Many men wonder whether alcohol makes premature ejaculation (PE) better or worse. The honest answer is that the link is not clear, and we do not recommend drinking as a way to manage it. This article explains what we can and cannot say. It is general information and not a medical assessment.
The short answer
We have not found strong evidence that alcohol causes PE, or that it treats it. Some men say a drink helps them relax and last longer, and others notice the opposite. Individual experiences differ, and research on the direction of the effect is mixed and limited. The main guidelines from the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and the European Association of Urology (EAU) do not present alcohol as an established cause or treatment of PE.
What research suggests
- Alcohol can affect sexual function in several ways, including desire, arousal and the time to ejaculation. The effect depends on how much is consumed and on the person.
- Some studies have linked heavy or long-term drinking, and stopping after heavy use, with sexual problems, but these studies are hard to interpret, because other factors such as stress, mood and relationships are involved.
- We are not aware of reliable South African figures.
Alcohol and erections
Heavy drinking is associated with erection problems, and a man who has trouble keeping an erection may ejaculate sooner out of worry. Because the two can be connected, it is sensible to consider both. See PE and erectile dysfunction.
Why it is not a strategy
- Alcohol is unreliable as a delay tactic, because the effect varies and may be the opposite of what you want.
- It can make erections harder to keep.
- It can affect judgement, communication and consent, and it can affect your partner’s experience.
- Using it to cope can lead to dependence.
- It can interact with medicines and with some supplements.
If you are looking for practical options, see the overview of treatment options.
When drinking is part of a bigger pattern
If you drink heavily, rely on alcohol to feel confident in bed, or find it hard to cut down, speak to a doctor or another qualified professional. Our page on when to see a doctor explains what to expect. See also the overview of causes.
Sources and further reading
- Althof SE, McMahon CG, Waldinger MD, et al. An update of the International Society of Sexual Medicine's guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of premature ejaculation. Sex Med 2014;2(2):60-90
- European Association of Urology guidelines on sexual and reproductive health, 2021 update: male sexual dysfunction. Eur Urol 2021;80(3):333-357
This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.