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Alcohol ed. Whiskey Dick: Understanding Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction

by alexxlab

What is whiskey dick and how does it affect sexual performance. How much alcohol consumption leads to erectile dysfunction. Can women experience whiskey dick. How long does alcohol-induced ED last. What are the long-term effects of chronic drinking on sexual function.

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What Is Whiskey Dick and How Does It Affect Sexual Performance?

“Whiskey dick,” also known as alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction (ED), refers to the inability to achieve or maintain a sufficient erection after consuming alcohol. This condition can manifest in various ways, including:

  • Complete inability to get an erection
  • Achieving only a partial or weak erection
  • Erections that don’t last as long as desired

The term “whiskey dick” is colloquial, but it describes a real physiological phenomenon that can significantly impact sexual performance and satisfaction. Understanding the mechanisms behind this condition is crucial for those who want to maintain a healthy sex life while enjoying alcoholic beverages responsibly.

The Science Behind Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction

Alcohol affects sexual function through multiple pathways in the body. Here are the key mechanisms by which alcohol consumption can lead to erectile dysfunction:

Central Nervous System Depression

Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system (CNS). This depressive effect can interfere with the brain’s ability to send signals to the penis, which are necessary for initiating and maintaining an erection. The slowed or interrupted communication between the brain and body can result in difficulty achieving arousal or sustaining an erection.

Reduced Blood Flow

Dehydration is a common side effect of alcohol consumption. As the body becomes dehydrated, blood volume decreases, leading to reduced circulation throughout the body. Since erections rely on healthy blood flow to the penis, this reduction in circulation can directly impact erectile function.

Hormonal Changes

Alcohol consumption can cause an increase in angiotensin levels, a hormone associated with erectile dysfunction. Elevated angiotensin levels can cause blood vessels to constrict, which is counterproductive to the vasodilation necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection.

How Much Alcohol Leads to Whiskey Dick?

The amount of alcohol that can trigger whiskey dick varies significantly from person to person. Factors influencing alcohol tolerance and its effects on sexual function include:

  • Individual body chemistry
  • Frequency of alcohol consumption
  • Overall health and fitness
  • Age
  • Medications
  • Stress levels

While there’s no universal threshold for when alcohol-induced ED occurs, it’s generally accepted that the risk increases with higher levels of intoxication. Moderate drinking, defined as up to two drinks per day for men and one for women, is less likely to cause significant erectile issues compared to heavy or binge drinking.

Can Women Experience a Form of Whiskey Dick?

While the term “whiskey dick” specifically refers to male erectile dysfunction, women can experience similar alcohol-related sexual dysfunction. The effects of alcohol on female sexual arousal and function include:

  • Decreased vaginal lubrication
  • Reduced genital sensitivity
  • Difficulty achieving orgasm
  • Lowered libido

These effects stem from the same mechanisms that cause whiskey dick in men: dehydration, reduced blood flow, and decreased nerve sensitivity. The impact of alcohol on female sexual function highlights the importance of moderation for both sexes when it comes to mixing alcohol and sexual activity.

Duration and Recovery: How Long Does Whiskey Dick Last?

The duration of alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction typically correlates with the level of intoxication and the time it takes for the body to metabolize the alcohol. In most cases, whiskey dick resolves as the individual sobers up. However, several factors can influence recovery time:

  • Amount of alcohol consumed
  • Rate of alcohol metabolism
  • Hydration levels
  • Overall health
  • Sleep quality

To expedite recovery from whiskey dick, consider the following strategies:

  1. Hydrate well with water or electrolyte-rich beverages
  2. Get adequate rest to allow the body to process the alcohol
  3. Eat nutritious foods to support overall health and recovery
  4. Engage in light exercise to promote circulation
  5. Practice stress-reduction techniques to alleviate any performance anxiety

Long-Term Effects of Chronic Drinking on Sexual Function

While occasional bouts of whiskey dick may be temporary, chronic heavy drinking can lead to more persistent erectile dysfunction and other sexual health issues. Research has shown a strong correlation between alcohol abuse and sexual dysfunction:

  • A study of 100 heavy drinkers found that 72% reported sexual dysfunction
  • 33% of participants in the same study specifically reported erectile dysfunction
  • Alcohol abuse has been identified as a leading cause of impotence and other sexual disturbances

Beyond erectile dysfunction, chronic alcohol consumption can contribute to other sexual health problems, including:

  • Reduced libido
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Difficulty achieving orgasm
  • Reduced fertility

Additionally, excessive alcohol use can lead to broader health issues that indirectly affect sexual function, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and liver damage. These conditions can further compound the negative effects on sexual health and overall well-being.

