Most people enjoy a drink or two, but the downsides of alcohol consumption are well documented. Drinking above the recommended guidelines of 14 units a week can put you at greater risk of developing all kinds of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, and increases the risk of developing cancer and strokes.
Another common side effect of excessive alcohol consumption is the inability to get and maintain an erection. This can be a temporary effect, which is casually referred to as ‘brewer’s droop.’ While it has probably happened to many young men after a big night out on the town, if it’s a persistent problem, then it’s a sign that you may need medical help.
Of course, the link between sex and alcohol is complicated by the fact that many people have a few drinks to give themselves the Dutch courage to jump into bed with a new person, or even to relax with a long-term partner. Alcohol lowers our inhibitions, making it easier to say and do things that we would normally find difficult.
One or two glasses of alcohol will normally be fine, unless there is any medical reason why you shouldn’t drink at all. However, any more than this and unwanted side effects start to kick in. The body becomes dehydrated, and the reduced fluids make it harder for blood to flow effectively to the extremities, including the penis.
Although you may find a few drinks makes it easier to shed your inhibitions and get it together with someone, unfortunately, this can come at the cost of a loss of sexual sensitivity. This means that even if you are really attracted to your partner, you may find it more difficult to get and maintain an erection.
These are just some of the temporary effects of alcohol consumption. Over the longer term, excessive drinking can cause nerve damage. Alcoholic neuropathy is the name of the condition that is used to describe the toxic effect of alcohol on the peripheral nerves that transmit signals between the body and the brain.
The damage is caused by the depletion of essential nutrients in the body, including vitamins B6, B12, and E, as also thiamine, folate, and niacin. There are many unwelcome symptoms which can indicate that these nutrient levels are out of balance. Initially, sufferers may notice tingling or numbness in the limbs and extremities.
They may also suffer from muscle weakness, cramps, spasms, and movement problems. Urinary and bowel problems are also common, including incontinence, constipation, and diarrhoea. The reduced communication between the body and brain also means that it is difficult or impossible to get an erection.
Some alcoholic nerve damage may be reversible if it’s caught early enough. However, obviously, the best way to avoid it is to drink sensibly in the first place. This is not easy for everyone, as alcohol can be highly addictive, so if you’re struggling, it’s important to seek medical help.
If you have cut back on excess drinking but are still experiencing erection problems, you could try treatments such as Viagra, or its equivalents. For example, you can buy vardenafil online.
Recent Comments