Some people say that drinking alcoholic beverages improves their sexual performance, but others find that just the opposite is true.
Much depends on the individual and the situation.
Alcohol can lower inhibitions. People who would ordinarily feel nervous around a partner might find that they are more outgoing and relaxed in social settings. They might feel more confident about starting a sexual encounter and be more adventurous when trying something new.
Some men use alcohol to delay ejaculation and to counteract their performance anxiety.
However, these factors don’t necessarily mean that alcohol is good for sex.
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to physical problems that interfere with sex:
- Arousal difficulties. Sexual “messages” that trigger arousal travel from the brain to the genitals through the central nervous system. But alcohol impairs this network of nerves, and these messages may not be properly transmitted.
- Erectile dysfunction. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect, which makes it more difficult for blood to flow into the penis for an erection.
- Vaginal dryness. Dehydration from alcohol can also lead to poor vaginal lubrication. As a result, intercourse can become quite uncomfortable.
- Orgasm problems. Both men and women might need more time or stimulation to reach orgasm.
Alcohol use may loosen inhibitions, but it can also cause poor judgment and lead to behaviors that a person will regret later, such as the following:
- Unprotected sex. Couples may be less likely to use birth control, condoms, or dental dams, thus increasing their risk of unplanned pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
- Unwanted sex. Before any sexual encounter, all parties must consent to what will take place. People under the influence of alcohol are not capable of asking for – or providing – consent.
- Sex with a partner you don’t know well or don’t want to be involved with. “Hookups” among casual acquaintances or strangers often follow alcohol use. In addition to lack of consent, couples may not be able to discuss safe and responsible sexual practices. They also might not consider the ramifications and responsibilities if one partner becomes pregnant or has a sexually transmitted infection.
Over time, excessive consumption of alcohol can have long-term effects that increase one’s risk for other health conditions like poor liver function and cardiovascular disease. In turn, these conditions can lead to sexual dysfunction.
Before drinking alcohol, make sure you know your limits. If you’re starting to feel tipsy, stop consuming alcohol and have water or coffee instead. If you think you will be having sex later, don’t drink more than you can handle. Keeping alcohol use under control will likely make that sexual encounter more enjoyable.
If you have had too much to drink, make sure someone can get you home safely. And if excessive drinking is becoming a problem in your life, ask your doctor for help.
Resources
AIDS and Behavior
Cooper, M. Lynne, et al.
“Does Drinking Improve the Quality of Sexual Experience?: Sex-Specific Alcohol Expectancies and Subjective Experience on Drinking Versus Sober Sexual Occasions”
(Abstract. Published: July 16, 2015)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10461-015-1136-5
Brown University
“Sex and Alcohol”
SexHealthMatters.org
“Alcohol and Sex”
(January 27, 2015)
https://www.sexhealthmatters.org/sex-health-blog/alcohol-and-sex