Excessive alcohol consumption and its damaging effects on male sexuality
Indian researchers discovered that excessive drinking can cause up to five different issues in a man's sexual life. So, what are they?
12:16 PM EST, November 26, 2023
The impact of alcohol on sexual performance
Prior studies have established that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Furthermore, a recent study, published in Elsevier's Medical Journal Armed Forces India, took a comprehensive look at alcohol's impact on other aspects of sexual performance.
The researchers studied 78 men, aged between 20 and 50, who were undergoing treatment for alcohol addiction. They found that 77 percent of these men experienced problems in their sex lives, including:
- 71 percent experienced diminished pleasure during sexual activities,
- 61 percent battled with a decreased level of desire,
- 59 percent suffered from reduced arousal,
- 48 percent struggled with achieving orgasm,
- 44 percent experienced erectile disorders.
The study also discovered that the severity of these problems was proportional to the addiction level. It was observed that almost all men with severe alcohol addictions suffered from all five forms of sexual dysfunction.
The researchers concluded that alcohol consumption negatively impacts the entire spectrum of sexual functions, a finding that contradicts previous studies which typically only associated alcohol use with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. As explained by Dr. Yadav, this groundbreaking discovery uncovers the widespread effects of alcohol on sexual performance.
How diet influences sexuality
While excessive alcohol consumption undeniably contributes to sexual dysfunction, it's important to note that diet can also play a significant role. The food we consume can affect our sexual health and performance.
A consistently high blood sugar level can trigger erectile dysfunction and suppress testosterone production. Moreover, overconsumption of processed food can lead to inflammation, which in turn diminishes a person's sexual drive, affecting both men and women alike.