Drinking in moderation--which the CDC defines as no more than two drinks a day for men--has some benefits for your health, according to Harvard University's School of Public Health. Moderate drinking appears to benefit the heart and circulatory system, and it may protect against gallstones and type 2 diabetes. A drink before a meal improves digestion, and a drink or two with friends is a social tonic that can promote feelings of belonging and wellbeing.
But consume more than two drinks a day, and the picture looks much different. Excessive alcohol use can wreak havoc on your health--including your sexual health--especially as we get up there in years. Even the occasional binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more drinks in the space of two hours, can affect your reproductive health and the quality of your sex life. Here are some of the ways heavy alcohol use can lead to dissatisfaction in the sack.
Short-Term Erectile Dysfunction
Most men who binge drink have, at one time or another, experienced the frustration of not being able to get or keep an erection after drinking heavily. We all know this condition colloquially as "whiskey dick," and it occurs because alcohol decreases the blood flow to your penis and works on the brain to dampen your level of excitement. It also reduces the intensity of your orgasm and can make orgasm very difficult to achieve, which can be frustrating for both you and your partner.
Long-Term Erectile Dysfunction
Heavy, chronic alcohol abuse has also been linked to long-term erectile dysfunction. Studies show that men who are dependent on alcohol have a 70 percent chance of suffering from sexual problems, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and dampened sexual desire.
Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer
A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that heavy liquor consumption is associated with a 67 percent increased risk of prostate cancer. Beer and wine, according to the study, was not associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer.
Low Testosterone Levels
Alcohol can reduce testosterone levels through a variety of avenues. Beer, for example, contains phytoestrogen and prolactin, which are chemicals that increase estrogen and decrease testosterone. Wine also contains phytoestrogen. In high doses, ethanol alcohol, a known testicular toxin, reduces testosterone function and sperm count and can damage the testes. Low testosterone levels can cause a range of problems for men, including a decreased libido.
Weight Gain
Carrying around extra pounds can have a profound impact on your sex life. In addition to physical problems, excess weight can lead to body-image issues that can lower your libido and reduce the pleasure you get from sex.
The liver can process around one drink per hour. Any more than that, and it begins to metabolize alcohol instead of fat. The excess fat sticks around in the liver, and the carbs that aren't burned for energy turn to fat in the body. One of the best ways to lose weight if you're a regular drinker is to quit or cut down on the booze.
The Path to Better Sexual Health
There's no reason you can't go into your 60s, 70s, and even your 80s enjoying good health and great sex. A healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and moderation in drinking are three important factors for good sexual health, including preventing prostate problems, maintaining a healthy weight, and promoting good penile function and healthy testosterone levels. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, supplements like Prostavol Prostate Support can promote good prostate health and peak sexual performance so that you can continue to enjoy getting it on at any age.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-d...
