The Impact of Alcohol, Drugs & Tobacco on Sex

For some reason sex, along with tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs are thought of as vices. Yet sex is something healthy and completely normal. Whereas tobacco, over-drinking alcoholic beverages, and illegal drugs are not only unhealthy for the body, they can also impede your sex life. It’s a shame that many people would rather contaminate their bodies with harmful substances than stay healthy and experience the best sex of their lives.

By now everyone’s heard how unhealthy tobacco, over-drinking and drug use are.

But is it really a fact that they can affect a person’s sexuality? Yes, consider the effects.

Alcohol—Not As Sexy As It Sounds

Excessive drinking can affect a man’s ability to maintain an erection and lead to recurring erectile dysfunction. Long-term alcohol excess use has also been associated with testicular atrophy and can reduce testosterone levels in men. According to some studies, men who were above moderate drinkers showed reduced capacity for erections as well as decreased semen production and a lower sperm count because of the alcohol inhibiting the metabolism of Vitamin A.

Whereas many might see excessive alcohol as the prelude to great sex, science says the exact opposite. Men who suffer from premature ejaculation retain less control even after just a small drink, much less a heavy amount. Studies have also shown that moderate to high levels of alcohol can result in fewer orgasms, less intense orgasms or even no orgasm at all.

Women can also be affected sexually by over-drinking. While the desire for sex may be increased, even moderate amounts of alcohol can affect a person’s sexual response and performance. Dehydration from alcohol can lead to less vaginal lubrication, which increases the possibility of painful intercourse or even the breaking of condoms.

There are also ethical considerations. Alcohol can impair a person’s judgment and along with sexual arousal and foreplay (which already impair judgment) it can make it difficult for a person to ponder the consequences of their actions. Unplanned sexual activity can lead to many problems, the least of which is hurt feelings, and the worst of which could be sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies. Many women because of alcoholic consumption, willful or otherwise, have been date raped and many men have been accused of date rape in some states that don’t consider sex consensual when alcohol is involved.

Lastly, while booze may make sex easier it never makes sex better. Excessive alcohol sedates the central nervous system, which is what creates all that excitement, thus defeating the whole purpose of the sexy encounter.

Marijuana—Takes The Edge And Enjoyment Out Of Sex

Marijuana is a popular though illegal drug, and many believe that it doesn’t have any major side effects. However, there is a cause for concern. While marijuana might have low dependency and high intoxication potential, with low physical damage, it does have other adverse effects. Yes, some of those can be sexual. As far as marijuana being an aphrodisiac, the drug does not affect everyone the same. Some users claim that the drug helps sexual intensity while others claim that it’s more difficult to become aroused. Some users have said that the drug provides a deeper spiritual connection to their lover, but scientists believe hallucinations merely create the illusion of better sex.

Longtime marijuana smoking also increases the likelihood of infertility, as men have been reported to have lower sperm counts, and women abnormal ovulation. Using marijuana while pregnant can be damaging to a fetus. The THC in marijuana crosses the placental barrier, thus increasing the risk of pregnancy loss, birth defects, and the retardation of the future baby’s growth and development.

Ecstasy—Sexually And Physically Harmful

Ecstasy is another drug used for a rush that actually causes more sexual problems than it gives sexual peaks. While the drug does affect the senses, it actually diminishes the enjoyment of sex and reduces a person’s sexual response. It can cause a lack of lubrication in women, and erectile problems in men.

Both men and women who use the drug might have trouble orgasming. It is true that Ecstasy might help in delaying a man’s orgasm for a long period of time. However, the repercussions of Ecstasy—including mind distortion, loss of good judgment and possible death—make the drug more trouble than it’s worth.

Tobacco—Choose Between Great Sex Or A Quick Smoke

Smoking affects a person’s sex life and in more important ways than just bad breath. Studies have shown there is a link to impotence and smoking. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it tightens blood vessels and restricts the blood flow. Common sense says that a man’s erection depends on blood flow. Therefore, just 2 cigarettes could cause weaker erections in male smokers.

Would smoking affect a woman’s sex life also? Yes, because during intercourse the woman’s vagina, labia and clitoris also become engorged, and this enhances arousal. If the blood flow were restricted then it would have a negative effect on sensation. Smoking also has been linked to birth defects and mothers-to-be are strongly cautioned not to smoke while pregnant. Finally, cancer is not very sexy. Very little about stained teeth, unhealthy skin, premature wrinkles and the “perfume” of smoke is sexy. A better sex life is just one more reason to quit smoking.

Yes, excessive alcohol, drugs and tobacco can affect your sex life and worse yet, your physical life. Sex is only enjoyable when you’re alive and is best when you’re healthy and able to feel all your body’s wonderful sensations.

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