Alcohol and Erectile Dysfunction: The Short- and Long-Term Effects
Recent research has been conducted to explore the correlation between alcohol and Erectile Dysfunction. Its findings, however, may cause men to reconsider the consumption of alcohol prior to engaging in sexual activities. This continuously growing body of research reveals both long and short term effects of alcohol consumption on male sexual health. As adults, the consumption of alcohol has plagued many of our social activities. Social interaction with others and specifically the opposite gender can cause a great deal of anxiety where alcohol has proven to relax those nerves and approach daunting situations with a nonchalant composure. One of these unavoidable nerve wrecking yet sought out situations are sexual encounters. Many men suffer from thoughts of sexual performance which will naturally leads to the consumption of alcohol to counter any feelings of anxiousness and create a relaxed demeanor.
Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on Male Sexual Health:
Alcohol might actually have the opposite effect on your sexual arousal despite contrary belief. One highly unwanted negative short-term side effect of drinking before a sexual encounter is the possibility of temporary, or situational, Erectile Dysfunction (the inability to maintain an erection in certain situations). While research shows that consuming a light amount of alcohol before these encounters can increase your sexual desires, there is a fine line between too much and too little alcohol. Loyola University reports that having too much alcohol can have an opposite effect and actually decrease your sexual reaction, causing an interference with your experience. A study from the University of Washington supports these findings with research revealing that sober men are able to achieve an erection quicker than men who are intoxicated. In some studies, men were unable to achieve an erection completely after drinking. The science behind these findings is apparent and simple. Alcohol works as a depressant. Depressants cause decreased blood flow in the body. In order to achieve an erection, the body pumps blood to the penis. With a decreased blood flow, it is difficult for the penis to get the amount of blood needed for an erection. This can lower levels of sexual excitement or even make it impossible to sexually perform entirely.
An increased chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is also considered to be a short term effect. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions which can lead to unplanned sexual encounters and unprotected sex which are both direct causes of contracting
such disease.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on Male Sexual Health:
Long-term, over consumption of alcohol can actually damage the blood vessels—both in the penis and throughout the rest of the body—leading to troubling conditions like hypertension and heart disease, which are both factors in the development of long-term erectile dysfunction. While short term Erectile Dysfunction is quite common, excessive alcohol consumption for long periods of time can lead to long-term erectile dysfunction. This direct link is recognized by the scientific community as research revealed that men who are dependent on alcohol are up to 70% more likely to suffer from sexual problems such as premature ejaculation or complete loss of sexual desire. However, the most common of these problems is Erectile Dysfunction.
What Are Some Natural Male Enhancement Options?
Studies show that alcohol is overall good for you. In fact, some doctors recommend a small amount of alcohol to be ingested with meals to reduce the risk of clot formations. Alcohol can reduce the amount of fatty deposit (atheroma) which is directly related to narrowing arteries, making them more prone to clog from a clot formation. Alcohol can also reduce the sudden rise of a protein (fibrinogen) produced by the liver. However, the key element to reaping the benefits of alcohol is moderation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, moderate drinking can be limited to one or two cups a day. Drinking beyond this amount causes the toxins from alcohol to accumulate and begin affecting your organs, including the regulation of blood flow to the penis. By attempting to use alcohol to avoid the anxiety associated with sexual performance, you may be causing long-term damage to your body. Resorting to alcoholic beverages for a short-term solution may have a reverse effect. Natural ways have been developed to overcome symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction as well as a wide range of performance-enhancing therapies. Focused shock wave therapy is a natural non-invasive solution for both men suffering with ED and men seeking natural male enhancement. This method consists of applying acoustic sound waves to the penis. This is used to improve blood flow and induce new blood vessel growth. Focused shock wave therapy is one of the few drug-free options that provides up to 2 year post-treatment results. Schedule a consultation with Erectile Dysfunction specialist Dr. Nina G., MD. She is an Anti Aging and Regenerative Medicine Expert located in Aventura with 35 years of experience. Contact her at (305) 934-9149.
References
George, William H., Kelly Cue Davis, Jeanette Norris, Julia R. Heiman, Rebecca L. Schacht, Susan A. Stoner, and Kelly F. Kajumulo. “Alcohol and Erectile Response: The Effects of High Dosage in the Context of Demands to Maximize Sexual Arousal.” Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. November 2006. Accessed February 02, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC3164266/.
Mary A. Emanuele, M.D. and Nicholas Emanuele, M.D, “Alcohol and the Male Reproductive System,” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Accessed February 2, 2017. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/ publications/arh25-4/282-287. htm