If I Stop Drinking Will my Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Go Away?
- Long-term heavy drinkers are at a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction (1).
- Ongoing erectile dysfunction can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems (2).
Millions of men all over the world suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). It indicates an inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Age, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits like heavy alcohol use can all play a role in ED.
There is a link between drinking a lot and having a higher risk of erectile dysfunction, which suggests that the amount of alcohol you drink has a direct effect on your sexual health (ED). To what extent does alcohol play a role in erectile dysfunction, and can this relationship be repaired if one stops drinking?
How Does Alcohol Cause Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Alcohol can affect the body in many ways, and one of those ways is by causing ED. Here are six ways that alcohol consumption can lead to ED:
1. Nerve damage
The nerves that regulate sexual function may be damaged by alcohol. Because of this, some men may have trouble getting or keeping an erection. Moreover, the penis's controlling nerves are exceptionally delicate and vulnerable to alcohol's corrosive effects. This, however, is often a long-term occurrence.
2. Hormonal changes
Alcohol can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body. This can sadly lead to decreased sexual desire and function. Hence, alcohol consumption can in fact decrease testosterone levels, thus causing erectile dysfunction.
3. Dehydration
Consuming alcohol may lead to dehydration, which in turn can lead to impotence. The penis receives less blood and oxygen when you're dehydrated. Thus, alcohol consumption will make it harder to get and maintain an erection. In addition to the mental and physical effects, sexual performance may be negatively impacted by being dehydrated.
4. Increased stress
Stress and anxiety, both of which may be exacerbated by drinking, have been linked to ED. Alcohol's ability to disrupt sleep has been linked to increased stress, anxiety, and a deterioration in sexual function.
5. Cardiovascular damage
Heavy drinking over a long period of time might damage blood vessels, decreasing blood flow to the penis, and leading to erectile dysfunction. Sex issues are only one of the many negative health outcomes associated with chronic heavy drinking.
6. Liver damage
The liver's capacity to process hormones may be negatively impacted by alcohol use, leading to diminished sexual function. Damage to the liver, which plays a key role in hormone metabolism, may throw the body's hormone balance out of whack.
What is it called "Whiskey Dick"?
Ever heard of the term "whiskey dick" before? Whiskey dick is a slang term used to describe a man who has trouble getting or keeping an erection after drinking. This happens all because of alcohol's effects on the neurological system and blood flow in the body. Since alcohol is a depressant, it can make it harder for the body to do things, like get and keep an erection. Plus, alcohol can in fact disrupt the brain's impulses to the penis, thus making it harder to get an erection. No pun intended.
How Long Does Whiskey Dick Last?
The duration of a whiskey dick's effects varies from person to person. The quantity of alcohol consumed and the individual's physiology both play a role here. In most cases, alcohol's effects on ED might linger for a few hours or more. These after-effects may sometimes last for much longer. In addition, alcohol use may temporarily worsen ED symptoms in certain men. Yet, this may not be indicative of a long-term issue with their sexual functioning.
If I Stop Drinking Will My ED Go Away?
If erectile dysfunction (ED) is a result of alcohol abuse, abstaining from drinking might help. The extent to which you improve, however, may be dependent on how long you've been an alcoholic and how much damage to your nerves and blood vessels has already occurred. Nerve and blood vessel damage caused by chronic heavy drinking may be permanent. However, if you give up alcohol soon enough, you might be able to repair some of the damage and restore your libido. The key is to deal with the underlying cause of the ED, which in this case is excessive drinking. Seek professional assistance if you can't seem to stop drinking on your own. Support groups and rehabilitation centers are just two of the many options for those struggling with substance abuse.
It's possible that giving up alcohol won't solve your ED. Improving sexual function requires addressing the many causes of erectile dysfunction. Both medical treatment for underlying health conditions and changes in lifestyle, such as exercise and a healthy diet, may be necessary. Consult a doctor if your ED persists so that any underlying conditions can be ruled out and a treatment plan can be created specifically for you.
How Serious Can Whiskey Dick Be?
Although whiskey dick is usually only a minor annoyance, it can be an indicator of more serious health issues. Talking to a doctor can help rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing persistent erectile dysfunction (ED) or other sexual dysfunction symptoms. Diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders are just some of the diseases and conditions that can cause ED. Maintaining health and avoiding complications from these diseases requires early detection and treatment.
Conclusion
Heavy drinking is associated with decreased sexual function and an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. Damage to the nerves and blood vessels responsible for sexual function, hormonal disruption, and increased stress and anxiety are all ways in which alcohol use can contribute to erectile dysfunction. If the damage is not too severe, however, giving up alcohol could help restore sexual function. To achieve optimal sexual health, it is necessary to address all of the underlying causes of ED, including behavioral, physiological, and psychological factors. Consult a doctor if you have persistent ED or other sexual dysfunction symptoms to rule out medical causes and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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References
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Erectile dysfunction. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776
- NHS. (2020). Alcohol misuse. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/
