Erectile Dysfunction (ED) has become a very common male sexual issue in recent times. It’s not a new issue, but the number of ED patients has seen a substantial increase in recent years. This issue can occur to any men, though elder males are more vulnerable to it. Numerous factors contribute to the development of ED and alcohol is one of them. In this article, we will delve deep into the role of alcohol in triggering Erectile Dysfunction in men.

Cause of Erectile Dysfunction

When a man fails to obtain and hold onto an erection for long enough to perform satisfactory sexual intercourse, then that condition is regarded as Erectile Dysfunction. ED has various causes, which include diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression, low confidence, smoking, obesity and alcohol.

Alcohol’s Impact on Erectile Function:

How does erection occur? Well, when a man gets sexual aroused, his brain sends signals to the penile nerves and this process releases nitric oxide. Nitric oxide then relaxes the smooth muscles and therefore blood flow to the penile tissues increases. This increased blood flow finally results in an erection.

Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with this delicate process by damaging nerves. Due to damaged nerves, the release of nitric oxide is compromised. Low level of nitric oxide can reduce the blood flow into the penile tissues, which can lead to Erectile Dysfunction.

Long-term alcohol intake can have more severe consequences on men’s sexual health. Alcohol can reduce the testosterone hormone level of the body. Lack of nitric oxide testosterone can reduce sexual desire and impact sexual performance.

Chronic alcohol consumption can also damage the liver. The liver is a very important part of the body which breaks down estrogen hormone. Damaged liver may be unable to break down estrogen hormone effectively. This can lead to increased estrogen in the body which can reduce the testosterone hormone level further.

Alcohol can also cause psychological issues like anxiety, stress and depression in men. All these psychological factors can contribute massively to the development of ED.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Thankfully, Erectile Dysfunction is not an untreatable condition. Though, effective treatment of ED can vary from patient to patient.

Medicines: Medicines like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are the most common forms of Erectile Dysfunction treatment options around the globe. These medicines enhance the blood flow in the penis to facilitate erections, though they can have several negative side-effects on the body.

Treating Underlying Conditions: Issues like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol can impair the blood flow within penile tissues and effective management of these conditions can improve the erectile function over time.

Vacuum Pumps: Penile vacuum pumps can work very effectively in facilitating erection and these devices are non-invasive by nature. Patients can use these devices in their home all by themselves. Vacuum pumps for Erectile Dysfunction function by creating a vacuum, which draws the blood in the penis and facilitate erection.

Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy for ED is a modern, non-invasive treatment procedure which uses low-intensity acoustic waves to improve the blood flow in the penile tissues. This therapy can also promote the growth of new blood vessels and it is completely safe. According to MansMatters, shockwave therapy is the best treatment anyone can get for the treatment of ED. MansMatters is a specialized men’s health clinic and it provides various non-invasive treatments including, Shockwave therapy, EMTT therapy, Tesla Chair and NanovVI for male sexual issues.

EMTT Therapy: Extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy or EMTT therapy uses strong magnetic fields to heal and regenerate endothelial cells which are present in the millions of blood vessels of the penis. Endothelial cells are vital for proper erectile function as they produce energy and transmit nutrients.

Physical Exercises: Physical exercises can improve the blood flow in the various parts of the body including penile tissues. Men who exercise regularly tend to have better erectile function than others.

Lifestyle Factors Improvement: Quitting smoking is essential for the smokers to improve erectile function as smoking increases the risk of developing ED significantly. Eating nutritious diet can also improve Erectile Dysfunction in men. Excessive alcohol intake also needs to be stopped if anyone wants to improve his sexual health.

Penile Implants: Penile implants are mechanical devices that are surgically placed inside the penis. It’s an invasive procedure and may carry some side-effects.  

How to Quit Excessive Drinking:

Studies suggest that men who stop excessive alcohol consumption, are more likely to experience better erectile function than those who can’t quit this habit. But it’s not an easy habit to quit this right away. If you want to stop drinking excessively, then have a clear and strong mind-set. Self-control is key. Whenever you feel like you need to drink, remind yourselves about all the negative consequences of drinking and focus on other healthy activities. Try to lower your alcohol consumption gradually. If you have proper mind-set and beliefs, then definitely you can hope to quit drinking one day.

Conclusion:

So, can alcohol cause ED? Yes, it can. Excessive alcohol consumption is a massive risk factor for Erectile Dysfunction. It can cause various physical and psychological damages to the body. Quitting excessive alcohol intake is mandatory to improve the erectile function in men. In terms of Erectile Dysfunction, it’s very much possible to improve it, if proper treatments are taken. If you feel like you are suffering from this issue, then seek medical help as soon as you can.