Sexual disorders caused by alcoholism may be the result of central nervous system depression and decreased sexual sensitivity. Treatment for these cases usually involves addressing both the excessive alcohol use and the sexual difficulties, through psychological therapy, medical support and the adoption of lifestyle habits healthy. Drinking alcoholic beverages is a fairly common practice in our society, which is why many people face this problem on a daily basis. However, the inadequate regulation of this type of drinks can lead to disorders and difficulties in sexual practices, among other harmful effects on health.
In this Psychology-Online article we will talk about sexual disorders due to alcoholism: causes and treatment.
Index
- Why does alcohol cause sexual dysfunction?
- How alcoholism affects sexuality
- How to treat sexual disorders due to alcoholism
Why alcohol causes sexual dysfunction.
Alcohol is known for its ability to disrupt the normal functioning of the body and affect various systems, including the sexual system. Excessive alcohol consumption can have several negative effects on sexual function in both men and women. Here we explain the most frequent causes of sexual dysfunctions due to drinking alcohol:
Central nervous system inhibition
Alcohol negatively affects sexual performance as it restricts communication of neurons associated with the production of chemicals related to sexuality. As a result, some men have trouble getting erections while women may have difficulty reaching high levels of arousal.
Also, it is possible that inhibition of nervous system have an impact on the hormonal production of testosterone and estrogens. Testosterone plays an important role in sexual drive and erectile function in men, as well as arousal and sexual desire in women. Also, alcohol can affect blood circulation, which can decrease blood flow to the genitals and make sexual response more difficult.
Increased impulsivity
The lack of inhibition that the intake of alcoholic beverages has has the effect of a increased impulsivity behaviors. In this sense, it is possible that some people may submit to sexual practices that endanger the lives of others and themselves.
In this sense, it should be noted that the transmission of sexual diseases has a higher probability of materializing. In this article we explain How to control impulsivity.
psychological impact
Another important factor in the appearance of sexual dysfunctions in these cases is the psychological impact of excessive alcohol consumption. In this sense, alcoholism can cause feelings of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, which can negatively affect intimacy and sexual performance.
Ultimately, alcohol causes sexual dysfunction by interfering with sexual response, affect sex hormones, reduce sensitivity and affect blood circulation. It is important to note that moderate alcohol consumption may not have significant effects on sexual function, but excessive and chronic consumption can have negative consequences on this area.
How does alcoholism affect sexuality?
There are sexual disorders that can appear in the presence of alcoholism in some people. In this section, we will talk about how alcoholism affects sexuality:
- Erectile dysfunction: the inability for men to have and maintain an erection for a considerable period of time, which negatively affects sexual relations.
- premature ejaculation: Excessive alcohol consumption can affect the ability to control an ejaculation because it prevents its prolongation over time. Consequently, the person will reach orgasm too quickly.
- delayed ejaculation: This type of problem occurs when high levels of alcohol prevent a man from reaching orgasm when he wishes. In turn, this will cause the completion of a sexual act to be delayed.
- menstrual dysregulation: menstruation stops having a set period due to the lack of production of sex hormones. That is, alcohol prevents estrogen levels from being adequate to have a regular menstruation.
- infertility: the person loses the ability to produce sperm or eggs that allow conception.
- Lack of sexual energy: Excessive and prolonged consumption of alcohol decreases the desire to have sexual encounters due to inadequate hormonal production.
In this article you will find information about types of alcoholism.
How to treat sexual disorders due to alcoholism.
The approach to sexual disorders due to alcoholism consists of going to devices prepared to help people who have this problem. In this way, it is possible to produce symptomatic relief. In the next items, we will develop the main treatments:
alcohol withdrawal
First of all, the most important thing in cases of sexual disorders due to alcohol intake is address the problem of alcoholism. Treatment may involve participation in detoxification and rehabilitation programs, individual or group therapy, and support from support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
psychological therapy
Psychological therapy, as in the case of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in addressing the psychological and emotional aspects related to sexual disorders, as well as the symptoms and causes that are causing them. In this sense, CBT focuses on behaviors, emotions and thoughts that create difficulties in sexuality and offerstools designed to deal with these situations in a more enjoyable way.
On the other hand, psychoanalysis is another therapeutic approach that inquires into past memories that produce current symptoms. The goal of psychoanalysis is achieve lasting change by resolving internal conflicts and the unconscious patterns that influence behavior and relationships.
Pharmacotherapy
On certain occasions, the intake of medications prescribed by a mental health professional are effective for modify the functioning of the central nervous system and address specific symptoms of sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction or loss of sexual desire.
However, in these cases the supervision of an expert in the subject is always necessary, as well as avoiding self-medication.
Have a healthy social environment
The people in the environment of the person who has sexual difficulties as a result of excessive alcohol consumption can also be an influence on the daily life of the problem. In this sense, it is pertinent build a healthy social environment that promotes recreational activities to help people with this pathology.
Similarly, adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and exercises to manage stress It can improve general health and contribute to the improvement of sexual function.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Sexual disorders due to alcoholism: causes and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.
Bibliography
- Ávila Escribano, J.J., Pérez Madruga, A., Olazábal Ulacia, J.C., López Fidalgo, J. (2004). Sexual dysfunctions in alcoholism. Addictions Magazine, 16 (4), 1-6.
- Duany Navarro, A., Hernández Marín, G. (2012). Alcohol, sexual function and masculinity. Cuban Journal of Comprehensive General Medicine, 28 (4), 611-619.
