Can alcohol cause sexual dysfunction?

Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Many people believe alcohol enhances their sex life by lowering inhibitions and boosting confidence. Instead, alcohol reduces blood flow to genital tissues, suppresses hormone production, and slows the nerve responses required for sexual function. Sexual problems can begin immediately after drinking and may become permanent with long-term alcohol use.

A 2007 study found that 77% of people with alcohol dependence report sexual dysfunction in one or more areas. Decreased sexual pleasure affected nearly 72% of participants.

Our alcohol rehab program helps you break free from dependence and develop the skills to maintain sobriety. Our evidence-based treatments eliminate the source of sexual dysfunction by addressing the physical addiction and underlying mental health factors that drive your alcohol use disorder (AUD).

How does alcohol lead to sexual dysfunction?

Long before intoxication, alcohol disrupts the systems that coordinate sexual response.

Brain chemistry alteration

Alcohol affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA that regulate sexual arousal and response. These chemical messengers are imbalanced by even moderate drinking, changing how your brain processes sexual signals. Initially, alcohol increases dopamine (creating temporary euphoria) but then drastically reduces it, diminishing the pleasure response. This chemical rollercoaster makes sustained sexual interest and satisfaction difficult.

Autonomic nervous system interference

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary sexual responses including genital blood flow and arousal. Alcohol depresses this system and reduces your body’s ability to respond to sexual stimulation automatically. The parasympathetic branch, which is responsible for “rest and digest” functions including sexual arousal, is particularly impaired. People often feel mentally interested in sex after drinking but experience a disconnect with their body’s physical response.

Endocrine system disruption

Your endocrine glands produce hormones that regulate sexual function. Alcohol interferes with hormone production and metabolism, creating cascading effects throughout your body regardless of gender.

Alcohol also impacts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, the command center for reproductive hormones. A 2017 study reveals that alcohol decreases LHRH, LH, testosterone, and progesterone while increasing estradiol and FSH. This imbalance reduces sexual desire, causes erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness, and makes it difficult to achieve orgasm.

Sensory processing impairment

Alcohol dulls sensory perception by slowing nerve transmission. Sexual touch and stimulation feel less intense, and men and women often experience a diminished physical pleasure of sexual activity. Not only do you feel less, but your ability to provide pleasurable touch to a partner decreases as well. This sensory dampening creates a need for more intense stimulation that often can’t be satisfied.

Coordination and stamina reduction

Physical performance during sex requires coordination and stamina. Alcohol impairs motor function and reduces energy, which affects your ability to maintain positions or movements during sexual activity. Alcohol also causes vasodilation that reduces blood pressure and oxygen delivery to muscles, creating premature fatigue. The result is shortened sexual encounters and difficulty achieving or maintaining the rhythmic movements that facilitate orgasm.

Your sexual health can improve when you stop drinking. If you’re worried about how drinking affects your sex life and relationships, Ardu can help. Our alcohol detox services provide the medical supervision and support necessary for safe withdrawal and healthy intimate connections.

How does alcohol affect a man sexually?

Most men drink before sexual encounters because they believe it will “loosen them up” in the bedroom. The truth is, alcohol hits men’s sexual function in ways that go beyond sluggishness or poor coordination. You might not even notice the changes until they’re seriously impacting your sex life.

Whether you’re having a few drinks tonight or drinking regularly, here’s what’s actually happening to your sexual function when alcohol enters the picture:

Erectile tissue damage: Alcohol is toxic to erectile tissue. It can permanently reduce its elasticity and responsiveness over time. The damage affects the tissue’s ability to expand and fill with blood even when sober.
Prostate inflammation: Regular alcohol consumption can inflame the prostate gland, causing painful ejaculation and urinary symptoms. Alcohol-induced prostatitis creates burning sensations during urination, pelvic discomfort, and in some cases, chronic pain that persists for months.
Gynecomastia development: Heavy drinking raises estrogen levels in men by activating an enzyme called aromatase. In some men, this manifests as gynecomastia, breast tissue growth. This hormonal imbalance counters testosterone’s effects and may have a feminizing impact on male physiology.
Testicular atrophy: Chronic alcohol exposure shrinks testicular volume by up to 30% in long-term drinkers. Alcohol damages the testes’ specialized cells responsible for testosterone and sperm production. The shrinkage correlates directly with decreased fertility and can permanently damage reproductive capacity.
Penile sensitivity changes: Male-specific nerve damage from alcohol affects penile sensitivity patterns and creates areas of heightened or diminished sensation. This “patchy” sensitivity disrupts the normal pleasure response during sexual activity and can lead to delayed and premature ejaculation as the nervous system becomes dysregulated.
Sexual aggression risk: Men process alcohol differently than women. Its effects on judgment and inhibition centers in the brain increase the risk of inappropriate sexual behavior. Alcohol impairs the prefrontal cortex differently in men, reducing impulse control while simultaneously increasing testosterone reactivity to social cues.

