irreversible nerve damage and permanent erectile dysfunction. If you’re worried about long-lasting effects and wondering – Does alcoholism cause erectile dysfunction – discontinuing alcohol consumption may be your next step in reducing the risk of permanent ED.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease and alcohol have an intricate relationship.

Through data analysis, chronic alcohol consumption was shown to potentially cause vascular damage. Developing ED can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease. The inability to have an erect penis shows that you may be having reduced blood flow, possibly indicating cardiovascular problems.

Changes in Testosterone Production

The hormone testosterone plays an important role in the ability to achieve an erection, from the desire to the physical process. Chronic alcohol consumption can interfere with your body’s ability to produce and regulate hormones, potentially leading to lower levels of testosterone.

Decreased levels of testosterone can:

• Reduce libido or sex drive, causing a lack of sexual desire and erection 
• Affect blood vessels by inhibiting their ability to relax and expand
• Lessen the influence on the release of essential neurotransmitters involved in sexual function

Psychological Factors

Mental health and sexual activity are closely related. Negative psychological behaviors may contribute to ED and vice versa: ED can worsen mental health concerns.

Alcohol can contribute to depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental illnesses. Due to alcohol being a depressant, a person may drink to feel good at the moment, but the chemical changes in their brain can lead to worsening symptoms.

It’s possible that abstinence from alcohol can help your erectile dysfunction go away, but since everyone is different, the outcome will vary per person. Alcohol may be contributing to your ED, but there may be several other risk factors playing a part as well. There are changes that a person with erectile dysfunction can make to help decrease the frequency.

#1: Drink in Moderation

Drinking lesser amounts may help reduce the risk or frequency of erectile dysfunction through limiting the toxic effects of alcohol in the body. According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate consumption is classified as two standard drinks or less for men.

A standard drink is considered:

• 12 fluid ounces of beer
• 5 fluid ounces of wine
• 1.5 fluid ounces of spirits

If you have difficulty in cutting back on your alcohol consumption or you need help eliminating it, Dove Recovery is here to encourage, support, and assist you in overcoming alcohol use disorder through specifically designed programs.

#2: Prioritize a Healthy Lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle can boost your overall mood, energy, and sexual function.

An analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials revealed that aerobic exercise can improve erectile dysfunction. Exercise has many benefits on the body, some of which contribute to achieving and maintaining an erection.

Exercise may improve the root causes of erectile function by:

• Improving blood flow
• Balancing hormones
• Increasing energy and sexual stamina
• Reducing stress
• Improving mood
• Reducing excess weight

Nutrition plays a role in improving erectile dysfunction. A study concluded that there is a strong association between ED and dietary choices, suggesting that a Mediterranean or low-fat diet may help with improvements.  

#3: Reduce Stress

Stress can be a contributing factor in ED. When stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released, they can minimize the production of the hormone testosterone, affecting arousal and function.

Stress-reducing activities that can help erectile dysfunction include:

• Meditation
• Exercise
• Yoga
• Adequate sleep
• Counseling or therapy

#4: Talk to Your Doctor About Medications

There are medications on the market that may help improve your ED for a specified amount of time. These medications work to increase blood flow to the penis by relaxing the blood vessels. 

Talk to a healthcare provider to discuss options that may work for you.

#5: Seek Professional Help

If drinking is a problem for you or a loved one who’s experiencing erectile dysfunction, seeking professional help may be the best next step. A recovery program can give you tools, encouragement, and guidance in reaching your sobriety goals.

When alcohol causes intimacy and erection problems, it can be difficult for the afflicted person and their relationship. Many men have faced this same struggle and have gone on to seek help to start their sobriety journey. Through recovery, you can regain your health and improve your sexual activity. 

If you or your partner thinks that alcohol use is the cause of your erectile dysfunction, it may be time to seek help. Call Dove Recovery today to take the next step to a healthier and happier life.