Preventing Whiskey Dick: Strategies for Responsible Drinking

To minimize the risk of experiencing whiskey dick and maintain a healthy sex life, consider adopting the following strategies:

Practice Moderation

Adhere to recommended drinking guidelines: no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women. This moderation can significantly reduce the likelihood of alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction.

Stay Hydrated

Alternate alcoholic beverages with water or non-alcoholic drinks to maintain hydration levels and mitigate the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Know Your Limits

Be aware of your personal alcohol tolerance and how different amounts affect your sexual function. This self-awareness can help you make informed decisions about your alcohol consumption in sexual situations.

Plan Ahead

If you anticipate sexual activity, consider limiting your alcohol intake or abstaining altogether to ensure optimal sexual performance.

Prioritize Overall Health

Maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management. A healthy body is more resilient to the negative effects of alcohol on sexual function.

Seeking Help: When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While occasional whiskey dick may not be cause for concern, persistent erectile problems or other sexual dysfunctions warrant medical attention. Consider consulting a healthcare professional if:

  • You experience frequent or prolonged episodes of erectile dysfunction, even with moderate drinking
  • Sexual problems persist even when you’re not consuming alcohol
  • You’re concerned about your alcohol consumption and its impact on your overall health
  • You’re experiencing other alcohol-related health issues

A healthcare provider can assess your individual situation, rule out underlying health conditions, and provide appropriate treatment options or referrals if necessary. They may also offer guidance on safe drinking practices and strategies to improve sexual health.

The Relationship Between Alcohol, Sexual Behavior, and Consent

While discussing alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction, it’s crucial to address the broader implications of alcohol consumption on sexual behavior and consent. Alcohol can impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and affect decision-making abilities, potentially leading to risky sexual behavior or situations where consent becomes ambiguous.

Consent and Alcohol

It’s important to recognize that individuals who are heavily intoxicated may not be able to give informed consent to sexual activity. Engaging in sexual acts with someone who is too drunk to consent can have serious legal and ethical consequences. To ensure safe and consensual sexual experiences:

  • Communicate clearly with your partner about boundaries and expectations
  • Be aware of your own and your partner’s level of intoxication
  • Err on the side of caution if there’s any doubt about a person’s ability to consent
  • Remember that consent can be withdrawn at any time, even if it was initially given

Alcohol and Sexual Risk-Taking

Alcohol consumption can increase the likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors, such as:

  • Unprotected sex
  • Sex with multiple partners
  • Sexual activity with unfamiliar partners

These behaviors can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. To mitigate these risks, consider:

  • Always using protection, regardless of alcohol consumption
  • Discussing sexual health and history with partners before engaging in sexual activity
  • Getting regular STI screenings if you’re sexually active

Alcohol Alternatives for Enhancing Sexual Experiences

While many people turn to alcohol to reduce inhibitions or enhance sexual experiences, there are healthier alternatives that can improve sexual function and satisfaction without the risks associated with alcohol consumption:

Natural Aphrodisiacs

Some foods and herbs are believed to have aphrodisiac properties that can enhance libido and sexual function:

  • Dark chocolate
  • Oysters
  • Maca root
  • Ginseng
  • Saffron

While scientific evidence for these aphrodisiacs varies, incorporating them into your diet may have positive effects on sexual health and overall well-being.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise can improve sexual function by:

  • Enhancing cardiovascular health and blood flow
  • Boosting testosterone levels
  • Reducing stress and improving mood
  • Increasing body confidence and self-esteem

Activities like yoga and Kegel exercises can also specifically target sexual function and performance.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Practices that reduce stress and increase body awareness can enhance sexual experiences:

  • Meditation
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Guided imagery
  • Progressive muscle relaxation

These techniques can help alleviate performance anxiety and promote greater sexual satisfaction without the need for alcohol.

Open Communication

Fostering open, honest communication with your partner about sexual desires, boundaries, and concerns can greatly enhance intimacy and sexual satisfaction. This approach can reduce the perceived need for alcohol as a social lubricant in sexual situations.

The Role of Alcohol in Sexual Culture and Expectations

Alcohol has long been intertwined with sexual culture, often portrayed in media and social settings as a catalyst for romantic and sexual encounters. This association can create expectations and pressures that may not align with healthy sexual practices or individual needs.

