When it comes to the influence of alcohol on sex, the opinions of scientists and doctors invariably diverge. This mainly happens because the question of the influence of alcohol on sexual intercourse is immediately mixed with problems of alcoholism, addiction, damage to reproductive function, and many other issues that only indirectly relate to the main question.
How will the consumption of alcohol just before sex affect the subsequent course of events?
This is the question that interests us the most, while answers to it often remain somewhat in the background. A stack of whiskey "for confidence"? Wine over a romantic dinner that leads to sex? Or drunken chaos in bed after a night at the bar? How will what you drink before sex affect what happens in the bedroom (in the club's restroom / in the kitchen / in the bathroom / insert your option)?
General Statistics
Alcohol leaves you unprotected: part one
A study conducted in 2007 by the University of Washington proved that under the influence of alcohol, partners are more likely to agree to unprotected sex. Moreover, the more alcohol is in both partners' blood, the faster this idea will come to their intoxicated minds and the easier it will be supported by both sides.
In a state of alcohol intoxication, we are not inclined to think about the consequences.
And no matter how you deny it, that's really the case.
It's clear that it depends on the dosage. But alcohol can affect sexual desire in such a way that you simply won't remember the necessary safety measures due to the desire to satisfy the instinct quickly.
You regret
A survey conducted in 2014 by Ipsos-MORI at the request of the Family Planning Association showed: 70% of those who regretted their sexual experience consider intoxication as one of the main reasons.
You become indiscriminate
According to the same survey, on average, 1 in 10 respondents admitted that sometimes they did not remember in the morning whether there was a sexual act at all and blamed it on alcohol.
28% of respondents admit that sometimes after "drunken" sex they could not remember their partner's face, and also blame excessive alcohol consumption for this.
In addition to the general influence of alcohol on sex, there are some effects that differ for women and men. And since sometimes a shot "for courage" is a common indulgence, it's worth discussing men and women separately.
For Men
1. A small dose of alcohol can help
A small dose of alcohol (150 ml of wine or 50 g of vodka) can slow down ejaculation and increase the duration of sexual intercourse. At first, this even seems like an advantage: your partner can achieve quality and prolonged (and sometimes multiple) orgasms while you are still "in shape." This seems to be the case until you move on to the next points.
2. You won't get pleasure
Claiming that there will be no celebration at all is sacrilege. But the truth is that your own sensations from sex under alcohol will differ from sensations when sober. Your own orgasm may take a long time to arrive, and then it may turn out to be unemotional and dull. And this will only happen at first.
3. The situation will worsen
This will manifest in two aspects. First: alcohol will gradually stop having a duration effect. As soon as drinking before sex becomes a habit, the quality of everything that happens in bed will inevitably begin to decline. And alcohol will no longer help you. Second: you will harm yourself. Decreased libido, impotence, and over time orgasms will not only become dull: from time to time you won't experience them at all. The further along, the worse it gets.
4. You may forget some important things
And not just about protection. You can forget anything: to ask your partner's age, to adhere to the norms of decency, not to break the law – things we unconsciously consider while sober and as if on autopilot.
On the other hand, this point is not so relevant for those who have a permanent partner.
For Women
1. It will be easier
You feel liberated and relaxed. Libido takes precedence over shame, and you seem much more attractive to yourself. You are easygoing, it's not hard to make you laugh, and you enjoy talking to others. Great, right? Read on.
2. You become more available
Your instincts begin to seek satisfaction on their own, and therefore all your liberation and sensuality are merely a result of seeking a partner. At the same time, the criteria for selection become blurred due to alcohol, and in the morning you may not understand what, how, why, and for what reason you did that night. This leads to the next point.
3. Alcohol leaves you unprotected: part two
You can harm yourself. Starting with the fact that protected sex can become unprotected, and ending with the fact that your condition can be easily exploited. For any purpose.
You become an easy target.
4. Sensations are dulled
As for the sexual act itself: you behave relaxed and liberated, no longer ashamed of yourself and your body, but at the same time your sensations are dulled. Most likely, the orgasm will not be as intense as when sober. If it happens at all.
5. It all depends on the dosage
After a large dose, you will just be drowsy.
Long-Term Perspective
What doesn't manifest with one-time alcohol consumption before sex will inevitably become evident if it recurs again and again.
You can get used to it.
Men get used to the idea that alcohol solves their problems in bed and no longer attempt to do anything without it, so as not to “blow it.”
Women get used to the feeling of lightness and fake sexuality, which they lack in ordinary life and which they see as available only through a dose of alcohol.
Gradually, this can lead to:
- negative effects on reproductive function (in both men and women);
- negative effects on sexual function (especially in men);
- increased risk of developing alcoholism (especially in women);
- significantly increased likelihood of conceiving a child with congenital defects.
Alcohol is not the best helper in sex. It is one of those friends who easily help you once or twice, but then just as easily stab you in the back.
Alcohol destructively affects your life. Be careful.
