Erectile Dysfunction, better abbreviated as ED, is a major problem among millions of men across the world. Earlier believed to be affecting only older men, ED continues to extend to younger men in their 20s, shattering their self-confidence and relationships due to fear, shame, or lack of intimacy.
There are various possible causes of ED, including physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. One such lifestyle factor that has been linked to ED is alcohol consumption.
Many men wonder, ‘If I stop drinking, will my ED go away?’ In this article, we will explore the relationship between alcohol and ED to answer your question, finding out if quitting alcohol can lead to the improvement or even resolution of ED.
So, read for detailed insights!
Can quitting drinking affect your Erectile Dysfunction?
The simple answer is yes. Reducing your alcohol intake can improve erectile function. It may not always completely resolve the issue, but it can help to a great extent, resulting in longer-lasting erections.
A study conducted with 104 individuals having alcohol use disorder and complaints of ED found that 92 (88.5% ) showed improvement in ED after 3 months of abstinence (restraining) from alcohol.
However, it may alone not be enough, especially if ED is not induced by alcohol. In such cases, medications like Kamagra Oral Jelly can help with erections and better sexual performance.
Alcohol and Erectile Dysfunction
Most people believe that moderate alcohol consumption initially relaxes the body, which can enhance sexual performance by reducing anxiety. However, this is not true, as the relaxing effect is often short-lived.
Excessive and chronic alcohol use can have adverse effects on sexual function.
Some of them are:
Nervous system suppression
Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant. While it temporarily reduces anxiety and increases relaxation, it can also hamper the ability to transmit nerve signals, which are crucial for achieving and maintaining an erection.
Over time, heavy drinking can damage the nerves that control penile function. This can lead to reduced sensitivity and impaired nerve signaling, making it difficult to have a healthy erectile function.
Diuretic effects
Alcohol has diuretic properties i.e., it increases the urge to urinate, and frequently peeing leads to dehydration. This can reduce the total blood volume, preventing a steady and healthy blood flow to the genitals, which is essential for an erection.
Lowers Testosterone levels
Chronic alcohol use can disrupt the Endocrine system, resulting in hormonal imbalances. The main effect is reduced levels of Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.
This hormone is essential for regulating sexual function in men. So, reduced Testosterone levels can cause difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection. In such cases, a doctor may prescribe Testosterone Replacement Therapy along with ED pills such as Super Kamagra.
Liver dysfunction
Prolonged alcohol consumption may cause chronic liver damage, also called Cirrhosis. This impact is indirect as the liver metabolizes hormones, including Estrogen. Elevated Estrogen levels in men due to liver problems can contribute to sexual dysfunction such as Erectile Dysfunction.
Boosts Angiotensin
The hormone Angiotensin is known to increase blood pressure and water retention. This can be another reason for blood vessels to constrict, resulting in erection problems.
Reduces blood flow
Alcohol is known for its vasodilating effects. So, it can reduce blood pressure initially. However, what most people are unaware of is that, after some time, alcohol can cause blood vessels to constrict, and reduce blood flow throughout the body. This risk further increases if alcohol consumption is beyond moderation.
As adequate blood flow is necessary for achieving and sustaining an erection, when blood flow to the penis is restricted, it becomes challenging to achieve or maintain an erection.
Psychological impact
Alcohol abuse is often correlated with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. It is often seen as an escape from mental struggles, but it actually worsens mental, emotional, and physical well-being. One of the visible impacts is ED.
Moreover, anxiety, depression, and stress are psychological causes of Erectile Dysfunction, and alcohol adds up to worsen it.
Relationship issues
Alcohol abuse can strain relationships, leading to emotional and interpersonal problems. Lack of intimacy and sexual arousal, or building up stress due to tension in relationships, contributes to ED.
How does quitting alcohol improve ED?
The impact of quitting alcohol on ED can vary from person to person. It depends on various factors, including the severity of alcohol abuse and the presence of other contributing factors.
For some men, quitting alcohol may lead to significant improvements in their erectile function in the following ways:
- Abstaining from alcohol consumption can help restore hormonal balance, including boosted Testosterone levels, which may positively affect sexual function
- Quitting alcohol can reduce blood pressure, loosen blood vessels, and boost blood flow to the genital region
- The liver can repair itself when you stop consuming alcohol, which can improve erectile function
- Sobriety can improve mental health, reducing the impact of psychological factors on ED
It is essential to note that the improvement in ED symptoms after quitting alcohol may not be immediate, and it may take weeks or even months to see significant changes. Additionally, for some men, other underlying causes of ED may still need to be addressed, even after quitting alcohol. For such cases, medications like Kamagra 100mg Tablets are mainly prescribed by doctors to overcome ED.
Conclusion
Upon reaching so far, you may already know the answer to your question, ‘If I stop drinking, will my ED go away?’. To sum up, yes, your ED symptoms will at least improve, if not go away completely. However, the actual impact depends on many factors.
Excessive and chronic alcohol use can worsen ED by suppressing the nervous system, reducing blood flow, and causing hormonal imbalances. So, sobriety can potentially restore normal erectile function, hormonal balance, and overall health, but patience may be needed as improvements may not be immediate.
Sometimes, some people have underlying problems or health conditions like diabetes, trauma from an accident, or surgery, which can cause ED. So, it is crucial to address the underlying causes of ED even after quitting alcohol to get the best results.