Challenging Cultural Norms

It’s important to critically examine and challenge the notion that alcohol is necessary for sexual confidence or enjoyment. Recognizing that healthy, satisfying sexual experiences can occur without alcohol can lead to more positive attitudes towards sex and relationships.

Addressing Performance Anxiety

Some individuals may use alcohol as a coping mechanism for performance anxiety or insecurities related to sexual activity. While alcohol may temporarily reduce these anxieties, it can ultimately lead to sexual dysfunction and reinforce negative thought patterns. Alternative approaches to addressing performance anxiety include:

  • Seeking therapy or counseling to address underlying issues
  • Practicing mindfulness techniques
  • Engaging in open communication with partners about concerns and expectations
  • Focusing on pleasure and intimacy rather than performance

Promoting Healthy Sexual Attitudes

Educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders play a crucial role in promoting healthy sexual attitudes that don’t rely on alcohol. This includes:

  • Providing comprehensive sex education that addresses the effects of alcohol on sexual function
  • Encouraging open discussions about sex and relationships without the presumption of alcohol involvement
  • Promoting safe and consensual sexual practices, regardless of alcohol consumption

Conclusion: Balancing Alcohol and Sexual Health

Understanding the relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual function is crucial for maintaining a healthy and satisfying sex life. While moderate alcohol use may not significantly impact sexual performance for many individuals, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and effects of excessive drinking on erectile function and overall sexual health.

By practicing responsible drinking, prioritizing overall health, and exploring alternative methods for enhancing sexual experiences, individuals can reduce the likelihood of experiencing whiskey dick and other alcohol-related sexual dysfunctions. Open communication with partners, awareness of personal limits, and a willingness to seek professional help when needed are all important aspects of maintaining a healthy balance between alcohol consumption and sexual well-being.

Ultimately, fostering a positive and informed approach to both alcohol and sexuality can lead to more fulfilling relationships and sexual experiences. By making conscious choices about alcohol consumption and prioritizing sexual health, individuals can enjoy the best of both worlds without compromising their well-being or the quality of their intimate relationships.

Whiskey Dick or Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

How many times have you had a drink or two to get in the mood? Alcohol has a reputation as a sexual enabler and enhancer. Unfortunately, this libationary lothario status has led many of us to overindulge, leading to the only thing worse than a hangover: whiskey dick.

  • “Whiskey dick,” also known as alcohol-induced ED, refers to erection problems that follow drinking alcohol. 
  • Booze impairs circulation and nerve sensitivity—two factors crucial to sexual arousal—and increases levels of a hormone linked to ED.
  • Reportedly, women experience it, too.
  • Whiskey dick usually abates when you sober up, but chronic heavy drinking can lead to long-term ED.

“Whiskey dick,” or alcohol-related ED, is the inability to get a sufficient erection after consuming alcohol. You might not be able to get an erection at all or get one that’s weaker or doesn’t last as long as you like.

How many drinks does that take? It’s not an easy question to answer. Alcohol tolerance varies widely, depending on your individual body chemistry and factors such as how much you drink and how often, and so does the body’s reaction to it—including any effect on erectile function. 

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Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system (CNS). It has a sedating effect on the brain and body. That’s what causes its typical effects, both pleasant (relaxation, a feeling of warmth) and not so much (lack of inhibition, a decline in motor skills, and whiskey dick, to name a few).  

In the case of whiskey dick, alcohol affects some of the key systems involved in sexual arousal and erection, blood circulation, and nerve sensitivity.

  • During sexual arousal, the brain sends messages to the penis, telling it to become erect. Intoxication can slow down or interrupt those signals between the brain and body, resulting in ED.
  • Dehydration caused by drinking alcohol causes blood volume to decline, reducing circulation. Since erections are reliant on healthy blood flow, that can gum up the works.
  • Dehydration also causes levels of angiotensin, a hormone associated with ED, to rise. That makes blood vessels constrict, which is the opposite of what needs to happen during an erection.

Sort of. At a certain point, alcohol consumption can interfere with sexual arousal in both genders. That’s because alcohol is dehydrating and, just as with men, reduces the circulation and nerve sensitivity that causes women to become aroused.

Hopefully, whiskey dick will last only as long as it takes for you to sober up. But chronic drinking may also be one cause of ED.

