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