Drinking large amounts of alcohol can make it hard to get or keep an erection. This is called erectile dysfunction (ED). Alcohol interferes with the messengers in the brain that tell the penis to fill with blood. It can also happen because alcohol can reduce the production of testosterone.

Can alcohol cause permanent erectile dysfunction?

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.

Why does alcohol cause impotence?

The intoxicating effects of alcohol may slow the signals between the brain and body, resulting in ED. Drinking alcohol causes dehydration, which lowers blood volume and reduces circulation. Since erections rely on healthy blood flow, this may lead to erectile problems.