The influence of alcohol on potency and libido - how does a popular stimulant destroy our sex life

Published: Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Alcohol is a commonly used psychoactive drug that affects various aspects of human health, including the functions of the reproductive system. The impact of alcohol on potency and libido is a subject that has long been arousing interest not only among people suffering from sexual disorders, but above all, among sex health specialists. In the following article, to better understand this issue, we will analyze the scientific evidence concerning the impact alcohol has on potency and libido. We will also advise you how to benefit from an alcohol detox to minimize the harmful effects of alcohol.

Alcohol is one of the most common drugs in our society.

Alcohol has accompanied humanity since the dawn of time and has also found itself a safe spot in our contemporary culture. It has the ability to relax, which is why it is often used as a way to improve the mood during social gatherings. Unfortunately, statistics show that an average Pole consumes a total of 9.7 liters of pure alcohol per year. Nearly 81% of Poles admit to drinking alcohol, of which over 16% drink it at least once a week. Such often consumption of this stimulant is definitely not indifferent to human health.

There is no such thing as a safe alcohol dose.

In the past, recommendations on "safe" doses of alcohol were much more indulgent. Many sources even mentioned the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. As scientific knowledge advanced, many countries and organizations have begun to change their approach to this topic. Nowadays, more experts admit that there is no safe dose of alcohol, which means that any amount of alcohol consumed carries a risk to health. Even doses, that were once considered moderate, can increase the risk of serious illness. Therefore, many scientific societies and health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend limiting alcohol consumption to a minimum and even considering complete abstinence as the best way to take care of your health and prevent many diseases.

The impact of alcohol on human sexual health.

There is a lot said about the way that alcohol effects the liver or pancreas functioning, but the impact it has on sexual health is still considered a taboo. Meanwhile, libido and potency related issues are a big part of human life. Although this is a very complex and multidimensional matter, alcohol, unfortunately, doesn’t favor the sexual sphere. The negative impact of this drug on sexual health results from changes it causes both in the body and human psyche.

Alcohol as a central nervous system depressant

On some people, small amounts of alcohol may lead to a stronger sexual stimulation. Using this stimulant in a bigger dose affects negatively both libido and potency. One of the reasons is that alcohol, in fact, is a depressant. It doesn’t mean, that it causes depression. After drinking, the alcohol is quickly absorbed from the digestive system into the blood, then reaches the brain. After getting there, it lowers the activity of central nervous system, which leads to decreasing the level of reaction from the brain to the outside impulses. Although the state of intoxication is often seen as euphoric and relaxed, the inhibitory effect of alcohol definitely doesn’t favor maintaining an erection and achieving sexual satisfaction.

Alcohol and testosterone – male hormonal disorders.

Testosterone is one of the most important male health hormones. It carries an important role in a man’s organism, by not only regulating sexual functioning, but also by affecting the muscle mass, bone density, mood or energy level. Research shows that overdrinking may lead to hormonal inbalance, including lowering the level of testosterone. Decreasing the level of this hormone may also affect a man’s libido. Men may not only feel less interested in sexual activity, but also have difficulties with achieving and maintaining an erection. Moreover a lowered level of testosterone may influence the general quality of life, impacting the energy, mood and motivation level.

Vasodilation - an advantage or disadvantage of alcohol consumption?

Alcohol consumption affects the circulatory system by leading to blood vessels dilation. This effect often manifests itself as facial redness or a feeling of warmth. Although the dilation of blood vessels initially promotes an erection, excessive alcohol consumption has the opposite effect to that intended - by greatly dilating the blood vessels, blood flows out of the penis faster, which leads to weakened erection and problems with potency.

Alcohol consumption and libido

The impact of alcohol has on libido is a subject that arouses interest among scientists and people who care about their sexual health. Libido, i.e. sexual drive, is a complex function of the body, depending on many factors, such as health condition, hormone levels, stress and the quality of interpersonal relationships. Abusing alcohol can negatively impact libido, leading to:

  • decreased desire for sex: excessive alcohol consumption may lead to decreased sexual drive and loss of interest in sexual activity;
  • difficulty achieving orgasm: alcohol may delay or even prevent achieving orgasm
  • erectile dysfunction: too much alcohol may lead to difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection, which affects the quality and satisfaction of sexual life
  • reducing the quality of sexual contact: alcohol may affect the ability to experience pleasure associated with sexual activity, which affects the quality of sexual contact.

