Sex & Alcohol

Does drinking alcohol block your ability to have an orgasm? People often say that a cocktail or a glass of wine helps them to relax or even feel a little sexier. But does it actually result in better sex? Probably not.

Is alcohol an aphrodisiac?

Alcohol has the reputation of being an aphrodisiac. One or two drinks (depending on your weight, gender and other factors) can act as a social lubricant. Studies have shown that alcohol can enable some people to overcome sexual inhibitions or anxieties.

It's important to understand what constitutes one drink and how other factors such as weight and gender affect each individual.  This page explains those factors and can help you understand a safe level of alcohol use for you. 

What is the impact of alcohol on physical arousal?

Let's take a look at what happens to our bodies when we drink alcohol.


Alcohol dehydrates the body. Sexual arousal needs a certain amount of blood to bring oxygen and greater sensation to the genitals.

Alcohol can make getting an erection more difficult. Large amounts of alcohol (or long-term) consumption has been associated with problems getting erections. Dehydration with drinking causes less blood volume and a rise in angiotensin, the hormone associated with erectile dysfunction. Alcohol's inhibition of the central nervous system also contributes to the problem.

Alcohol can cause vaginal dryness. The dehydration common when drinking alcohol can contribute to fatigue, headaches and vaginal dryness.


back to top

Are there positive impacts of alcohol on arousal?

Some researchers recommend alcohol as a treatment to control ejaculation timng. While alcohol may be a temporary solution for some, there are more effective and permanent treatments for premature ejaculation. Visit our premature ejaculation page for more information.

While women who are tipsy or drunk have more difficulty physically reaching orgasm, some women report feeling more pleasure subjectively. This may be attributable to relaxed social feelings and inhibitions. Click here to learn more about female orgasm.

What level of drinking is best for my sex life?

If you want to have good sex for tonight and for years to come, not drinking alcohol at all or consuming no more than 1 to 2 drinks a night will allow you to enjoy sex without the negative physiological impacts discussed above. If you do drink, exchange a second or third alcoholic drink for a glass of water to combat the effects of dehydration and you and your sexual partner(s) will benefit.

What if I'm concerned about my alcohol use?

If you are a Brown student and you are concerned about your own use of alcohol or other drugs or a friend’s use, you can have a free, confidential appointment at Health Promotion, 401.863-2794   . Our focus is harm reduction, not abstinence, and we will work with you on the changes you choose to make. Located on the third floor of Health Services.

What if I am confused about a sexual experience I've had?

If you are confused about an experience you've had or not sure if your partner respected your boundaries, you can speak with someone on campus. Brown students can contact Bita Shooshani, or 401.863-2794, for confidential support. Please click here for more resources on and off campus. 

Links you can use

College Drinking: Changing the Culture

The Blood Alcohol Calculator

Online Alcohol Screening

The content on this page was adapted from the Huffington Post article What Alcohol Really Does to Your Sex Life by Petra Zebroff.

back to top