In one study of 100 men who were heavy drinkers, 72% reported having a sexual dysfunction, including erection problems, premature ejaculation, and low sexual desire; 33% reported having ED. “Alcohol abuse is the leading cause of impotence and other disturbances in sexual dysfunction,” the researchers wrote (Arackal, 2007).   

Drinking too much alcohol can also increase your chances of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), which can damage blood vessels throughout the body. That can impede blood flow to your brain, heart, and penis, raising your risk of stroke, heart disease, and ED.

If you experience whiskey dick, it’s possible your body is telling you to take a look at how much you’re drinking.

Experts like the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that to reduce your risk of serious problems like cancer and heart disease, it’s best to drink in moderation. That’s defined as no more than two drinks a day for men, and one daily drink for women. Your sex life can only benefit.

  1. Arackal, B. S., & Benegal, V. (2007). Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence. Indian journal of psychiatry, 49(2), 109–112. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.33257

See more

Why Boozing Can Be Bad for Your Sex Life – Erectile Dysfunction Center

Drink a little alcohol; kiss your bedroom jitters goodbye: Anyone who’s transformed into Don Juan after a couple of cocktails knows that. But beyond that newfound confidence, is alcohol good for your sex life?

Actually, the effect can be the opposite as your blood alcohol level increases. Alcohol is a depressant, and using it heavily can dampen mood, decrease sexual desire, and make it difficult for a man to achieve erections or reach an orgasm while under the influence. In fact, overdoing it on booze is a common cause of erectile dysfunction.

That doesn’t mean you need to cut back completely — most experts say moderation is key. But what’s “moderation” exactly? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate drinking is no more than two drinks a day for men (and one drink a day for women). The liver can only break down the amount of alcohol in about one standard-size drink an hour, so regularly drinking more than that means that toxins from alcohol can build up in your body and affect your organs, including those involved in sex.

Here’s why you should think twice about tossing back too many.

5 Ways Alcohol Can Wreck Your Sex Life

For men, heavy drinking can lead to:

Temporary erectile dysfunction. Researchers have found that too much alcohol affects both your brain and your penis. In one University of Washington study, sober men were able to achieve an erection more quickly than intoxicated men — and some men are unable to have an erection at all after drinking.

That’s because pre-sex boozing decreases blood flow to your penis, reduces the intensity of your orgasm, and can dampen your level of excitement (in other words, even if you are able to have sex, it may not be nearly as pleasurable as it would be without the excess alcohol).

Long-term erectile dysfunction. The risk for long-term erectile dysfunction has been linked to chronic heavy use of alcohol. In fact, studies show that men who are dependent on alcohol have a 60 to 70 percent chance of suffering from sexual problems. The most common of these are erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and loss of sexual desire.

Ruined relationships. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol use beyond moderation is associated with relationship problems that include conflict, infidelity, economic insecurity, and divorce. In addition, 90 percent of all sexual assaults involve alcohol consumption.

The sexual repercussions of smoking. If you are someone who tends to light up while drinking, you could be further increasing your risk for ED. For men under the age of 40, smoking is the biggest cause of erectile dysfunction — and studies show that men who smoke more than 10 cigarettes daily are at an increased risk for erectile dysfunction.

STDs. Another big risk when combining sex and alcohol? Getting exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. Studies show that almost 50 percent of unplanned sexual encounters involve alcohol, and 60 percent of STDs are transmitted when alcohol is involved. Young adults who use alcohol are seven times more likely to have unprotected sex.

Why Less Is More

The relaxing effect of alcohol and the feeling of well-being that comes with a drink or two have made alcohol humans’ favorite beverage for about 10,000 years. Though some studies confirm that alcohol (in moderation!) is good for your heart and circulation (which can work against erectile dysfunction), it’s important to remember that sex and alcohol are a delicate balancing act.

If you’ve experienced a lack of sexual desire, premature ejaculation, relationship problems, or erectile dysfunction because of mixing alcohol and sex, you may be letting alcohol get the best of your sex life.

Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence

Indian J Psychiatry. 2007 Apr-Jun; 49(2): 109–112.

Bijil Simon Arackal

Deaddiction Centre, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore – 560 029, India

Vivek Benegal

Deaddiction Centre, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore – 560 029, India

Deaddiction Centre, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore – 560 029, India

Correspondence: Dr. Vivek Benegal, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore – 560 029, India. E-mail: moc.liamg@lagenebv

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This article has been cited by other articles in PMC.

