Alcohol and Sex: Bare Facts, Effects and Risks You Should Know

The Facts

Are your feelings aroused when you combine alcohol and sex? If yes, you are not the only one.

Throughout history, having sex and hitting the bottle have been enjoyable pastimes.

As a means of celebrating, monarchs in the ancient times of the Bible frequently hosted feasts that included alcohol. Sex adventures were also reported from time to time.

Sometime later, Jesus made wine at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. The celebration was so joyous that guests asked why the host had saved the best for last.

Travel in time to the present, and a frenzy has ensued. Most people have jumped headlong into the sexual and alcoholic abyss.

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Be it as it may, alcohol and sex are two aspects of human behavior that have intertwined throughout history.

While many people enjoy the combination of the two, it’s crucial to understand the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual activity.

While alcohol can be a fun and social way to relax and let loose, it can also have some negative effects on your sexual life.

This article aims to explore its effects on sexual behavior, the potential risks involved, and how individuals can make informed decisions regarding the two.

The Effects of Alcohol and Sex on Behavior

Increased Confidence and Reduced Inhibitions

Alcohol is a depressant known for its ability to lower inhibitions and increase confidence.

While it slows down the central nervous system, many individuals find that taking a moderate amount can help them feel more relaxed and outgoing in social situations, including those involving sexual activity.

You will feel more at liberty to approach people with sexual advances, a thing you ordinarily wouldn’t in normal circumstances.

Therefore, moderate alcohol consumption might enhance social interactions, but excessive drinking can impair judgment.

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It will expose you to engaging in risky sexual behaviors or regrettable decisions you would otherwise avoid when sober.

Picture this: after an alcohol-induced conviction, you are now finally in the bedroom. You may or may not have protection since it was an unplanned excursion. And you could luckily have the protection but forget to use it in your drunken stupor and haste.

What next?

If in your outing you had an excessive alcohol intake, it can lead to sexual dysfunction and difficulties in arousal. Your testosterone levels decrease. But once aroused, the effects get worse.

Alcohol indeed increases sexual urges in some people, but at the same time, it dampens their performance in bed.

You are bound to:

• Have delayed arousal. Alcohol can delay or prevent arousal in both men and women. This is because it can interfere with the release of sexual hormones.
• Ejaculate prematurely.
• Find it hard to ejaculate (delayed).
• Erectile dysfunction. It becomes tough to get a subsequent erection after the first.
• For the woman, she may have difficulties having an orgasm.
• There is a reduction in vaginal lubrication, numbing of the nerves, and reduced sensation.
• There is an interference in connectivity between the brain and genitalia.

All these factors lead to dissatisfying sexual experiences. If the situation persists, one could become asexual. 

Risks Associated With Alcohol and Sex

Consent Issues

Consent risks are mostly associated with women.

Alcohol can cloud judgment and impair the ability to give informed consent. Engaging in sexual activities under the influence of alcohol may lead to misunderstandings or non-consensual situations.

Such individuals are likely to expose themselves to risks such as 

• Having unsafe sex that further exposes you to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Unprotected sex
• Unplanned pregnancies

• Birth control failure: as a result of broken condoms.
• Pills that fail to work.

It always leads to regret in the morning or the day after.

Impact of Alcohol and Sex on Relationships

Have you ever wondered why most families with drinking problems end up in relationship breakups?  

Do not wonder anymore. 

Excessive alcohol consumption strains relationships, leading to communication breakdowns and misunderstandings

In most cases, there are financial implications that leave families reeling in debt. 

Unhealthy drinking habits contribute to a negative impact on intimacy, emotional connection, and the development of the family.

Ways Forward to Arrest Alcohol and Sex Issues 

Making Informed Decisions; Effective Communication

Open and honest communication is crucial when it comes to combining alcohol and sex.

It is not entirely necessary to keep off the bottle altogether. 

However, the partners must discuss boundaries, comfort levels, and expectations before engaging in any sexual activity under the influence.

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Moderation

Moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption. 

Understanding one’s limits and being mindful of the impact of alcohol on judgment and physical performance can help individuals make safer choices.

Consent and Respect

Consent should always be clear and enthusiastic, and individuals should respect their partner’s boundaries. If they are not up to it, stop pushing your luck.

It’s essential to be aware of signs of discomfort or hesitation and to prioritize the well-being of all parties involved.

You will thank your stars in the morning when you find out you didn’t put your partner at unnecessary risk.

How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?

The amount of alcohol that harms your sexual life varies from person to person. After all, alcohol capacity and intake levels also vary for individuals.

 However, in general, it is best to limit your alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per session. The standard measure of an alcoholic drink is 10 grams.

Most importantly, you can avoid alcohol when you want to shag. Besides, it’s more enjoyable when you are sober. Not only will you be alert mentally, but you’ll also be fresh in your oral hygiene for better foreplay, like kissing.

Tips for Healthy Sex and Alcohol Consumption

If you are concerned about the impact of alcohol on your sexual life, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of problems:

• Limit your alcohol consumption.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before sex.
• Communicate with your partner about your concerns.
• Seek professional help if you are struggling with alcohol use disorder.

Conclusion

The relationship between alcohol and sex is complex, with both positive and negative aspects. 

While moderate alcohol consumption can enhance social interactions and intimacy, excessive drinking poses risks to judgment, physical performance, and overall well-being. 

By fostering open communication, practicing moderation, and prioritizing consent and respect, you stand to make informed decisions that contribute to healthy and satisfying experiences in both realms.

Alcohol can have several negative effects on your sexual life. 

However, by limiting your alcohol consumption and taking other precautions, you can reduce the risk of problems and have a healthy and enjoyable sexual life.

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James Nduati Charagu

James is a published author, blogger, and content writer.

He writes about relationships, marriage, and self-improvement to bring out the best in you.

When not writing, he enjoys having a bourbon and coke, playing with his cat, and traveling the world to discover new places.