Alcohol and Health Effects
Is Mixing Viagra and Alcohol Safe? Heres What You Need to Know
Should you Mix Alcohol and Viagra?
Taking Viagra with alcohol in your system has, so far, shown no evidence of interaction. But alcohol contributes to erectile dysfunction, the issue Viagra is trying to improve. It does not make sense to make your problem worse while taking a medication you hope will help.
Despite this, we advise you to refrain from consuming alcohol while on Viagra. Mixing medication with alcohol does complicate things, and although limited research suggests that Viagra and alcohol do not affect each other, it is worth taking the safe route and sticking to one or the other.
How Viagra Works
Viagra, or sildenafil, is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra helps by increasing blood flow to the penis when aroused. The increase in blood flow is temporary but is long-lasting and can sustain an erection for a prolonged period, usually lasting between two and four hours.
Here are some key facts about how Viagra works.
- Viagra will not work without sexual excitement. If there is no sexual excitement, there will be no erection due to pulmonary hypertension, when the blood vessels in the chest relax and release blood toward the penis. Without sexual arousal, this part of the process cannot happen.
- It can take between 30 and 60 minutes for Viagra to work for erectile dysfunction and around 4 hours before you want to have intercourse.
- Most people who take Viagra will not have any side effects, but some do. The most common side effects when taking Viagra are headaches, nausea, indigestion and dizziness.
- Consuming grapefruit juice while taking Viagra can change how Viagra works, which can be detrimental if you take it for pulmonary hypertension.
How Alcohol Affects Erectile Dysfunction
Men who have issues with alcohol will often have problems with erectile dysfunction. A study in 2019 found that those with a chronic alcohol addiction are likely to develop erectile dysfunction and other vascular issues.
Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol showed that the body can sustain erections longer while obtaining the ability for relaxation and disinhibition.
Most cases of erectile dysfunction are a symptom of chronic alcohol addiction. Some other critical bodily functions are affected by chronic alcohol use.
Testosterone
In 1998, tests on alcohol’s effects on testosterone found that alcohol can adversely affect the Leydig cells, which are involved in producing and secreting testosterone. Studies also showed that heavy alcohol use can significantly reduce testosterone levels in the blood.
Many studies (Adler, 1992) show damage to testosterone production and shrinking of the testicles. The long-term effects of alcohol abuse can then result in impotence, infertility and reduced male secondary sexual characteristics, which include reduced chest and facial hair, enlarged breasts and a shift in fat positioning, which can move from the abdomen to the hip area.
One of the stand-out studies (Lloyd & Williams, 1948) shows that men with alcoholic cirrhosis have decreased levels of sexual potency.
Estrogen
In some reviewed studies, heavy alcohol consumption increases estrogen production, which could theoretically protect bone from osteoporosis. However, despite this increase in estrogen, alcohol consumption leads to accelerated bone loss.
Several research studies have indicated that the consumption of alcohol can have harmful effects on the female reproductive system, particularly during puberty, leading to the disruption of regular menstrual cycling and reproductive function.
Furthermore, alcohol consumption alters hormonal levels in postmenopausal women, which can result in several health issues.
Testicular Problems
Long-term alcohol use can reduce fertility levels in men. Studies have shown to reduce luteinising hormone levels, which, in turn, affects the activity of the luteinising hormone molecule, making it less likely to stimulate hormone production in the testicles.
Those who consume alcohol regularly over long periods are more likely to affect the reproduction process negatively.
Consuming alcohol during puberty can inhibit reproduction by struggling to develop potent LH molecules that reduce the amount and quality of those produced.
Viagra and Alcohol Side Effects
It is important to note that consuming alcohol and taking Viagra can decrease blood pressure, increasing the likelihood of specific side effects such as dizziness, fainting, headaches, and heart palpitations. It is crucial to be aware of these possible side effects and take caution while getting up from sitting or lying down.
Alcohol consumption can potentially cause or worsen Erectile Dysfunction (ED). If you are taking medication such as Viagra to help get or maintain an erection, alcohol may be counteracting its effects.
We recommend limiting alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether if you take ED medication. Being mindful of alcohol intake can help improve your chances of successful treatment for ED.
Can You Mix Alcohol and Viagra?
If you have erectile dysfunction, then it would be best not to drink alcohol at all so that your medication, or Viagra dose, can work to its full effect. If you insist on drinking while on ED medication or Viagra, a few glasses of wine or beer will likely have little to no effect.
However, drinking excessive alcohol may reduce the impact of your medication or Viagra. The whole point of Viagra is to open up the blood supply elsewhere and inject it into the penis so it can get hard enough for intercourse. Drinking excessive alcohol will not support this process and can even nullify it altogether.
The simple reasoning behind this is that short-term alcohol consumption can depress your central nervous system, slowing information between your brain and your penis. Interrupting this flow in any way will decrease your chances of an erection.
How Do I Curb My Drinking?
Are you on ED medication and worried about what your alcohol habits are doing to your chances of long-term sexual function? You are not alone. Moving away or reducing our alcohol intake can be difficult.
There are many ways to reduce our alcohol intake. At Desistal, we sell supplements designed to help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms and help minimise any cravings you may have for alcohol.
Desistal has three critical ingredients known to help control our alcohol intake or help us end alcohol consumption altogether.
These ingredients are:
- Bacopa Monnieri – Bacopa Monnieri is commonly used as a memory aid and is known for its benefits in reducing the negative symptoms that arise during alcohol cessation. It supports healthy brain function, helps to lower stress levels, and enhances mood and temperament, making it a helpful supplement in promoting overall well-being.
- Acetate (Apple Cider Vinegar) – ACV, also known as apple cider vinegar, contains a natural source of acetate, which can provide a healthy and non-alcoholic energy source to the brain. Moreover, it can support healthy digestion and enhance overall mental well-being by regulating serotonin levels. This can result in a stabilised mood, healthy sleep cycle, positive mental attitude, and increased happiness.
- MCT Oil Powder – Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are a special form of fat that stands out for its unique metabolic pathway. Unlike other dietary fats, MCTs are transported directly to the liver for quick conversion into ketones – an alternative energy source for the brain.
By providing your brain with a steady supply of ketones, MCTs help raise the NAD+/NADH Ratio, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy brain function. This, in turn, helps to counteract the adverse effects of alcohol withdrawal by acting as a replacement for the alcohol your brain has relied on for energy. Consuming MCTs can help restore your mind and body balance, making it an excellent addition to your diet.
If you want to learn more about the Desistal supplement or have any questions regarding addiction treatments in your local area, please call our support team now.
Our staff are experienced in addiction care and are patient when discussing treatments.
We can take your enquiry twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached via phone, email and online chat. Any information shared will remain confidential.
Sources:
A Meta-Analysis of Erectile Dysfunction and Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol’s Effects on Male Reproduction
Alcohol’s Effects on Female Reproductive Function
Alcohol and the Male Reproductive System
All you need to know about Viagra and alcohol