Heavy drinking ‘dampens libido, reduces sensitivity, makes it harder to orgasm’

THIS Valentines Day, many couples cracked open a nice bottle of wine to get them in the mood for love. But while people drink to boost their confidence in the bedroom, but regular drinking can cause a range of problems from dampening libido to causing erectile dysfunction and decreased sensitivity, experts warn.

     Regular drinking has a range of effects from dampening the libido to making it harder for women to have an orgasm, they said.

     Dr Abigael San, clinical psychologist and alcohol expert said: ‘Drinking alcohol to excess can make good sex go bad.

    ‘This is because alcohol reduces both men’s and women’s sexual sensitivity.’

    It’s well known that too much booze can leave men unable to have an erection.

     However, it’s a myth that drinking too much only affects men, Dr San added.

In both sexes, sexual response is reduced by regular and prolonged drinking, she said.

      Research has shown alcohol means women experience reduced lubrication. They might also find it harder to have an orgasm, or have orgasms that are less intense, Dr San added. 

    Professor Paul Wallace, chief medical adviser to alcohol education charity Drinkaware said the fact that the body builds up a tolerance.

    He said: ‘If you need alcohol to get you in the mood for sex, then you’ll be drinking more and more each time.

HOW TO STAY SOBER 

1) Go alcohol-free: The best nights out, or evenings in, don’t have to include booze. 

There’s always the option of a rpmantic movie or an alcohol-free cocktail. 

2) Stay within the government’s lower risk guidelines: If you do decide to drink alcohol try and stay within the government’s guidelines.

3) Snack smarter: Food slows down the rate your body absorbs alcohol. 

So if you do choose to drink, eat regularly before and during drinking to help you stay sober.

4) Talk it out sober: If something is worrying you, don’t wait until you’ve had too much to drink to talk about it. Instead, try and discuss any problems with your partner over a coffee.