Alcohol and Impotence
Of all the reasons that can cause sexual impotence in humans, the most easily preventable cause is excessive alcohol consumption. Acting as a depressant, alcohol can lower blood pressure levels which make it harder to maintain rigidity and focus. As alcohol constricts the blood vessels, especially the small capillary channels, there is less sensitivity in the nerve endings that aid sexual function.
Medically, a lifestyle that includes alcohol on a regular basic can cause cirrhosis of the liver. As the filtering processes of the liver are impaired, the body can build up chemicals in the skin that cause tenderness and inflammation which will make sexual activity so uncomfortable that a psychological reaction can cause the body to shy away from sexual contact. Cirrhosis will also cause hypogonadism which atrophies the testicles and diminish or destroy sexual drive and function.
Alcohol usage can have a detrimental effect on one's quality of life in general. Disputes and disappointments both at work and at home over this use can create stress levels that will, in themselves, trigger bouts of temporary impotence. If left unresolved, these stress related issues will build until full impotence can occur.
Since alcohol can cause a thinning effect in the blood itself, there is the increased chance that the mechanism for holding blood in the penis will not be able to function properly and the organ will not be able to fully deploy. This "lazy erection" syndrome can further complicate the stress related impotence.
Alcoholic induced impotence can best be treated with a lifestyle change. If one cannot eliminate drinking entirely, it can at least be cut down. A 50% decrease in alcohol consumption will give noticeably improved performance potential. Switching to a milder form of alcoholic drink, like wine, can also aid in the return of sexual function if this has been the primary cause of impotence.
