sex, Drugs & alcohol
Alcohol can affect people’s sex lives in many ways. The effects
of alcohol can be divided into two categories ‘bad effects’ and ‘good
effects’.
Good effects of alcohol
Small amounts of alcohol might help people to relax a little, it can
oil the social wheels and reduce shyness – thereby making it easier
for people to other people.
A small amount of wine or a cocktail will often make a person feel romantic – or
perhaps less ‘uptight’ about sex.
In some cases a small amount of alcohol can extend the time which a man
takes before he climaxes, – this can be helpful to men who have
a problem with climaxing too soon or experience premature ejaculation
(PE).
Bad effects of alcohol
Unfortunately the list of ‘bad’ effects of alcohol is much
longer!
Alcohol makes people less likely to have safer sex (i.e. use a condom) therefore risking pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).
Alcohol is a major cause of impotence (erectile dysfunction). A lot of men don’t realise this because they think that booze boosts their sex drive. But as Shakespeare says in the Scottish play: ‘It increases the desire, but it takes away the performance.’
Men who consume excessive quantities of alcohol can develop permanent ‘Brewer’s droop’ – and often lose of interest in sex.
We do not yet know if excessive alcohol use can cause female sexual problems, but it does seem likely that some cases of reduced sex drive are due to excessive alcohol consumption.
More evidence is emerging that there is a link between the use of alcohol and or drugs and ‘risky sexual behaviour’. Alcohol and or drugs can be used to enhance sexual activity but their use can also lead to people taking risks.
When you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs your inhibitions are lowered and you may end up regretting or not remembering your sexual activity. Apart from feeling bad about yourself afterwards you are also putting yourself at risk of picking up a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or an unplanned pregnancy.
When you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs you may:
- Feel pressurised into having sex when you don’t really want to
- Not think to use a condom
- Not remember what has happened
- Vomit and if you are on the pill this may make your contraception ineffective
- You may not be able to become sexually aroused
- Have a one night stand which you later regret -good sex is best within a loving relationship
If you experience any of the above you can seek advice from your GP or local Family Planning or Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic. It is essential that you go and get advice and if necessary be tested and treated.
Links
- www.bluelight.uk.net
- www.drinkaware.co.uk
- www.sdf.org.uk
- www.knowthescore.info
- www.dgcommunity.net/adat
- www.talktofrank.com