With many New Year celebrations about to include alcohol, a doctor has shed light on how even a single drink could affect men’s performance in the bedroom.
The countdown to 2025 is on, and for many adults, this means enjoying shots at bars, sharing a bottle of wine with friends, or popping champagne as the clock strikes midnight.
Some might also be looking forward to starting the new year with some intimate fun, but Dr. Jeevan Fernando, a former NHS doctor and the designated Dry January Doctor for 2026, has discussed how even one alcoholic drink could influence a man’s sexual performance.
In an interview, Dr. Fernando pointed out that the effects of alcohol might be more pronounced in men than women, mainly due to the different bodily functions required for a fulfilling sex life.
He stated, “Initiating and maintaining erections for men is an important aspect of sex with a partner. Alcohol directly impacts nitric oxide and testosterone, which damages men’s libido, blood flow and ability to maintain erectile strength. Given that men have external sexual organs, any small physiological changes can be noticeable to them and their partner.”
He added that while alcohol also affects women’s sexual function, it doesn’t manifest as visibly.
Regarding alcohol consumption, Fernando observed that the effects can “differ wildly depending on many factors, including [the drink’s] strength, the person’s metabolism and whether they have eaten that day, and other factors such as whether they smoke and their diet more generally.”
While some individuals might notice less impact after just one drink, many will definitely feel some changes.
Fernando explained, “Even one drink can have a short-term negative impact on our sexual performance. Alcohol can impair nerve sensitivity and blood flow, which can make erections more difficult to initiate and maintain.”
“Alcohol also drops our coordination and slows brain signalling, which harms our ability to synchronize with our partner in the moment.”
The doctor further noted, “Alcohol also impairs decision-making and can lead to more reckless behavior. Once we start drinking alcohol, it can make it more difficult to stop at one. The more you drink, the worse your sexual choices and performance will be.”
While indulging in a glass of bubbly on New Year’s Eve might bring about some challenges in bed, the encouraging news is that the advantages of reducing alcohol consumption are quickly observable.
Dr. Fernando highlighted that those who abstain from drinking, such as during Dry January, will experience better sleep quality and increased energy as their body processes the remaining alcohol.
“If you usually have a high alcohol intake, you may experience a temporary drop in mood as your body is replenishing dopamine that it regularly gets from alcohol. This will resolve in the first few days,” he explained.
“In the first few weeks, people report a lifting of their ‘brain fog’ and an improved ability to concentrate. Within this time, nitric oxide activity will be restored, and testosterone levels will normalize.”