Drinking can be the ultimate go-to activity for some of us to unwind, connect with others, and treat ourselves after a long day at work. However, it is worth noting that your short-term and long-term health can be severely affected by alcohol consumption.
Too much alcohol can dampen your sex drive. So, how exactly does alcohol play a role in your sex drive?
When you drink, your levels of sex hormones drop.
Your body produces and releases various hormones that can alter your mood and stimulate other functions. Hormones like testosterone and dopamine, known together as "sex hormones," can significantly affect sexual desire.
Your libido may rise and decline as these levels change. Alcohol causes a sudden rise in testosterone and dopamine levels in the body. Some believe that alcohol might assist in stimulating sexual desire because of this. This boost, though, won't stay forever. There is some evidence that drinking alcohol can reduce dopamine and testosterone levels, which can lead to a drop in sex drive.
Alcohol lowers levels of happy hormones.
Low dopamine levels have more general adverse effects on your life. Your brain produces feel-good chemicals called dopamine and serotonin. These hormones stimulate happy feelings and a good mood.
Alcohol, however, works as a depressive in the brain, reducing the production of endorphins. This is why alcohol can affect your mood, cause you to feel down or nervous, cloud your judgment, and lower your confidence.
Your sex drive might be significantly affected by your mental health. After all, positive emotions and self-assurance provide for a solid sexual basis. It will make a massive difference if you reduce your exposure to depressants.
Your sleep may be less restful if you drink alcohol.
Several physiological processes rely on getting enough sleep each night. Consequently, sleep experts advise patients to aim for a minimum of 7 hours and a maximum of 9 hours every night.
This allows your body to rejuvenate, which aids in the operation of your brain and other bodily systems. Thus, it shouldn't be shocking to learn that sleep deprivation can lead to reduced sex drive and make it harder to feel aroused.
The amount and quality of sleep you get may suffer significantly if you consume alcohol. The consumption of alcohol causes a person's mental state to become more energetic as the body processes it. If you have trouble falling asleep or wake up frequently during the night, your sex drive may suffer.
Less enjoyable sex.
Drinking alcohol regularly, especially in large amounts, might harm your nervous system and your penis. This could lead to a decrease in how you would enjoy sex overall. Alcohol has a detrimental effect on your reproductive capabilities and your sex drive. The quantity, quality, and mobility of your sperm may also suffer as a result.
Alcohol can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Drinking alcohol is just one of many potential reasons for erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence – and there could be several causes for this. For an erection to occur, your brain must send a signal to your penis at the appropriate time—when you're getting aroused. But if you've had too much to drink, your mental processes will be slower than usual.
This means the signal could take a while to get there, or it could never get there. Consuming alcoholic drinks dehydrates the body, lowering the volume and flow of blood. The penis requires adequate blood flow for an erection to form and last. Without this, it may be very challenging for you to have sex.
Key Takeaway
You can see that alcohol's effects on sex drive are highly individual. Your desire to have sex could decrease, or you could find that you no longer like it. Naturally, this has the potential to spiral out of control. So don't forget how alcohol consumption can affect your libido.
You may find that your sexual health improves if you reduce drinking or take a break. Try to discuss this with your partner and your loved ones. This can make the transition much easier as you get a solid support system.
Marking the beginning of your ‘controlled drinking’ can help you appreciate your progress. This will allow you to observe your development and celebrate your successes. After around four weeks, most people notice the impact of abstaining from alcohol. Your body will have plenty of time to purge all the accumulated junk.
