#HealthBytes: Five ways alcohol is ruining your sex life
The relationship between alcohol and sex can, at best, be described as mixed. Many amazing bedtime sessions often begin with a couple of wine glasses, or one too many beer pints. However, considering your long-term sexual health and safety, mixing alcohol and sex might not seem like a great idea. Here are five ways in which alcohol might be ruining your sex life.
But first, let's talk about the good parts
Alcohol is widely known to lower our inhibitions. This implies it can help improve our confidence, and make it easier to get cosy with someone we are attracted to. However, alcohol also affects our judgment, and may lure us into undesired or risky/unhealthy sexual behavior.
Alcohol might lead to erectile dysfunction
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol might affect a man's ability to get or sustain erections, thus leading to frustration in their sex life. This is medically termed as Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED impacts sex, as it reduces the production of sex hormone- testosterone, and also misplays with the chemical messengers that instruct blood-supply to penis. If you're suffering from ED, see your doctor soon.
Issues with orgasm and sex drive
Orgasmic disorders: By intervening with the signals between the brain and genitals, alcohol affects our ability to feel sexually stimulated. This may lead to early or prolonged ejaculation, thus lessening sexual satisfaction. Sex drive: Heavy alcohol intake over prolonged periods of time leads to reduction in levels of testosterone, thus lowering one's sex drive or libido, ultimately affecting sexual performance.
Infertility; Unsafe sex
Infertility: Moderate to high drinking is a potential cause for infertility. Low testosterone affects a man's sperm production, thus reducing his fertility levels. In women, heavy drinking may cease ovulation, thus affecting their ability to conceive a baby. Unsafe sex: By eliminating inhibitions and affecting one's judgment powers, alcohol may lead to unprotected sex, thus risking you for dreadful STIs and unwanted pregnancies.
