Alcoholism and Sexual Dysfunction

   Alcoholism and Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a condition that is caused by many different factors. Emotional troubles such as stress can impede a persons’ ability to feel satisfaction and desire which can lead to problems in the bedroom. Medical problems like diabetes or hypertension can also affect sexual function, as can certain medications. Substance abuse, particularly alcoholism is known to be a factor for both men and women who are suffering from sexual dysfunction. Alcoholism is known to cause severe damage to the liver. A damaged liver can impact on the body’s ability to regulate hormone distribution. In males, this can cause testicular atrophy, impotence and sterility. Women alcoholics can suffer from ovarian functionality issues, menstrual abnormalities and changes to sexuality.

Alcohol increases sexual desire but inhibits sexual performance. Many people describe the dis-inhibiting properties of alcohol and how when under the influence of this substance they feel more sexual, more willing and have a stronger desire to seek out a sexual experience. In low doses, alcohol may help to alleviate some of the symptoms of anxiety about sexual performance and sexuality. However, when alcohol is chronically consumed over a long period, it can impact on a person’s sexual function. This can impact on both the person experiencing the dysfunction but also on the partner.

Cognitive interference has been found to be a factor in sexual dysfunction in people who suffer from alcoholism. Alcohol affects a person’s sexual arousal, control of arousal and rate of distractibility during sexual stimulation. They will fumble, have trouble focusing and may anger a partner during a sexual experience. This may lead to further problems with sexuality and a person may begin to medicate their concerns with more alcohol.

Four Categories of Sexual Dysfunction

There are four main categories of sexual dysfunction. These are sexual desire, sexual arousal, orgasm or sexual pain disorders. Frustration, depression, feelings of anxiety, desperation and inadequacy are often reported secondary symptoms of sexual dysfunction. These emotional and physical problems can cause irreversible relationship problems, leading to more severe emotional problems and further sexual issues.

* A sexual desire disorder is more commonly referred to as a loss or decrease in libido. A person’s libido, energy levels and excitement levels are affected by alcoholism. Alcohol can fatigue a person, especially if a person binge drinks, which reduces their desire to be involved intimately with a person. The lack of sex drive can affect a person’s relationships with other as well as on their own mental health.
* Sexual arousal issues are the most commonly reported problems that alcoholics experience. Alcohol affects a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection, affects his concentration levels, reduces the ability to maintain arousal during intercourse and increases fatigue levels.
* Orgasm disorders are characterized by the inability to reach orgasm, which is often the case for people who are intoxicated. Women are particularly sensitive to the affects of alcohol on their sexual function, and men may experience premature or delayed ejaculation. Orgasm disorders can also be caused by chronic fatigue and anxiety, which are magnified by the use of alcohol.

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