We all have heard the dreaded coined phrase, “Whiskey Dick”. A slandering comment to men who can’t obtain an erection after having alcohol. It is also a common perception that alcohol increases sexual desire but decreases performance. Scientists claim this phenomenon happens because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which also leads to disinhibition and increases sexual desire. 

While alcohol may play an important role in men’s ability to gain and maintain an erection, there are many other risk factors that can cause negative effects such as diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. In addition, how many drinks does it actually take to cause issues? Alcohol intolerance varies widely and how often, and so does the body’s reaction to it including an erectile dysfunction (ED). 

So how does alcohol exactly cause “Whiskey Dick”? As mentioned earlier alcohol is a depressant on the central nervous system. It has a sedating effect on the body and brain. In the case of erectile dysfunction, alcohol effects some of the key systems involved in sexual arousal and erection, blood circulation, and nerve sensitivity.   

To explain further, during sexual arousal, the brain sends signals to the penis, telling it to become erect. Intoxication causes those signals to slow down and can result in ED. Dehydration is also a factor. Alcohol dehydrates the body which decreases circulation and can add further issues in being able to obtain an erection. Finally, dehydration also causes levels of angiotensin, hormone associated with ED to rise. This can cause blood vessels to constrict, which is completely the opposite of how you want your vessels to react, which leads to further issues. 

How long does your ED last after alcohol consumption? Typically, it will last as long as you are intoxicated and once you sober up things should be back to normal.  In same causes of chronic drinking and/or alcoholism can cause longer term issues with ED. In one study of 100 men who were heavy drinkers, 72% reported having sexual dysfunction, including erection problems, premature ejaculation, and low sexual desire; 33% reported ED. “Alcohol abuse is the leading cause of impotence and other disturbances in sexual dysfunction,” researchers wrote (Arackal, 2007). 

In conclusion, if you find yourself having issues with ED, one area to consider looking at is how much you are drinking. It may be worth cutting back to see if the issues resolve over time. When you have determined decreasing your alcohol consumption has not helped resolve your ED, give us here at Rinowave a call. We will schedule you for an absolutely free consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy is an innovative treatment that is painless with no needles are involved. Even better, is there is an over 83% success rate. Learn more today.