The damage alcohol inflicts on male sexual health can be severe and long-lasting, but most men see improvements in sexual function within weeks or months of alcohol abstinence. Our alcohol rehab services for men welcome you with specialized care in a supportive, judgment-free environment. We focus on helping you overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety so your body can heal.

Don’t let alcohol continue to compromise your manhood. Reach out to Ardu today.

How does alcohol affect a woman sexually?

Women are more physiologically vulnerable to alcohol’s effects than men. Booze concentrates more quickly in women’s bloodstream because of their typically lower body weight and reduced water content compared to men.

Peltier, et. al. demonstrate that women are more likely to drink in response to stress, but they also experience greater vulnerability to stress-related drinking and alcohol’s harmful effects than men. They show a 74% increase in sexual dysfunction among female drinkers and more pronounced alcohol-related health consequences despite potentially consuming less alcohol than men do.

Here’s how drinking disrupts a woman’s sexual function:

Hormonal disruption: Alcohol increases estrogen while reducing progesterone. This hormonal imbalance lowers sexual desire and disrupts the menstrual cycles. For women with alcohol dependence, hormone levels can remain abnormal for months after quitting alcohol, affecting everything from arousal to fertility.
Decreased vaginal lubrication: Clinical research identifies insufficient vaginal lubrication as one of the most common forms of alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction in women and it affects up to 60% of female drinkers. Alcohol’s dehydrating effects and its impact on blood vessels prevent the normal lubrication response during arousal. This makes sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful.
Orgasm difficulties: Women who consume alcoholic beverages daily may take longer to reach climax. Many develop anorgasmia, the inability to achieve orgasm. Research comparing women with and without alcohol dependence found that alcohol-dependent women were three times more likely to report orgasm dysfunction during sexual contact.
Arousal reduction: Female sexual arousal depends on precise coordination between psychological interest and physical response. As a psychoactive substance, alcohol disrupts this connection and creates a mismatch where a woman might feel mentally interested but physically unresponsive. Arousal discordance can also lead to relationship issues and sexual avoidance behaviors.
Reproductive system damage: Beyond immediate sexual dysfunction, alcohol damages the female reproductive organs over time. Studies document that even moderate amounts of alcohol can disrupt ovulation, reduce egg quality, and increase the risk of early miscarriage.
Risky sexual behavior: Alcohol alters judgment centers in the brain. Intoxicated women are more likely to engage in unplanned and unprotected sex. This behavior pattern creates immediate health risks and potential long-term psychological impacts that further complicate sexual well-being.

Protect your sexual health and preserve your fertility for the future. Ardu’s specialized alcohol rehabilitation services for women address your unique biological needs with compassionate support through every stage of recovery. Take the first step toward reclaiming reproductive well-being by beginning your sobriety journey today.

How much alcohol causes sexual dysfunction?

A 2024 study found that the severity of sexual dysfunction directly correlates with the severity of alcohol dependence. Among men with severe alcohol dependence, nearly 100% experienced sexual dysfunction across all domains.

The study revealed that decreased sexual pleasure was the most common problem (71.8% of participants), followed by low sexual desire (61.5%), while erectile dysfunction affected 43.6% of men. This proves that alcohol impacts the entire spectrum of sexual response, not just physical performance.

Regular consumption of 7 or more drinks weekly correlates with persistent sexual difficulties that continue even when sober. Heavy drinking (15 or more drinks a week) doubles the risk of developing chronic sexual dysfunction, while 68% of female heavy drinkers report ongoing arousal problems and decreased satisfaction.

The duration of drinking also impacts dysfunction. Those who’ve consumed alcohol regularly for at least five years show more pronounced sexual effects than newer drinkers, even when consuming identical amounts.

Regardless of gender, your body’s sensitivity to alcohol’s sexual effects increases with age. The same amount of alcohol that caused minimal issues in your twenties may impact sexual function in your thirties and beyond.

If alcohol is affecting your sexual health and well-being, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Contact Ardu and take the first step toward reclaiming your vitality.

Will my sexual dysfunction go away if I stop drinking alcohol?

Most alcohol-induced sexual problems improve with abstinence. The brain and body begin healing once alcohol leaves your system, but recovery isn’t instant.

The first signs of improvement often appear within 2–4 weeks of sobriety. Typically, sexual desire returns first, followed by improved physical response.
Men with alcohol-related erectile dysfunction (ED) experience improvement at the 3-month mark.
Hormonal systems are delicate and often the slowest to normalize, especially in women with more complex endocrine systems. Complete recovery of hormonal balance may take 6–12 months in cases of long-term abuse, and sometimes even several years.

If dysfunction persists beyond 6 months of sobriety despite healthy lifestyle changes, consult a specialist to identify any underlying issues requiring specific treatment.

Why does alcohol make you sexually active?

Despite alcohol’s negative effects on sexual performance, many people have an increased sexual desire after drinking. This paradox can be explained by alcohol’s complex effects on brain chemistry.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions by suppressing the brain’s impulse control centers, which makes you more likely to act on sexual thoughts you might otherwise suppress. The disinhibition creates a false perception of enhanced sex drive, when actually, alcohol has begun impairing your judgment and decision-making.

