PrimeTime Magazine PrimeTime Spring 2018 | Page 26

Alcohol has the reputation of being an aphrodisiac . One or two drinks , depending on your weight , gender and other factors , can act as a social lubricant . Studies have shown that alcohol can enable some people to overcome sexual inhibitions or anxieties . Historically , alcohol also has a long association with romance and sex in terms of advertising . But it ’ s not often thought of as a performance enhancer during intimacy .
Have you heard about the “ brewers droop ”, the age-old nickname for temporary erectile dysfunction induced by alcohol . As quoted by Shakespeare , “ Alcohol … provokes the desire , but it takes away the performance ”. Was Shakespeare right ? From a psychological stand , with a moderate consumption of alcohol , individuals have reported feeling that their emotions and desires flow more freely .
Alcohol is a depressant . It works on the nervous system by slowing down brain function , breathing and pulse . The consumption of alcohol has negative effects and risk factors which include : decreased testosterone ( converted to estrogen ), increased cortisol , increased blood sugar , increased insulin resistance and risk for diabetes , poisoning of mitochondria with less energy production in tissues ,

Is alcohol affecting your sexual performance ?

Christina Campbell , MSW , RSW , Sexologist
destruction of brain tissue and increased risk for dementia , depletion of B vitamins , decreased sleep quality ( since it interferes with the deep stages of sleep ), can produce stomach ulcers , risky behaviour , impulsivity and violence ...
According to Dr Fisch , an urologist and a director of the Male Reproductive Center in New York City , alcohol affects sexual responses such as penile swelling and a shorter time of erection , vaginas are slower to lubricate , and orgasms are delayed . And yet many people report that moderate amounts of alcohol are good for sex .
When there is alcohol abuse , it can be almost impossible to maintain intimate relationships . This definitely impacts on people ’ s sex life and has a domino effect on other activities , including career , family life and other relationships .
Everyone will have a different experience with sex performance under the influence of alcohol . Listen to your body and cut back if you ’ re noticing any sexual or other health issues . Remember ... good sex stems from good physical and mental health .
Christina Campbell , MSW , RSW , Sexologuecampbellchristina07 @ gmail . com
Resources : https :// www . theguardian . com / science / sifting-the-evidence / 2015 / nov / 17 / sex-does-alcohol-reallymake-you-better-in-bed https :// drugabuse . com / is-alcohol-wreaking-havoc-on-your-sexual-performance / http :// www . doctoroz . com / blog / harry-fisch-md / sex-alcohol-unpredictable-bedfellows http :// www . thesexmd . com / alcohol-blame-delayed-ejaculation / https :// cancerkn . com / our-most-powerful-sex-organ-is-our-mind-how-to-use-it-for-pleasure / https :// www . buzzfeed . com / carolinekee / heres-what-alcohol-actually-does-to-your-sex-life ? utm _ term =. pmoPeJNgBg #. ku2n8xew9w http :// www . berkeleywellness . com / self-care / sexual-health / article / 7-keys-long-sex-life
26 PrimeTime SPRING / PRINTEMPS 2018