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How can Alcohol result in Erectile dysfunction?

How can Alcohol result in Erectile dysfunction?

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is basically a disorder found in men which could be a sign of physical or psychological condition. The symptoms associated with this disorder is found in men’s reproductive organ i.e. inability to keep an erection firmer and longer enough during a sexual activity.

Erectile dysfunction is a treatable disorder which includes many possible methods such as natural remedies, alternative medicine, and prescription drugs. In this article, let us discuss about some faster ways to treat this disorder.

How can alcohol cause ED?

Getting an erection is a complex process, and ED can occur if there’s a problem during any step. Sexual thoughts or stimulation of the penis activate the parasympathetic nervous system and the release of neurotransmitters from nerves in the penis. These neurotransmitters relax the muscles in the arteries of the penis, which increases blood flow by 20 to 40 times

Getting an erection is a complex process, and ED can occur if there’s a problem during any step. The parasympathetic nervous system and neurotransmitters released from nerves in the penis are activated by sexual thoughts or stimulation of the penis.

Short-term causes of ED

It is possible to experience temporary inability to get an erection after drinking any type of alcohol. An alcohol study published in 2018 found that short-term consumption of alcohol slows your brain’s ability to transfer information to your penis as a result of depressing your central nervous system. Consequently, the penis may be less sensitive.

Dehydrating and increasing urination are the effects of alcohol, which is a diuretic. Angiotensin, a hormone responsible for narrowing the blood vessels, increases when we are dehydrated. Blood flow to the penis can be restricted by angiotensin.

According to older research conducted in 1998, the circulating levels of testosterone can also drop when drinking alcohol, according to recent animal studies. The key molecule that relaxes your penis’ blood vessels is nitric oxide, which is only produced when testosterone levels are low.

Ways Alcohol can affect your sexuality.

Problems with orgasms

You cannot feel sexual stimulation when you drink alcohol. In order to accomplish this, it interferes with the signals between the brain and the genitals.

  • It may be hard for men to ejaculate (come) or they may ejaculate too quickly
  • There may be less intensity in orgasms for women or they may find it harder to orgasm

Nervous system dysfunction

When you drink too much alcohol over a long period of time, you can damage your nerves, increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, and damage your blood vessels. You might not be able to get an erection as a result. A 2020 review found that anywhere from 16 to 73 percentage of chronic heavy alcohol users experience autonomic nervous system dysfunction, Erectile dysfunction generally. The autonomic nervous system is largely responsible for unconscious functions. 

Cardiovascular disease and blood vessel damage

The link between ED and cardiovascular disease is well established. Based on a 2018 review, Light to moderate drinking is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, while heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk.

According to a 2018 study, High blood pressure is associated with heavy alcohol consumption. There is a link between high blood pressure and sexual dysfunction.

Sex drive (libido)

Individual having a habit of drinking from a long period of time are expected to have a low libido i.e. low sex drive. This kind of condition is expected due to decrease in testosterone caused by heavy drinking of alcohol.

Shrinking of Sex organs

As per several studies and reports, it has also came into consideration that heavy alcohol consumers are tend to observe decrease in their penis and testes sizes.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Alcohol is a kind of drink that causes reduction in your inhibition and also affects your judgement. This can lead to an individual having an unprotected sex. This puts that individual at a higher risk of getting diagnosed with Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs).

Can alcohol withdrawal cause erectile dysfunction?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a condition in which a heavy alcohol consumer suddenly stops consuming it. This withdrawal is linked with several cardiovascular symptoms such as high blood pressure which has the potential to interfere with erection in men.

There are also some other alcohol withdrawal effects such as:

  • irritability
  • confusion
  • tremors
  • headaches
  • high blood pressure
  • anxiety
  • nausea
  • vomiting

These symptoms are expected tp starts few hours after withdrawal. However, most severe symptoms are observed within 2-3 days after withdrawal.

It is advisable to reduce your alcohol intake which will come with short term side effects that might contribute in ED. However, reducing rather than sudden withdrawal will likely improve your sexual health in the long run.

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