Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction: Alcohol and Drug Use

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External Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Outside stimulants, such as tobacco smoking, are not the only cause of erectile dysfunction. Other factors, such as alcohol and recreational drug can play a big part in causing problems regarding sexual function and activity. It is for this reason that the effects and limits of a person must be taken into consideration.

Alcohol and Erectile Dysfunction

The consumption of alcohol acts as a depressant on a person's nervous system. While it may seem like a drink or two may help a person and their partner "get into the mood," in reality, continual drinking can lead to issues maintaining an erection, and become an inhibitor in sexual performance. When alcohol enters into a person's system, the intoxicating agents work to dilate (expand) the blood vessels in the penis. Even if an individual is able to work up and maintain an erection in this state, the alcohol in a person's system will keeps the blood vessel open, allowing for the blood to drain out quickly. As the blood drains, the penis will quickly return to its original, flaccid condition, making sex difficult, if not nearly impossible in its current state.

Recreational Drugs and Erectile Dysfunction

Recreational drugs are also a big factor in causing the effects of erectile dysfunction, with up to twenty five percent of cases being linked to drug induced side effects. Like alcohol, it may convince a user that it helps or increases the enjoyment of sexual intercourse, but can also impair sexual effectiveness. Recreational drugs that can cause erectile dysfunction include:

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Methadone
• Ecstasy
• Speed
• LSD
• Psilocybin
• Barbiturates
• Opiates

Like alcohol, drugs work to act on the central nervous system and can keep blood vessels in the penis open, making it difficult for an erection to take place. Recreational drugs can also cause serious damage to the blood vessels, making the effects of erectile dysfunction permanent.

Limitation and Avoidance

It is important to gauge any problems with erectile dysfunction against the amount of substances taken before sexual activity. Drugs and alcohol are long term toxins and can stay in the body hours after ingestion. The longer the time a person uses these substances, the greater the chance the problem may be, even to the point that maintaining an erection is not possible at all. It is important to keep the system clear of such toxins, and drinking water before any sexual activity also can help to flush out the body. Natural medicines (such as ginseng) may also help to invigorate the body and restore sex drive. If these suggestions do not help the symptoms to disappear, then medical consultation may be necessary.

The Cure Within

This is one aspect of erectile dysfunction that can be overcome with the proper time to recover from alcohol and drug uses, as well as a restriction or complete avoidance of outside intoxicants. By recognizing the negative effects of substance overuse or abuse, steps can be taken to restore a level of functional enjoyment for an individual and their partner.

Sources: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/PrintablePages/HealthConditions/1,20041,550166,00.html

http://body.aol.com/learn-about-it/mens-sexual-health/causes-of-erectile-dysfunction/alcohol-and-substance-abuse?cc=70

http://www.infosex.com/erectile-dysfunction.htm

http://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/drugs-linked-erectile-dysfunction