No judgment here. A glass of wine. A cocktail before dinner. A cold beer on a hot day.

Alcohol can be part of how we unwind, connect, or celebrate. It lowers inhibitions and helps some people feel more relaxed especially in the bedroom.

But here’s the thing: alcohol can also interfere with sexual performance in ways most men underestimate.

What the Evidence Tells Us

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant.

In small amounts, it can ease anxiety and increase sociability. But larger amounts impair coordination, reduce arousal, and inhibit orgasm.

In men, moderate to heavy alcohol intake is associated with:

• Delayed ejaculation or an inability to climax

• Decreased erection firmness and sustainability

• Lower sexual satisfaction and performance confidence

This isn’t just anecdotal.

Studies have shown that acute alcohol intoxication reduces genital response.

One paper published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that even moderate blood alcohol levels can impair erectile response in healthy men.

Long-Term Impact

Chronic alcohol use can lead to long-term changes in hormone regulation. Specifically:

• Reduced testosterone production

• Testicular atrophy (shrinkage)

• Lower sperm count and reduced fertility

These effects are often reversible with reduced intake or cessation, but not always.

The Emotional Layer

Some couples use alcohol as a lubricant for intimacy, something to make sex feel more spontaneous or relaxed.

But when it becomes a dependency for connection, it may signal discomfort with vulnerability or communication.

It’s worth asking: are we using alcohol to make sex happen, or to avoid facing something else?

What to Do

If you’re consistently experiencing issues with arousal, orgasm, or erections, and alcohol is a regular part of your routine, try changing one variable.

Reduce intake.

Time your drinks earlier in the evening. See what shifts.

One of my patients once told me, “I thought the wine was helping us connect. But when we tried a night without it, I realized we talked more, laughed more, and I actually felt everything more clearly.”

I thought the wine was helping us connect. But when we tried a night without it, I realized we talked more, laughed more, and I actually felt everything more clearly.

Taking Viagra or Cialis? Alcohol makes the side effects stronger – flushing, dizziness. If you’re already Red Hot Dave, it’ll be worse.

This isn’t about eliminating alcohol entirely.

It’s about recognizing whether it’s supporting your sex life or quietly working against it.

As with most things: awareness comes first, and moderation often wins.

And if you’ve been wondering, or maybe your partner’s hinted, that alcohol might be doing more harm than good, this could be a good moment to take stock.

You don’t have to do it alone. A few places to start:

• Your primary care doctor – for an honest conversation and evaluation

• Substance use counselors or therapists – for insight, support, and guidance

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) – a free, confidential resource available 24/7

• Support groups like AA or SMART Recovery – different approaches, same goal

If something’s getting in the way of the life you want, it’s worth checking in. A small change or a little support can go a long way.