Dear Dr G,I understand you are guiding readers in January to improve themselves in 2025, and I hope to get advice for my addiction to booze and sex.Being in my mid-20s, I began to discover little indulgences in life such as booze and sex during my final year at university.I am currently in a relationship, and I have noticed heightened sexual experiences when I have some alcohol before sex.Now I am completely dependent on alcohol before sex.I find that having a bit of alcohol makes me feel relaxed, aroused, and ready for action.Having said that, I have also occasionally noticed that alcohol helps prolong the interval to ejaculation.However, I have read in medical literature that alcohol can induce erectile dysfunction.I am completely perplexed and confused. Is alcohol enhancing or hindering sex?Although I agree alcohol is bad for my overall health, I hope to put Dr G on the spot for his advice on mixing alcohol with sex.What exactly is the physiological impact of alcohol on sex?Does alcohol enhance arousal and performance during sex?Surely, a modest festive mix of spirit and sex is a cocktail of love, rather than a recipe for disaster?On that note, I look forward to the response and wish everyone a sparkling Christmas, with or without the magical spirit!Regards,Boozing Bob It is a common perception that a bit of alcohol can loosen up tension in lovers, heightening arousal and leading to disinhibition in the bedroom. In reality, alcohol has different physiological impacts on sex for both genders. In women, it is well recognised that a drink or two may boost arousal. The impact of ethanol on the brain is noted to enhance testosterone levels in women, which can increase libido and sexual desire. However, the threshold of alcohol that can induce such arousal varies, depending on the state of mind and alcohol tolerance of individuals. Therefore, it is impossible to generalise the overall impact of alcohol on sexual health in women. On the other hand, the effect of alcohol on male sexual function is more straightforward. Firstly, alcohol decreases blood supply to the penis. In addition, it increases the release of angiotensin, a hormone linked to erectile dysfunction. The long-term impact of alcohol is well studied. Drinking too much regularly is associated with liver impairment, testosterone imbalance, and central nervous system damage, which can lead to erectile issues. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with liver cirrhosis, testicular atrophy, and peripheral neuropathy, which impairs sexual health. The impact of alcohol on the interval of ejaculation is observed. Excessive drinking can cause delays in ejaculation. One study from the Mayo Clinic demonstrated that alcohol can prolong the ejaculation interval by more than thirty minutes. Of course, this may be beneficial for men with premature ejaculation. However, for others, the prolonged time to reach orgasm may mean an inability to sustain an erection until ejaculation. In women, excessive levels of alcohol can also have physiological, cognitive, and behavioural impacts that cause alcohol-induced orgasmic dysfunction. Therefore, excessive mixing of booze and sex can make an orgasm hard to “come” by! The idea that alcohol works like a love potion has existed in many cultures for generations, for both genders. Overall, alcohol has been linked to greater risk-taking behaviour in sex for both men and women. A drink or two can have a relaxing effect and help lower inhibitions and in a way, being disinhibited can help a lover explore new things. However, too much of a good thing can also lead to disaster. Various studies show that men under the influence of alcohol are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour, such as intercourse without protection. Finally, the myth that alcohol creates “beer goggles,” where everyone looks more attractive when the lover is under heavy influence, is worth noting. A 2014 study confirmed that alcohol makes people appear more attractive, particularly those not perceived as attractive to begin with. Even male fruit flies seem to get less picky about potential mating partners when influenced by alcohol! In reality, a small amount of alcohol can boost self-confidence and reduce tension, allowing lovers to explore. On the other hand, it is also clear that too much strong spirit may not guarantee a “hard” ending. When Dr G is put on the spot about mixing booze with sex, his advice is moderation. Moderation can ensure the sacred rite of alcohol. Then the spirit will always be with you before, after and if need be during love-making and in the interval between.” With such high spirits, wishing all celebrating Chinese New Year Gong Xi Fa Cai, and go easy on that Mao Tai!
