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Sexual health, no whispers.

Sexual wellbeing

Does alcohol make it harder to feel aroused or orgasm, and how should couples talk about it?

Alcohol can affect sexual response and consent. Talk openly, avoid assumptions, and never rely on intoxication as a route to sex.

4 min read

Short answer

Alcohol can affect arousal, erections, orgasm, judgement, and communication. The effect differs between people and situations. Most importantly, someone who is too intoxicated to choose freely cannot consent to sex.

Talk before drinking if you can

If alcohol has affected your sex life, bring it up at a sober, calm time. You might say, “I have noticed drinking changes how present I feel during sex. Can we talk about what we both want when alcohol is involved?” Aim for honesty, not blame.

Do not treat alcohol as a way to make a partner more willing, less anxious, or easier to persuade. If a person is hesitant, quiet, confused, asleep, or too intoxicated to make a clear decision, stop sexual activity and focus on their safety.

Alcohol may make it harder for some people to feel aroused, maintain an erection, or orgasm. A bodily response does not prove what someone wants. Ask and listen. If sex is not working or does not feel right, you can stop without trying to push through.

Consider support for a repeating pattern

If alcohol use is affecting relationships, wellbeing, sexual function, or the ability to make safe choices, consider speaking with a healthcare professional or local alcohol support service. If sexual-function changes persist when sober, a clinician can assess individual causes.

Sources and further reading