Alcohol can provoke sexual behavior at the cost of weakening performance.
Alcohol lowers personal inhibitions when it comes to sexuality, which creates the misconception that alcohol is an aphrodisiac. However, just because drinkers feel less inhibited about sex doesn't mean that alcohol enhances sexual experience. In fact, alcohol can reduce physical arousal and negatively impacts sexuality in both males and females.
Men
The sexual effects of alcohol depend on the level and frequency of consumption and gender. According to sexualdysfunction.com, one of the most common effects of alcohol on male sexuality is the reduction of erection size. In fact, frequent binge drinking can eventually lead to serious erectile dysfunction. Other common sexual effects in males include an increased difficulty to reach ejaculation and a reduction in sexual desire. Chronic alcohol abuse causes major hormonal imbalances. Alcohol reduces the production of testosterone and prohibits the metabolism of female hormones. Less testosterone and more female hormones can lead to "feminization." Symptoms of "feminization" include larger breasts, thinner body hair, testicular atrophy and sterility.
Women
Common sexual effects of alcohol in women cause a decreased level of sexual sensation and less intense orgasms. Chronic alcohol abuse in women has adverse effects on the reproductive system that can lead to ovarian cancer. Excessive drinking can also cause menstrual irregularities and early menopause. Drinking while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome amidst other serious developmental issues. Alcohol abuse weakens chances of pregnancy and leads to permanent infertility.
Other Effects
In both genders excessive and frequent alcohol abuse reduces sexual desire even when not drunk. By slowing body functions and neural activity, alcohol causes depression. It also leads to weight gain and self-esteem issues. The combination of these effects makes it difficult to find a date and stay in a relationship, limiting the possibility of meaningful sexual experiences. Sexual encounters under the influence of alcohol are more likely to result in unsafe sex that can lead to unwanted pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Knowing Your Limit
There are few positive sexual effects of alcohol and only if it's consumed in moderation. A few drinks spread out over the duration of a dinner could give a shy person a boost of confidence required to speak to someone they find attractive. A small dose of alcohol can also relax a nervous couple when having sex for the first time together. It can also prolong sex if a man is prone to premature or early ejaculation when nervous. Overall the sexual effects of alcohol are quite negative, many of which can have severe permanent consequences. To avoid those consequences it's essential to know your limit and drink in moderation.
Tags: alcohol abuse, effects alcohol, sexual effects, sexual effects alcohol, Chronic alcohol