Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your body’s systems, including your nervous system. This has a direct impact on arousal and the physiological processes involved in achieving an erection. Here’s how:

• Reduced Blood Flow: Alcohol can dilate blood vessels temporarily, but chronic use leads to long-term cardiovascular issues that reduce blood flow, which is one of the main factors required for a firm erection.
• Hormonal Disruption: Heavy drinking lowers testosterone levels, which are essential for libido and erectile function.
• Nerve Damage: Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to neuropathy, damaging the nerves that send signals between your brain and genitals.
• Delayed Response Times: Alcohol slows down brain function, which can dull arousal and make it harder to stay present and engaged during sex.

In the short term, a couple of drinks might help you feel relaxed and reduce anxiety around sex. But too much alcohol in the moment can impair your ability to get or keep an erection. Over time, regular heavy drinking can lead to more persistent erectile difficulties, even when you’re sober.

One or two drinks here and there likely won’t cause permanent damage for most men. But when alcohol use becomes excessive or habitual, the risks increase significantly.

In the short term:

• You may experience delayed arousal or difficulty maintaining an erection.
• Your sexual sensitivity and orgasm intensity may be reduced.
• Your confidence may be impacted, especially after repeated experiences of sexual disappointment.

In the long term:

• Erectile dysfunction may become more frequent or permanent.
• You may develop underlying health conditions (e.g., hypertension, liver disease) that further affect sexual performance.
• You might experience decreased libido due to hormonal imbalances caused by alcohol overuse.

There’s another piece of the puzzle that’s easy to overlook: mental health. Alcohol and depression often go hand in hand, and both are linked to erectile dysfunction. If you’re relying on alcohol to manage stress, anxiety, or emotional pain, you could be creating a vicious cycle: alcohol use worsens ED, ED causes distress, and more alcohol is used to cope.

This cycle can feel incredibly frustrating, especially for men who are used to feeling in control. But the good news is that there are real, actionable steps you can take to reverse this pattern.

If you’ve noticed ongoing erectile issues, especially if they seem to be connected to your drinking habits, it’s time to have an honest conversation with yourself and your doctor. You don’t need to hit rock bottom or quit drinking entirely to make progress. Sometimes, simply reducing your alcohol intake can improve your sexual performance and overall energy levels.

However, if cutting back isn’t helping or you’re unsure where to start, medical support or 12-Step programs are available.

ED can feel isolating, but it’s more common than most men admit, and it’s treatable. Whether your ED is caused by lifestyle habits like drinking or underlying health conditions, there’s no shame in looking for answers. Your sexual health is an important part of your overall well-being, and you deserve to feel confident and in control.

Northeast Men’s Health is here to help. With compassionate providers, personalized treatment plans, and a deep understanding of the challenges men face, Northeast Men’s Health offers a safe and supportive environment for you to address ED, hormone health, and overall vitality. You don’t have to settle for “just okay,” take the first step toward a stronger, healthier you.

If you’re looking for a men’s health provider that offers erectile dysfunction treatment in New England, contact Northeast Men’s Health today for a consultation. We have locations in Dedham, Massachusetts, Marlborough, Massachusetts, Woburn, Massachusetts, Salem, New Hampshire, Farmington, Connecticut, and Warwick, Rhode Island and we are eager to help you find personalized treatment for your ED. 

If you feel that you may be suffering from alcoholism, we encourage you to reach out to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or call 1-800-662-4357 for help.