Our sexual health is a crucial component of our daily lives, particularly concerning reproductive endeavors. However, various factors, including alcohol consumption, can significantly influence it.

Indeed, alcohol stands out as a particularly impactful variable in sexual function. Therefore, if you are experiencing difficulties in this domain, alcohol may be a contributing factor. Here are five reasons why:

Diminished Performance

We often believe that alcohol lowers our inhibitions and improves sexual performance. While it does the former and increases feelings of arousal, drinking too much can actually diminish sexual performance.

It is a depressant and slows down our central nervous system and motor skills. This in turn can lead to it becoming difficult to maintain an erection and can decrease vaginal lubrication. It can also dampen sensitivity which can lessen the experience of pleasure.

Delayed Orgasm

For both sexes, alcohol will also delay or prevent orgasm. It basically has a numbing effect that prolongs the time it takes to reach climax and can be incredibly frustrating for both partners, having a huge impact on our sexual experiences.

Relationship Strain

Naturally, the above can lead to a strain on a relationship, particularly if it’s only one of the sexual partnership who is being affected by alcohol.

It can lead to breakdowns in communication, cause arguments and cause more of an emotional distance between partners. It can be a catalyst for other relationship problems to arise and cause a tension that not only makes it difficult to connect intimately but also carry over into other parts of life.

Risk-Taking Behaviour

Of course, as we’ve mentioned, alcohol does lower inhibitions, and it can also impair judgement. This can increase the likelihood of risky sexual behaviour including the likes of unprotected sex, multiple partners and the likes of one night stands. Naturally, this isn’t ideal for people who are attached, not only from a relationship standpoint but also the fact that it can increase the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

The overall long term effects of such impaired judgement really can be life changing.

Libido Suppression

Finally, while moderate alcohol consumption can initially increase libido and reduce the anxiety around sexual encounters, excessive drinking can have the opposite effect.

It disrupts hormone levels, including testosterone and oestrogen, which play vital roles in sexual desire. This imbalance can have a significant impact on libido and decrease interest in sexual activity. The depressive effects of alcohol can also have an impact on fatigue and cause lethargy, which is going to further impact sexual performance.

If you think alcohol is impacting your sex life, then you may wish to seek out help. Alcohol addiction is rife across the country, but there are options for you, from NHS rehab clinics to private options, support groups and more. Not only can they help you get your sex life back on track, but also your health in general, both physically and mentally, as well as your family, work and social life.