Understanding the Link Between Alcohol and Erectile Dysfunction

• 26 March 2025
• Mr. Leon Almashan

Last updated on June 20, 2025

Struggling with erectile dysfunction and alcohol use, past or present? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to accept it as permanent. At MansMatters, we specialise in non-surgical treatments for alcohol-related erectile dysfunction, using advanced technologies that restore natural function.

If you’ve been a heavy drinker and developed ED, or if you’re currently drinking above recommended limits, our multi-modal treatment pathways may be suitable. Book a free 20-minute phone consultation or read on to understand how alcohol affects erectile performance — and how to take control of your sexual health.

Are You Honest About Your Drinking Habits?

Alcohol and erectile dysfunction often go hand in hand — even for men who only consider themselves “social drinkers.” If your consumption is regularly above medical guidelines, or has been in the past, it may be affecting your ability to achieve or maintain an erection.

While alcohol is widely accepted in social settings, chronic or excessive use can have lasting impacts on both general and sexual health. One of the most common issues is alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction, which affects thousands of men across the UK each year.

Alcohol and Erectile Function

Initially, alcohol may reduce inhibitions and create a sense of relaxation, factors that may seem to help in sexual scenarios. However, alcohol is a depressant that slows the nervous system and interferes with the body’s natural erectile processes.

Erections rely on a precise chain of physiological signals between the brain, nerves, blood vessels and muscles. Alcohol disrupts these connections, reducing blood flow and impairing nerve function, both essential for a firm and sustained erection.

Effects on Blood Flow and the Nervous System

Chronic alcohol use can:

• Reduce sexual desire
• Impair nerve signalling
• Disrupt hormonal balance (especially testosterone)
• Damage the blood vessels needed for an erection
• Cause premature ejaculation

Younger men may experience temporary effects due to increased blood volume from alcohol, leading to a short-term improvement in erection firmness. But over time, drinking and erectile dysfunction become more closely linked, especially as the body ages and damage accumulates.

What the Research Says

Multiple studies highlight the strong association between alcohol and erectile dysfunction:

• A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine analysed over 1,200 participants and found significantly higher rates of ED in men with high alcohol consumption.
• Research published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research confirms that heavy drinking is a key factor in long-term sexual dysfunction, including premature ejaculation.
• Another study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry showed that many men with alcohol dependency also experience chronic sexual issues.

These findings underline what we see in clinic every day: ED and alcohol consumption are often interlinked, especially among long-term drinkers.

Thinking of Cutting Back?

If you’re concerned about the impact of alcohol on your sexual health, reducing your intake is a valuable first step. However, quitting alcohol — especially suddenly — can lead to side effects like fatigue, anxiety and headaches. It’s important to identify what triggers your drinking and consider professional support if needed.

Even if you’ve already reduced your alcohol intake, ED can persist. That’s where targeted, non-surgical erectile dysfunction treatment becomes an important next step.

Will Erectile Function Return After Quitting Alcohol?

In some cases, yes — but recovery takes time and depends on the extent of the damage. A 2022 study found that 88.5% of men showed improvement in erectile function three months after quitting alcohol. However, men with a longer history of alcohol abuse may face slower recovery due to vascular or nerve damage.

It’s also worth noting that sudden alcohol withdrawal can cause cardiovascular stress, which may temporarily affect erectile ability. That’s why individualised medical support is key to recovery.

Non-Surgical Treatments That Work

At MansMatters, we use advanced, non-invasive therapies designed to treat alcohol-related erectile dysfunction at the source. These include:

Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT)

Focused Shockwave Therapy uses targeted acoustic waves to stimulate blood vessel growth and nerve repair in the penis. It promotes natural erections without pills or devices that may interrupt intimacy. FSWT is particularly effective for men whose ED is linked to vascular or neurological disruption, both common outcomes of alcohol abuse.

We use the STORZ DUOLITH® SD1.24mJ, one of the most advanced focused shockwave systems available, engineered in Switzerland and delivering ultra-focused treatment beyond the capabilities of radial devices.

Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT)

EMTT delivers a strong pulsed magnetic field to the pelvic area, activating endothelial cells and enhancing blood flow. Used in conjunction with focused shockwave therapy, it accelerates recovery by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Tesla Chair Treatment – Functional Magnetic Stimulation

The Tesla Chair uses Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS) to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve nerve activity. This non-invasive therapy supports better blood flow and erectile function, making it a useful addition to multi-modal ED treatment plans.

Final Thoughts

If alcohol and erectile dysfunction are affecting your quality of life, there are effective, clinically-proven options available — without surgery, pills, or downtime.

Take the first step by booking a free 20-minute phone consultation with the team at MansMatters. You’ll speak with a medical professional who can assess your case, answer your questions and help you plan your way forward.

FAQs

Is there a connection between alcohol and erectile dysfunction?

Yes. Alcohol abuse is a recognised risk factor for ED, as it interferes with nerve signals, hormones and blood flow necessary for erections.

How common is ED in men who drink heavily?

ED is common among heavy drinkers. Many of our patients have a history of high alcohol consumption and experience related erectile problems.

Can alcohol cause permanent erectile dysfunction?

In some cases, yes. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to permanent damage to blood vessels and nerves, resulting in ongoing erectile issues.

Does alcohol affect other aspects of sexual performance?

Yes. In addition to ED, alcohol can contribute to premature ejaculation and lower testosterone levels, both of which impact sexual function.

Is alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction treatable?

Yes. Most cases respond well to medically-directed treatments, especially when alcohol consumption is reduced or eliminated.