A 2016 meta-analysis found that men who consumed alcohol were more likely to report intentions to engage in unprotected sex than those who didn’t drink. This is because alcohol activates reward pathways while suppressing inhibition centers in the brain. Low to moderate alcohol intake initially increases dopamine, your brain’s pleasure chemical, to make you feel temporarily euphoric and excited, channeling these feelings toward sexual behavior.

Alcohol also reduces performance anxiety by temporarily alleviating psychological factors that normally interfere with sexual confidence. People with excessive concern about sexual performance may find temporary relief after drinking, reinforcing the misconception that alcohol enhances sexual function.

This perceived “benefit” is mainly psychological, not physiological. As your blood alcohol concentration rises, these seemingly positive effects quickly reverse, giving way to the dysfunction we’ve already discussed.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual behavior creates a dangerous feedback loop: drinking leads to risky sexual behavior, which may lead to more drinking to cope with regret or continued poor choices.

Reclaim your sexual health and sobriety at Ardu

Addiction affects everyone differently. Our treatments adapt to your needs while addressing the core challenges that men and women face during recovery.

Our personalized rehabilitation program combines evidence-based practices with innovative therapies to help you overcome substance dependence and restore your vitality. We create individualized treatment plans drawing from our extensive therapeutic options that address physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Your recovery journey includes:

Full-time residential programs with 24/7 medical supervision during the critical early phase of recovery when withdrawal symptoms require careful management.
Private therapy sessions using cognitive behavioral techniques to identify triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress, anger, and emotional challenges.
Supportive group sessions where you build connections with others on the same journey, sharing experiences in a safe environment.
Fitness programs, including exercise therapy and yoga, to rebuild physical strength and mental clarity while establishing healthy routines.
Practical stress management techniques, including meditation and mindfulness exercises, to handle daily pressures without substance use.
Comprehensive nutrition guidance to repair your health and develop eating habits that energize your body and support long-term sobriety.

Many people turn to substances to cope with depression, anxiety, and daily stress. This creates a devastating cycle where substance use worsens mental health while mental health issues fuel continued use. Our dual-diagnosis treatment program breaks this cycle by addressing addiction and mental health challenges simultaneously. This comprehensive support paves the way for lasting sobriety and emotional well-being.

Our treatment approaches consider your biological, emotional, and social needs. We tailor our programs to deliver personalized care that works for your situation, whether you need inpatient care, outpatient treatment, or a partial hospitalization program that balances intensive therapy with flexibility.

We’ve helped countless individuals reclaim their health, rebuild relationships, and rediscover purpose, and we can help you too. Contact Ardu Recovery Center online, or call us at 801-872-8480 and schedule a confidential consultation.

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Alcohol and sexual dysfunction FAQ

Why does alcohol make men last longer?

Alcohol delays ejaculation by disrupting nervous system function, not by enhancing sexual performance. This delay isn’t beneficial because men with alcohol dependence often can’t orgasm and feel sexual pleasure. Alcohol consumption slows nerve signal transmission and dulls sensory processing, making it harder to reach climax. This effect worsens with excessive drinking and can lead to chronic sexual dysfunction over time.

Can alcohol cause permanent erectile dysfunction?

Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. Heavy drinking damages erectile tissue elasticity, reduces blood flow, and causes endothelial dysfunction that may not fully reverse even after achieving sobriety. Men with severe alcohol dependence have nearly 100% prevalence of sexual dysfunction, including ED.

While most alcohol-dependent patients experience improvement after 3–6 months of abstinence, those with long-term alcohol use disorder may develop permanent damage to blood vessels and nerve pathways that maintain healthy erections.

How does alcohol affect fertility?

Alcohol disrupts reproductive health beyond sexual dysfunction. Women who consume 8 or more drinks weekly show decreased chances of conception by up to 18%. In men, alcohol damages sperm DNA, reduces sperm count, and alters sperm morphology. A cross-sectional study found that male heavy drinkers had 33% lower sperm concentration than non-drinkers. These effects can persist for months after you stop drinking.

What medications used for alcohol treatment affect sexual function?

Some medications prescribed during alcohol treatment may influence sexual function.

Disulfiram (Antabuse) occasionally causes decreased libido and erectile difficulties in a small percentage of male patients.
Naltrexone has been associated with orgasm difficulties in approximately 5–10% of patients.
Acamprosate has the lowest incidence of sexual side effects among common alcohol dependence medications.

If you experience sexual dysfunction during medication-assisted treatment, talk with your healthcare provider about adjusting dosages or trying alternative medications. At Ardu, our healthcare professionals carefully monitor these side effects and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Learn more about our medication management services.

Does the type of alcoholic beverage affect sexual dysfunction differently?

Alcohol content is the primary sexual disruptor, not the type of drink. Ethanol disrupts hormone production and nervous system function regardless of whether it comes from beer, wine, or spirits.

A cross-sectional study found that men who consumed 15 or more standard drinks weekly experienced similar rates of erectile dysfunction regardless of beverage choice. This contradicts the common myth that certain alcoholic drinks are “safer” for sexual health.

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