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The effects on alcohol on your sex life

The effects on alcohol on your sex life

Posted on 6 October 2023 by Natalia
The effects on alcohol on your sex life
Beyond the obvious physical perks like shedding those extra pounds and better sleep, what effect does binning the booze have on our love lives? In this article, we'll delve into the intricate dance between alcohol and intimacy, and reveal how going dry for a month could seriously spice up your bedroom game.
Every year, countless folks worldwide hop on the Sober October bandwagon — a challenge that's all about ditching the drink for the entire month. What kicked off as a health and wellness awareness drive has rapidly gained traction, nudging participants to mull over their drinking habits and the toll alcohol takes on their body and mind.

What does alcohol do to your body?

When you sip on that glass of vino or pint, it doesn't just sit idly by. Rapidly soaked up by your stomach and small intestine, it gets into your bloodstream before making a beeline for your liver. Now, your liver does its best to process the booze, but there's a limit to its efficiency. Whatever it can't deal with right away continues to have a natter with both your body and your brain.
Enter the "dosage-response" relationship. Put simply, the more you drink, the more pronounced the effects. For some, a mere tipple can cause ripples, while others might need a few rounds to feel the buzz. This dynamic plays a big part in determining how alcohol not only impacts our overall health but also throws a curveball into our romantic escapades.

Effects of alcohol on your libido and sexual performance

Initially, knocking back a drink or two might seem like a good idea. It can act as a bit of a cheeky loosener, giving some of us a temporary boost in the mood department. You'd think that would add a dash of zest to a romantic evening, but there's more to the tale.

See, while that glass might light a short-lived fire, go overboard and in the long run, alcohol might just rain on your passion parade. It has the cheek to dial down the libido, making those steamy encounters seem a tad less appealing.


But wait, there's more. Lads, here's the thing: drown in the drink, and you risk things not standing to attention as they should, not to mention it can leave you a bit out of puff – making those intimate moments feel a smidge underwhelming.


Ladies? Overindulgence can lead to less natural lubrication, crucial for a comfy connection, and tweak sensitivity levels which can tweak the quality of the tingles you feel.

In the end, while booze might seem to fan the flames in the short run, its long-term vibe can be a lot less enticing. Makes you think what wonders a booze-free month could do for your sex life!

Effects on your mind and decision-making capacities

After a few bevies, you might feel like you're on top of the world – brimming with confidence or perhaps a little less inhibited. On the face of it, that might sound like a right laugh. But this newfound boldness can pave the way for snap decisions, especially in the bedroom.

One massive red flag? The gamble of diving into the deep end without any safety gear, if you catch my drift. A bit sloshed, and the thought of donning a condom might just slip your mind, upping the stakes for catching STIs or an unexpected plus one on the way.

But here's the real kicker: alcohol can seriously muddy the waters when it comes to consent. The ability to firmly say "nah, not tonight," read someone's vibe correctly, or even spot those dodgy warning signs can take a proper hit.

Top tips for treading the booze tightrope

If you're opting for a drink, a dash of mindfulness goes a long way in curbing its narky effects on your general well-being and, of course, your romantic endeavours. Here's a cheeky guide to help you steer clear of the pitfalls:

  1. Plan Ahead: Got a night of merriment on the cards? Best to prep in advance. Sort a safe ride back home, whether it's a sober mate, grabbing a cab, or hailing a ride-share. Dodge spots where you might feel the push to down more than you bargained for.
  2. Don’t mix booze and medications: Alcohol can have a chinwag with a bunch of meds, and yes, that includes certain contraceptives. Always have a butcher's at your medicine info leaflets and if you're in two minds, have a natter with your doc or pharmacist. Better safe than sorry, right?