Drinking alcohol to extend intercourse?

"After drinking alcohol, I feel my body warm and excited, and sexual intercourse lasts longer. Is this due to the stimulating effects of alcohol?" asks Hung, 27, from Hanoi.

No, the perception of increased excitement and longer sexual intercourse after drinking alcohol is not a genuine benefit, but rather a result of alcohol's impact on your body and perception, explains Doctor Pham Quang Khai, a specialist from the Department of Urology and Andrology at E Hospital. Many men informally share the tip of drinking a few glasses of alcohol before sex to extend duration, increase excitement, and strengthen marital bonds. However, this common belief often overlooks the significant risks.

While some sources, like the American Heart Association, suggest that consuming less than 150 ml of wine daily may offer benefits for cardiovascular health, mood, and confidence, excessive alcohol intake before sexual activity can lead to severe health issues. Under the influence of alcohol, the body's coordination is disrupted, and self-control is lost. Men may not be clear-headed enough, potentially leading to serious injuries such as penile fractures, as well as erectile dysfunction and other sexual dysfunctions. There is also an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections due to unsafe practices.

Beyond immediate risks, alcohol consumption impairs judgment and reduces overall health, making sexual encounters stressful and exhausting, which can be mistakenly perceived as prolonged duration. Prolonged alcohol abuse severely diminishes sexual function and reproductive health. It also contributes to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and adversely affects the digestive system, causing bloating, indigestion, and stomach or duodenal ulcers. It is crucial to avoid risking personal health based on unverified folk remedies or word-of-mouth advice.

To maintain health, men should not exceed 720 ml of beer, 300 ml of wine, or 60 ml of whiskey per day. Women should limit their daily intake to 360 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine, or 30 ml of whiskey. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for children and adolescents.