Alcohol Abuse And Erectile Dysfunction (And Other Sexual Dysfunction)

Drinking has been considered a factor in lowering inhibitions in social situations, negatively impacting impulse control, and overall increasing socialization; however, it has also been connected with a decrease in sexual performance.

There have been several studies conducted that found long-term alcohol use disorder leads to sexual dysfunction.

Research consistently shows that heavy or long-term alcohol use is a significant contributor to erectile dysfunction and other forms of sexual dysfunction.

Studies in men with alcohol use disorder find that the majority experience at least one form of sexual dysfunction, and that the severity of dysfunction tends to increase with the severity of alcohol dependence.

What Alcohol Does To The Body

Some would be surprised to know that alcohol is actually a depressant; it slows down reaction time and stops inhibitory functions from being active (leading to an increase in socialization and lack of impulse control). Alcohol also inhibits sexual function.

Alcohol affects different systems in the body in the following ways:

• Depresses the nervous system: alcohol suppresses circulation, nerve ending sensitivity, and respiration
• Dehydration: blood flow is disrupted by dehydration, which affects oxygen and blood levels needed to elevate sensation to the genital region (resulting in vaginal dryness and contributing to erectile dysfunction)
• Disruption of orgasms
• Hormone issues: Long-term alcohol use disorder affects the liver, which can affect hormone levels. Disruption of testosterone can result in a lowered sex drive

Long-term alcohol abuse and addiction can damage the nervous system. Nervous system impairment can result in the inability to get or maintain an erection, sometimes permanently. Permanent nerve damage can cause erectile dysfunction even in the absence of alcohol.

How Alcohol Affects Sexual Responses

Studies have shown that nearly every sexual response is affected by alcohol. Sexual responses like premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and low sex drive are the most common or most reported sexual issues related to alcohol consumption.

If a person consumes alcohol regularly, it can result in a build-up of toxins in the body. This build-up of toxins has been connected to sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction.

In one widely cited study, 72% of men with alcohol dependence reported one or more forms of sexual dysfunction, with premature ejaculation, low sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction being the most common. Importantly, the amount of alcohol consumed was the strongest predictor of developing dysfunction. The more someone drank, the more symptoms they experienced.

Alcohol And Sexual Dysfunction In Women

Alcohol affects sexual function in women as significantly as in men, though the specific symptoms differ. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Women’s Health found that women who consumed alcohol had a 74 percent higher likelihood of experiencing sexual dysfunction compared to women who did not drink.

Heavy alcohol use in women is associated with decreased sexual desire (low libido), reduced vaginal lubrication, difficulty achieving orgasm, and painful intercourse (dyspareunia). These effects result from the same underlying mechanisms that affect men: alcohol’s suppression of the nervous system, its disruption of blood flow, dehydration of mucosal tissue, and its impact on hormone levels, including estrogen.

As with men, the relationship is dose-dependent. Heavy and long-term alcohol use causes the most significant impairment. Research also suggests that sexual dysfunction may, in some cases, precede the development of problem drinking in women. This is because some women turn to alcohol with the hope that it will enhance sexual performance or reduce inhibition, which can create a self-reinforcing cycle.

Reversing Sexual Dysfunction Or Erectile Dysfunction

There have been several studies that showed that many aspects of sexual dysfunction (some included erectile dysfunction) were able to be reversed if a person abstained from alcohol consumption.

If the body remains alcohol-free and is given time to heal, the effects of alcohol do not continue to contribute to sexual dysfunction. If a person has other issues that contribute to sexual dysfunction, it may be easier for a doctor to evaluate and treat once alcohol is no longer a contributing factor.

Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

When alcohol starts to negatively impact your life, it may be time to consider an alcohol abuse treatment program. Consuming alcohol in amounts that take away from your ability to enjoy your life in any aspect can be dangerous.

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff