Can having only a few drinks weekly cause impotence?

While doctors all over the world say that no amount of alcohol is safe, most light drinkers enjoy a drink or two occasionally. However, sometimes even a few drinks once or twice a week can cause a host of health issues, with impotence being the most worrying one for men.

Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition when men find it difficult to get an erection, or keep one during sexual intercourse. While not life threatening, the condition can have huge psychological impacts on men, leading to frustration and anger, inability to produce kids or even breakup of a partnership. Let's dig deeper into the connection...

Sexual function and alcohol - exploring the connectionWhen you drink, it influences many body systems involved in getting an erection, and not just the sexual organs.

The brain, nerves, hormones, and blood vessels all play a role. Drinking alcohol can interfere with the brain’s signals that results in healthy erectile function. It can also lower testosterone, a hormone important for sex drive and erections.Even less is moreNot only that, even a single night of drinking too much can cause temporary ED, and men might find it difficult to engage in sexual intercourse. Alcohol depresses the nervous system, slows communication between brain and penis, and reduces sensitivity.

It also dehydrates the body, which can narrow blood vessels and limit blood flow to the penis.What is the riskThe risk of ED associated with drinking, depends largely on how much and how often you drink. Studies show that drinking within recommended limits (no more than 6 beers a week) is unlikely to cause lasting erectile problems.However, regular heavy drinking or binge drinking can damage nerves and blood vessels over time, leading to chronic ED, which can also be permanent.

This damage is often irreversible and linked to vitamin deficiencies caused by alcohol abuse. So, while a few drinks weekly are generally safe, anything more can be disastrous.How dangerous is long term drinkingChronic alcohol use can harm the autonomic nervous system, which controls unconscious body functions including erections. Nerve damage from alcohol (alcoholic neuropathy) disrupts signals needed for an erection.

Other issuesHeavy drinking also increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, which reduces blood flow to the penis. Since erections require good blood circulation, damaged vessels make it hard to get or keep an erection.Alcohol also lowers testosterone levels, further reducing sexual function and desire.How to address thisIf you notice erectile problems and drink regularly, reducing alcohol intake is a key step.

Studies show that stopping or cutting back on alcohol improves ED symptoms over time.Here are some tips to protect your sexual health:Stick to recommended drinking limitsAvoid binge drinking or heavy drinking sessions (not even occasionally)Stay hydrated and maintain a rich diet rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins.Exercise regularly to improve blood flow and cardiovascular health.If you have chronic ED, consult a doctor.Sources:Mandell et al., Study of Sexual Dysfunctions in Male Patients with Alcohol DependenceA Meta-Analysis of Erectile Dysfunction and Alcohol Consumption, 2021Alcohol and Erectile Dysfunction: What’s the Link? Healthline, 2022