Abstract

Background:

Chronic and persistent alcohol use is known to induce sexual dysfunction, which leads to marked distress and interpersonal difficulty.

Aim:

We attempted to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in a clinical sample of subjects with alcohol dependence.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred male subjects admitted to a deaddiction centre with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence syndrome with simple withdrawal symptoms (F10.30, ICD-10 criteria) were assessed for sexual dysfunction using a sexual dysfunction checklist, constructed using items from the Diagnostic Criteria for Research [ICD-10] for sexual dysfunction.

Results:

Seventy-two per cent had one or more sexual dysfunction, the most common being premature ejaculation, low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. The amount of alcohol consumed appeared to be the most significant predictor of developing sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion:

Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with alcohol dependence. Heavy drinking proportionately increases the risk. Clinicians need to routinely assess sexual functioning in alcoholic patients so that other factors contributing to sexual dysfunction can be ruled out.

Keywords: Alcohol dependence, sexual dysfunction

Chronic and persistent alcohol use is known to induce sexual dysfunction, which leads to marked distress and interpersonal difficulty. This, in turn, is known to worsen the alcohol abuse. Sexual dysfunction in the alcoholic may be due to the depressant effect of alcohol itself, alcohol-related disease or due to a multitude of psychological forces related to the alcohol use.[1] The spectrum of sexual dysfunction encompasses:

  1. Decreased sexual desire—persistent or recurrent deficiency or absence of desire for sexual activity giving rise to marked distress and interpersonal difficulty;

  2. Sexual aversion disorder—persistent or recurrent aversion and avoidance of all genital sexual contact leading to marked distress and interpersonal difficulty;

  3. Difficulty in erection—recurrent or persistent, partial or complete failure to attain or maintain an erection until the completion of the sex act;

  4. Difficulty in achieving orgasm—persistent or recurrent delay in or absence of orgasm, following a normal sexual excitement phase;

  5. Premature ejaculation—persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation, before, on or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it, which causes marked distress. [2]

Alcohol abuse is the leading cause of impotence and other disturbances in sexual dysfunction.[3] Episodic erectile failure in alcoholic men is fairly routine, found to be significantly higher in men consuming more than three standard units of alcohol (12 g ethanol) daily and in subjects smoking more than 10 cigarettes/day.[4] Van Thiel and Lester[5] reported that 61% of patients dependent on alcohol reported sexual dysfunction, the most common being erectile dysfunction followed by reduced sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual desire were frequently seen to be coexisting.[6–9] Vijayasenan,[10] found that of 97 male inpatients admitted for the treatment of alcoholism, 71% suffered from sexual dysfunction for a period of more than 12 months prior to admission to a hospital. The disturbances noted were diminished sexual desire (58%), ejaculatory incompetence (22%), erectile impotence (16%) and premature ejaculation (4%). Virtually all aspects of the human sexual response are affected by alcohol especially sexual desire and erection. [11]

Schiavi et al.[12] failed to find any difference in sexual dysfunction in alcoholics abstinent for 2-3 months in comparison with a nonalcoholic control group, speculating that alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction was reversible with abstinence. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in males with alcohol dependence. We specifically assessed male subjects admitted to a treatment center with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence syndrome, without obvious hepatic cirrhosis or other co-morbidity. Female patients were excluded from the study as the number of women who use alcohol in India are few and the number of female alcoholics who avail of treatment centers are too few to contribute to significant statistical power. Also, the spectrum of sexual dysfunction is different in the female from the male.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred male subjects, consecutively admitted to the Deaddiction Centre of the National Institute of Mental Health And NeuroSciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India, with a diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome With Simple Withdrawal Symptoms (F10. 30, ICD-10 criteria) [WHO][13] were recruited for the study. All subjects gave informed consent for taking part in the study. Subjects were initially assessed on the schedules for clinical assessment in neuropsychiatry (SCAN)[14] by a trained psychiatrist (VB). All patients were subjected to detailed clinical and biochemical examinations including blood glucose and liver enzymes. Patients with significantly high levels of liver enzymes or physical findings suggestive of hepatic cirrhosis were referred for ultrasound assessment of the abdomen.

Subjects were included if they were:

  1. between 20-50 years of age

  2. married or had a regular sexual partner

Patients were excluded if they had a

  1. Clinically assessed history of primary sexual dysfunction [prior to initiation of alcohol use]

  2. Co-morbid physical disorders: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, signs and symptoms suggestive of alcoholic cirrhosis, a clinical diagnosis of endocrine disorders, other systemic illnesses, history of genito-urinary surgery and neurological or spinal cord lesions.