Libido disorders are one of the most common effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol, acting as a depressant, impacts the nervous system, reducing the brain's response to external stimuli. This effect may reduce our interest in sexual activity and cause a loss of sex drive. People who abuse alcohol may experience a decreased desire for sex, which may negatively affect their intimate life and partnerships.

Alcohol and emotions – an important, but often overlooked subject.

Alcohol, as a psychoactive substance, affects our psyche and emotions. This situation occurs both in the case of single alcohol consumption and long-term overdrinking. However, the impact of alcohol on the human psyche is an extremely complex topic. This stimulant is often treated as a temporary escape from everyday problems, fears or stress, which may be perceived as beneficial in relation to sexual activity. However, we should not forget about the dark side of alcohol.

Alcohol encourages risky sexual behaviors and also disturbs perception, which means that people who are intoxicated, even if only slightly, have a reduced ability to assess the situation and the consequences of their actions. At the same time, this stimulant weakens the ability to establish emotional intimacy, which may affect bonding with a partner. Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to impaired communication skills, both in terms of speech and non-verbal expression. This can lead to difficulties in expressing expectations, boundaries and preferences in the context of intimacy.

How to minimize the impact, alcohol has on potency and libido?

There is no doubt that the best solution is to reduce alcohol consumption to a minimum or even go completely abstinent. Alcohol is a stimulant that has a strongly negative impact on every system of the human body. However, if you do not want to give up a glass of cold beer on a summer evening or a toast with friends, and you want to take care of your health, especially sexual health, it is worth implementing a few changes.

Lifestyle impact on human’s sexual health

Minimizing the impact of alcohol on a person's sexual health is associated with positive lifestyle changes that can help improve sexual functioning. Here are some key steps you can take:

  • ntroducing a healthy and balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, healthy fats and protein, can help improve overall health, including sexual health.
  • egular physical activity improves blood circulation, increases energy levels and reduces stress, all of which have a positive impact on sexual health
  • voiding excessive stress by introducing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can help reduce stress levels and improve sexual function;
  • nsuring an adequate amount of sleep, its regular rhythm, as well as avoiding excessive fatigue has a positive effect on libido
  • voiding other addictive substances apart from alcohol, such as drugs or cigarettes, which may have a negative impact on sexual health

Alcohol detoxication as a method of minimizing alcohol’s harmful effect on human health.

One of the ways to minimize the harmful impact alcohol has on our organism, is to benefit from an alcohol detox. This solution can be helpful after a one time boozy event or after a longer period of alcohol abuse. What exactly is it?

Alcohol detox is nothing more, but providing the organism with liquids with a lot of dissolved vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and sometimes also rescue medications. Such a nutrient cocktail is served via a drip directly into a blood vessel. Due to this, alcohol detoxification ingredients reach all body tissues and cells in a few minutes along with the blood, reversing some of the harmful effects of alcohol.

We cannot promise that in our clinic we will reverse all the negative effects of alcohol consumption, especially in the long run. However, we can make every effort to reduce the harmful impact of this stimulant on your body. Our experienced specialists – doctors and paramedics – know everything about alcohol detoxification and its beneficial effects. With the help of a nutritious cocktail, they will not only improve your well-being after a lavish party, but also accelerate the cleansing and regeneration of your body.

Would you like to use our help? We invite you to KacDoktor's modern clinic, where you can undergo an alcohol detoxification treatment in comfortable conditions. However, we know perfectly well that there are situations, especially after a lot of fun, when leaving the house and taking a trip through the city becomes unattainable. Then the solution may be to use our home-delivered alcohol detoxification service. Just call us or fill out the online form and our specialist will arrive at the address you specify, even in 45 minutes.

Alcohol doesn’t have to destroy your health and well-being! Take advantage of alcohol detox and be back on your feet in just an hour!

Call us! and book a visit, 24h / 7 days a week. +48 511 833 844