“Many studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption harms the human body, but its effects on male reproductive performance are particularly painful,” said Michael Eisenberg, a professor of urology at Stanford University.
And in fact, sperm counts are lowest in men who drink 40 or more alcohol units a week. Even small doses of alcohol have a negative effect on sperm composition – five units a week is enough for this – the research confirms dr. Tina Kold Jensen, Professor at the University of Southern Denmark.
Alcohol and male sperm quality
A standard unit of alcohol is defined as the number of grams of pure alcohol (100%). In Lithuania, as in many other countries, one standard unit of alcohol is 10 g of pure (100%) alcohol. Medium strength (3.5 or 4% APT) beer, cider – 0.5 l – 2 units. A large glass (175 ml) of red wine (12%) – 2 units. 750 ml of spirits – 28 units.
The study, which she led, involved 1,200 men between the ages of 18 and 28 who underwent a medical examination for military service. They all completed questionnaires indicating their normal alcohol consumption. In addition, a blood and semen sample test was performed on all participants.
Total sperm and sperm counts were found to be lower in men who consumed at least five units of alcohol per week compared to those who drank no more than one unit. Sperm count and sperm quality were significantly reduced in those men who drank more than 25 units of alcohol per week. Those who drank more than 40 units had a 33% lower sperm count than those who drank no more than five units a week.
According to Dr. Michael Heard, an obstetrician-gynecologist and endocrinologist from Houston clinics, alcohol poisoning leads to changes in hormones and some other substances in the body, such as cortisol, glucose, insulin, and male hormones. “It all affects sperm quality,” he said. – Semen quality in turn affects the chances of fertilization. “
Alcohol and infectious diseases in men
The journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, a research journal for sexually transmitted infections, has published another study. High levels of alcohol have been shown to increase the risk of transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) through sexual contact. HPV can cause cancer of the head and neck, as well as cancer of the rectum and penis.
More than 1,300 Americans participated in this study. The researchers found that those who drank 10 grams of pure alcohol a day (a unit of alcohol) were 13% more likely to get HPV and had a 35% higher chance of getting a cancer strain than those who consumed less than 0.1 gram of pure alcohol. alcohol. Even moderate alcohol consumption reduces the body’s ability to fight viral infections because it affects the immune system.
Alcohol and potency
Many people mistakenly believe that alcohol helps with potency, even considering alcohol an aphrodisiac. Not thinking that regular alcohol consumption lowers testosterone levels can negatively affect an erection in the long run and reduce sex life to zero.
Most men experience erection difficulties at some point in their lives. However, these unpleasant “events” go away on their own, unlike impotence (erectile dysfunction). Impotence has many causes, and alcohol consumption can be one of them.
Alcohol is able to block the nerve impulses through which the brain and body exchange “messages”. That’s why drunk people often talk incoherently, walk tortuously, and cause emotional scandals. Even a small amount of alcohol affects the nervous system, causing slower reflexes and distracted thinking. It also removes the nerves in the penis responsible for inducing an erection. This condition is called “alcoholic impotence.”
A study published in an issue of the Indian Journal of Psychiatry assessed the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among patients with alcohol dependence. How alcohol affects potency was found by researchers in 100 men with alcohol dependence syndrome. cases, the most common of which are:
- Premature ejaculation;
- Decreased sexual desire;
- Deterioration of erection.
At the same time, alcohol content has been shown to be a major factor in the progression of sexual dysfunction. Erection problems significantly lower men’s self-esteem and cause interpersonal problems. So, men, before ordering an ordinary cocktail at a bar, evaluate the sad consequences.
Still, if you decide to spend the evening with a glass of alcohol in hand. Try VIGO FM 100, the world’s first and only dietary supplement that strengthens erections, even if you drink alcohol.