You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Learn more about the potential health risks of chronic heavy drinking. A 2017 study notes that heavy and chronic drinking increases the risk of developing ED. A 2021 study highlights that nearly half of people with alcohol dependence experience sexual dysfunction. Testosterone levels in the blood may also drop in as little as 30 minutes after consuming alcohol, which may lower sex drive and lead to poorer erections.Ĭhronic heavy drinking may damage blood vessels throughout the body, raising a person’s risk of ED, stroke, and heart disease. It slows down the flow of signals from the brain to the spinal cord, which can lead to ED.Įxcessive alcohol consumption can also impact testicular function and hormone production. Alcohol affects pathways involved in sexual arousal, blood circulation, and achieving an erection. Their sexual performance may decrease and it can also impact nerve function, leading to a reduced response to sexual stimulation. At low doses, alcohol can cause disinhibition and relaxation.Īt higher doses, alcohol can affect a person’s cognitive, perceptual, and motor functions. This is a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity, producing a general calming and sedating effect.Ĭonsuming little alcohol is unlikely to have an immediate short-term impact on a person’s sexual function. It works by increasing the inhibitory activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it affects the central nervous system.

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