  3. Co-morbid psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, delusional disorder, anxiety disorders and mood disorders including dysthymia. Patients who had symptoms of depression or anxiety not fulfilling a syndromal diagnosis were included in the study.

  4. Substance use other than alcohol and tobacco.

  5. Use of drugs affecting sexual function (antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihypertensives, steroids, disulfiram etc.)

All the above subjects were assessed for the prevalence of one or more sexual dysfunction experienced over the past 12 months using a sexual dysfunction checklist (Appendix A) by a trained psychiatrist (BSA). The checklist contains items corresponding to 12 areas of sexual dysfunction described in the Diagnostic Criteria for Research, ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders.[15] This was necessary as the SCAN does not contain a detailed assessment for the ICD-10 section on Sexual dysfunction not caused by organic disorder or disease (F52). The disorders specifically tapped by the checklist were aversion towards sex, low sexual desire, difficulty in achieving and in maintaining erection, premature ejaculation, inhibited or delayed ejaculation orgasm with flaccid penis, anorgasmia, pain at the time of coitus, dissatisfaction with frequency of intercourse per week (in the last year and in a representative week 5 years earlier), partner and, own sexual function.

Sexual dysfunction was rated for the last one year and temporary or situational complaints were ignored. Data regarding the quantity of alcohol usually consumed per day [in standard drinks; where 1 drink = 30 ml. Spirits = 330 ml. Beer = 1/3 sachet of arrack] and duration of dependence, was extracted from the items corresponding to the section on Mental and Behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol [F10.0] in the SCAN and used in the analyses. However, only the presence or absence of tobacco consumption and not a measure of severity was used for analyses. The ratings were sought after two weeks of inpatient stay after the period of detoxification with benzodiazepines.

RESULTS

The 100 male subjects had a mean age of 37.09 (± 6.74) years. The quantity of alcohol consumed per day was 20.6 (± 9.07) standard drinks [8-42 drinks per day]. The mean duration of alcohol dependence was 8.59 (± 6.64) years. 87% of the subjects also used tobacco [chewing and / or smoking]. Seventy-two of the 100 subjects reported one or more sexual dysfunction. Four (4%) subjects reported aversion to sex to the extent that they had not attempted sexual intercourse in the last one year. Consequently, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction other than aversion to sex and low sexual desire, had to be calculated after excluding these 4 subjects.

Premature ejaculation was reported by 36 out of 96 (37.5%) subjects, out of which, 27 (28.12%) had complaints of ejaculating within the first minute itself and the rest (9.38%) ejaculated within three minutes of intromission. The next most frequent sexual dysfunction reported was low sexual desire, which was reported by 36 out of 100 subjects. Erectile dysfunction was reported by 33.3% of the subjects with difficulty in achieving erection in 19 subjects (19.79%) and difficulty in maintaining erection in 13 subjects (13.54%).

Fourteen subjects (14.58%) had a lack of pleasure at the time of ejaculation (anorgasmia) and 10 (10.41%) had inhibited or delayed ejaculation. Next was the complaint of dissatisfaction with the frequency of sexual intercourse in 26 people (27.03%) and dissatisfaction with own sexual function reported by 19 patients (19.79%).

Nine subjects (9.37%) had dissatisfaction with the sexual relationship with their partner and eight subjects reported (8.33%) orgasm with flaccid penis. Coital pain or feeling of pain in genitals at the time of sexual intercourse was seen in six subjects (6.1%).

There was a significant reduction in the frequency of sexual intercourse per week over the last five years having decreased from a mean of 4.6 (± 2.6) times per week to 2.2 (± 2.2) times per week currently. Forty-eight per cent of the sample had more than one sexual dysfunction. Of the 24 subjects with only one complaint, the most frequent complaint was that of premature ejaculation in 18 subjects.

The number of sexual dysfunction complaints was significantly associated with the amount of alcohol consumed per day. On curve-fitting the data, there was a significant positive linear relationship (F = 10.54; dF 87; P = 0.002) []. However, there was no correlation between the reduction in frequency of sexual intercourse over the last five years and the amount of alcohol consumed.

Linear regression illustrates the predictive relationship between the amount of alcohol consumed and the likelihood of any sexual dysfunction.

