The Relationship Between Alcoholism and Sexual Dysfunctions

Everyone knows that alcohol consumption, despite being legal in our country, can carry great risks. In addition to having a serious impact on the lives and well-being, both physical and emotional, of people. The amount and frequency with which they are consumed are key aspects.

If we focus on its relationship with sexuality, we observe that, today, the relationship between alcoholism and sexual dysfunctions seems to be more than clear. It is true that the percentages related to prevalence can vary quite a bit depending on the study (from 3% to 64%) depending on the parameters taken into account.

Throughout this article, we will talk about alcoholism and sexual dysfunctions. Once the foundations have been laid, we will delve into the relationship between alcoholism and sexuality, also analyzing the physiological and psychological effects.

What is alcoholism?

As we mentioned in the introduction, the amount and frequency of consumption are key aspects. For most people, consuming alcohol occasionally and moderately, although it does not provide benefits to our body, may not be a dangerous behavior.

However, On other occasions, alcohol consumption reaches points where physical and emotional damage occurs, as well as physical and emotional discomfort. When a person prioritizes intake over the harm it causes, it is considered that an alcohol use disorder or alcoholism has developed.

What are sexual dysfunctions?

Sexual dysfunctions are defined as disorders related to the difficulty or inability to maintain sexual relations that are perceived as satisfactory. This type of problem affects, although differently, both men and women and can occur at any stage in which the sexual act takes place.

Sexual disorders can be caused by organic (physical), psychological factors, or both. It’s important to put attention on generate a considerable impact on people’s emotional well-being, which ends up having an impact on physical well-being as well. In addition, it can also affect other areas (family, work) and, especially, relationships.

The classification of this type of situation is broad and varied: depending on when the difficulty occurs, to whom it happens, whether there is an organic cause or not, etc. The majority of sexual dysfunctions are included in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5 and it is advisable to review them to obtain more detailed information.

The relationship between alcoholism and sexual dysfunctions

We could say that the relationship between alcoholism and sexual dysfunctions, although clear, is somewhat complex. Some studies suggest that alcohol consumption increases sexual desire, but the vast majority suggests that, in cases of alcoholism, excessive and chronic consumption, the relationship with sexual dysfunctions is direct.

One of the aspects that has been studied the most to analyze the relationship between these two aspects has been sexual arousal. However, this is not the only aspect studied. It has been observed that in many of the cases in which there is erectile dysfunction, there is also alcoholism. If we look in the other direction, Some studies indicate that 72% of men who suffer from alcoholism also have erectile dysfunction.

We cannot forget that alcohol alters the functions of our nervous system and decreases testosterone levels. Furthermore, in the short term, alcohol causes vasodilation and this can generate a feeling of heat and disinhibition. However, in the medium and long term, alcohol affects blood flow to the sexual organs.

Physiological effects of alcohol on sexuality

As mentioned above, the effects that occur in the body when consuming alcohol depend on both the amount of intake and the frequency. Alcohol is a harmful substance that affects the functioning of our central nervous system (and alters the regulation of sexual desire) and the autonomic system, potentially affecting the sensitivity and response of our sexual organs.

In addition, it also has a strong impact on the hormonal level. Decreased testosterone is related to lower sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. Alteration of estrogen in women may be related to lower sexual desire and difficulty with vaginal lubrication.

Aspects such as the dilation of blood vessels that occurs after ingesting alcohol and the consequences that can occur in the short and long term of this type of situation have already been discussed previously.

We cannot forget that alcohol can cause considerable damage to other organs. One of the most affected is usually the liver, in addition to the difficulties caused in the cardiovascular system, among others. Without a doubt, the fact that the organs do not function properly also has an impact on sexuality.

Psychological effects of alcohol on sexuality

One of the main aspects that is usually affected in this type of situation is self-esteem. This can also lead to an impoverishment of self-concept and self-image. The discomfort that is generated in this type of situation is undeniable. So much so that many people end up choosing to avoid and minimize sexual encounters.

In addition, other types of mental health problems such as anxiety can arise. In this sense, excessive worries may appear that worsen the situation. It is important to keep in mind that there are a strong relationship between alcoholism and depression and that this situation is really serious and must be addressed as soon as possible.

With everything seen so far, it is easy to imagine that when alcoholism and sexual dysfunctions occur at the same time, other areas of the life of the person who suffers from it tend to be affected. There may be conflicts with a partner, family or even friends and the person tends more and more to isolate themselves.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that the disinhibition generated by alcohol abuse can lead people to engage in risky behavior and make inappropriate or unwanted decisions. This aspect can trigger serious consequences.