From Alcohol to Bed: How Alcohol Affects Male Sexual Performance

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate drinking involves up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. These amounts are not intended as an average but rather a daily limit. Binge drinking brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 percent or more, which typically happens if a woman has 4 or more drinks, or a man has 5 or more drinks, within about 2 hours.

Excessive consumption of alcohol can have negative effects on sexual health. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not stimulate sexual desire but can lead to erectile difficulties or weakness. So, how does alcohol cause erectile dysfunction? Why is it that drinking too much alcohol can affect a man’s sexual function?

Side effects of

Influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis regulates the secretion of reproductive hormones, such as testosterone. Alcohol can interfere with the HPG axis, disrupting the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This can lead to hypotestosteronemia, causing testicular damage and loss of secondary sexual characteristics, as well as decreasing libido and causing erectile dysfunction, and even infertility. Studies have shown that alcohol intake also alters the ratio between free estradiol and free testosterone and that heavy alcohol consumption is highly correlated with blocked spermatogenesis and pure support cell syndrome.

Affects the testes

Animal and clinical studies have demonstrated that alcohol consumption can reduce testicular and seminal vesicle weights, and induce partial or complete spermatogenic blockage in men who drink heavily (>80g of alcohol per day). In one study, mice that ingested 6% ethanol for 10 weeks exhibited reduced testicular and seminal vesicle weights, while some mice recovered after alcohol intake was stopped.

Affects semen quality

Alcohol consumption can impair semen quality. Men who drank alcohol more than 5 days a week for more than a year and consumed more than 180 ml of alcohol per day (between 40% and 50% alcohol concentration) had significantly lower semen volume, sperm count, percentage of motile sperm, and normal morphology compared to non-drinking men, according to a study. Alcohol may act as a teratogen, contributing to sperm malformations. Alcohol intake can also lead to an increased concentration of white blood cells in semen, increasing the risk of developing UTIs.

Affects the union of sperm and egg

During the process of fertilization, sperm need to release acrosome enzymes to dissolve the egg membrane and penetrate the egg. Alcohol can impair liver function, reducing the liver’s ability to inactivate estrogen. High estrogen levels can cause premature release of acrosome enzymes by the sperm, preventing proper sperm and egg union, and leading to difficulties in conception.

Individual differences and genetic background

Some people experience facial blushing after drinking alcohol due to a defect in the ALDH2 gene, which produces acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of ethanol. Individuals with this defect have a reduced ability to metabolize alcohol and may also exhibit lower sperm vitality. Nutritional factors and genetic factors can influence an individual’s ability to consume alcohol. It is important to know one’s limits and avoid excess alcohol consumption to avoid negative health consequences.

Ways to reduce alcohol

Reducing alcohol consumption can benefit your overall health and well-being. Here are some tips that might help you:

Set a goal

Setting a goal is one of the most important steps in reducing alcohol consumption. It involves identifying what you want to achieve and creating a plan of action to achieve that goal. Here are some tips for setting a realistic goal for reducing alcohol consumption:

Be specific: Decide on a specific amount of alcohol you want to limit yourself to, for example, one drink per day.
Make it measurable: Use a tracking device or app to record the number of drinks you consume daily, and use this data to measure your progress.
Make it achievable: Set a goal that is realistic and attainable, depending on your individual circumstances. For example, if you currently drink five drinks a day, it may be unrealistic to expect to cut back completely right away, so a more achievable goal may be to reduce to three drinks a day initially.
Be realistic: Make sure you set a goal that you can realistically achieve. Trying to quit cold turkey after years of heavy drinking may be too difficult, for example.
Set a timeline: Give yourself a timeline to achieve your goal, such as reducing your alcohol consumption by one drink a day every two weeks until you reach your target.

By setting a goal, you will have a clear focus and direction, which will make it easier for you to make the necessary changes to reduce your alcohol consumption.

Track your alcohol consumption

Tracking alcohol consumption is an effective method for anyone trying to limit their alcohol intake or reduce the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption. There are several ways to track alcohol consumption, including:

Keeping a diary: You can keep a journal or a note on your phone to record the number of drinks you have each day. Make a habit of recording your drinks, including the brand and serving size.
Using mobile apps: There are many smartphone apps that can help you keep a record of your alcohol consumption. These apps can help you set goals, monitor your progress, and remind you when you’ve reached your limit.
Utilizing a breathalyzer: You can invest in a portable breathalyzer to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) instantly. This can help you know when you have had enough alcohol and keep you from overindulging.

By tracking your alcohol consumption, you can identify your drinking patterns and determine areas where you can cut back. This can help you stay accountable and help you make healthier choices when it comes to your alcohol consumption.

Find alternative activities

When it comes to finding alternative activities to replace drinking, it’s important to consider activities that you enjoy and that can offer similar benefits. Some ideas may include:

Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to release endorphins, which can help to improve mood and reduce stress. Joining a gym or a sports club, going for a run, or trying yoga or Pilates are all examples of exercise that can be enjoyable and beneficial.
Socializing: Instead of going out to drink, consider planning a gathering with friends for a meal, a game night, or a movie night. This can provide a chance to connect and have fun without alcohol being the main focus.
Hobbies: Exploring new hobbies or spending more time on existing ones can also help to provide an enjoyable activity that is separate from drinking. Examples may include painting, photography, cooking, or learning a new instrument.
Volunteering: Giving back to the community or volunteering for a cause you are passionate about can be a fulfilling way to spend your time and can also help you to develop a sense of purpose and meaning outside of drinking.

Limit your availability

Limiting alcohol availability is an effective way to reduce excessive drinking. Here are some strategies that can help with this:

Don’t keep alcohol at home: One way to reduce alcohol availability is to avoid keeping it at home. Keeping alcohol out of the house can make it harder to consume too much, especially when feeling stressed or bored.
Avoid buying alcohol in large quantities: Purchasing alcohol in small quantities can help reduce alcohol availability. When buying, make sure to buy what is needed for the occasion and avoid purchasing large bottles or bulk offers.
Don’t make alcohol too accessible: If alcohol is in the house, avoid keeping it in a visible location or within reach. Instead, store it out of sight or in a less accessible location.
Remove alcohol triggers: It’s important to identify triggers that contribute to excessive drinking. If social situations tend to trigger alcohol intake, consider avoiding such situations or changing the dynamics of the gathering.

Seek support

Seeking support is an important step in reducing excessive alcohol consumption. Having a support system can provide encouragement and motivation to make positive changes. There are several ways to seek support:

Friends and family: Reach out to close friends and family who can offer emotional support, positivity, and encouragement throughout the process of reducing alcohol consumption.、
Support groups: Join local or online support groups that offer a supportive community focused on reducing alcohol consumption.
Counseling or therapy: Consider meeting with a licensed professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can provide guidance and support on reducing alcohol consumption.
Medical professionals: Consult with a doctor or healthcare provider who can provide medical guidance and monitor any physical or mental health issues related to alcohol consumption.
Helplines: Seek support from helplines and hotlines focused on substance abuse and recovery, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength and not weakness. It can be helpful to have someone to talk to who understands your situation and can offer advice and encouragement.

Conclusion

Excessive alcohol consumption has a negative impact on male reproductive health and erectile function. Excessive drinking can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels, infertility, and erectile dysfunction. It is important for men to reduce their alcohol consumption to maintain good reproductive health and avoid these negative health outcomes. Strategies such as setting realistic goals, tracking alcohol consumption, seeking support from friends and family, finding alternative activities, and seeking professional help can be helpful in reducing excessive alcohol consumption and improving erectile function.