There appeared to be no significant correlations between the subjects’ ages and duration of alcohol dependence with the number of complaints of dysfunction. People with tobacco use were no more likely to have more sexual dysfunction than those without tobacco use [t = -1. 32; dF 97; P = 0.19].

DISCUSSION

Sexual dysfunction appears to be common among male subjects with alcohol dependence. Seventy-two per cent of the subjects with alcohol dependence complained of one or more problems with sexual functioning. This is similar to what has been reported in earlier studies.[10,16] Multiple co-existing dysfunctions seemed to be the norm in the sample studied. The most common condition reported in our study was premature ejaculation followed closely by low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.

The number of symptoms reported appeared to be a function of the amount of alcoholic beverage consumed. The chance of developing sexual dysfunctions appears to increase with increasing quantity of alcohol consumed. Higher levels of alcohol intake may result in greater neurotoxic effects. It has been reported that heavy alcohol use may contribute to a reversible vagal neuropathy, which is perhaps reversible on abstinence.[17] However, chronic heavy use of alcohol is also known to significantly alter gonadal hormones. [9]

There is also a significant population, which has psychogenic sexual dysfunction, which is likely in a situation of marital conflict, which commonly exists in the families of alcoholics.[18] There is some evidence of this with more than a third of the subjects reporting dissatisfaction with their spouses’ responses and / or decreased frequency. This cannot be conclusive without data on nocturnal erection or sexual activity in alternate situations. One of the limitations of this exploratory study is that marital functioning was not specifically assessed.

Counterintuitively, the likelihood of developing sexual dysfunction did not depend on the number of years of alcohol dependence or on the age of the subject. One reason for these findings may be the narrow range of ages at presentation and durations of dependence across the group.

Tobacco use though, was not found to be a significant determinant of sexual dysfunction. This is contrary to all reported evidence.[19] This finding is most likely to be due to our treatment of tobacco use as a categorical (present / absent) variable in a situation where almost 90% of the sample was using tobacco. Future studies need to use indices of severity to avoid this error.

The exclusive focus on male alcoholics was necessitated by the fact that the prevalence of alcohol use by females in India, and consequent alcohol dependence is exceedingly low. Having a non-drinking or low-drinking control sample, would have lent greater depth to these findings.

Nevertheless, this study highlights the ubiquitousness of sexual problems in the heavy-drinking population. It also stresses the need for addiction medicine specialists to note the possibility of sexual problems in their clients. In addition, it highlights the need for sexual medicine specialists to consider the effects of heavy alcohol use on sexual functioning. However, there is ample evidence that alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction, for the most part, is reversible with cessation of alcohol use.[18] Thus, this information can be used in motivational counselling of heavy drinkers to provide impetus for change. Clinicians are well advised to routinely assess sexual functioning in patients with alcohol dependence.

Appendix A

Sexual dysfunction checklist

In the past 12 months…Yes = 1No = 0
GlobalSituational

  1. Has the prospect of having sex with your partner produced such aversion, fear or anxiety that you avoided any sexual activity (Aversion to sex)?

  2. Have you had a lack or loss of sexual desire, which has led you to initiating sexual activity with your partner or engaging in solitary masturbation, at a frequency clearly lower than previous levels (Low sexual desire)?

  3. Have you had a difficulty in getting an erection sufficient for intercourse (Difficulty achieving erection)?

  4. Have you had difficulty in maintaining erection (full erection occurs during the early stages of lovemaking but disappears when intercourse is attempted or before ejaculation if it occurs) (Difficulty maintaining erection)?

  5. Have you found that frequently (or always) you have ejaculated before you would like to: before entry?

    < 1 min?

    < 3 min?

    (Premature ejaculation)

  6. Have you frequently had problems in ejaculating even when erect (Inhibited / delayed ejaculation)?

  7. Have you ever ejaculated without getting full erection (Orgasm with flaccid penis)?

  8. Do you have difficulty in reaching the peak of pleasure at the time of ejaculation (Anorgasmia)?

  9. Have you felt pain in the genitals during sexual intercourse (Coital pain)?

  10. Are you satisfied with the frequency of sex (Frequency dissatisfaction)?

  11. Are you satisfied with your sexual relationship with your partner (Dissatisfaction of sexual relation with partner)?

  12. Are you satisfied with your sexual performance (Dissatisfaction with own sexual function)?

Footnotes

Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None declared

REFERENCES

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Erectile dysfunction can be reversed without medication