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Does caffeine from energy drinks or coffee cause erectile dysfunction?
There’s nothing better than waking up and enjoying a morning cup of coffee (or two). Caffeine gives you the boost of energy you need to get your day started on the right foot. At the same time, caffeine also restricts blood flow, which has some men wondering.
Do you need to give up your morning cup of joe to stay healthy and functional downstairs? The research may surprise you.
Here’s what you need to know about a possible connection between caffeine and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual health condition that mostly impacts older men, however, men of all ages can experience issues getting or maintaining an erection. While there are many signs of erectile dysfunction symptomsand factors that can cause ED–such as performance anxiety, lack of self-confidence, certain medications, and even injury–the leading cause is poor blood flow to the penis.
This is why the condition is extremely common in men with heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. All of these conditions are known to damage the blood vessels or negatively affect circulation. In turn, it’s harder for blood to flow to the penis. A lack of blood flow makes it impossible to achieve and/or maintain an erection.
Can Caffeine Cause ED, Or Impact Sex and Erections?
Caffeine has many effects on the body. It not only gives you a jolt of energy, it narrows the blood vessels throughout the body. With less room for blood to flow, blood pressure increases. Because of this, it was once suspected that there is a link between caffeine and ED.
However, research has found that the constriction of blood flow caused by caffeine is temporary. Studies have also found that people who regularly drink coffee or energy drinks aren’t at a higher risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction.
The reality is that caffeine is in fact a vasodilator. This means that caffeine improves blood flow and the function of the arteries, which can actually benefit men who have ED. Of course, this is all based on the assumption that you’re only drinking 2-3 cups a day. Drinking more than that may cause problems.
High caffeine consumption has been linked to all sorts of side effects, although recent research appears to contradict common symptoms, including:
- Fast heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Issues falling or staying asleep
Not getting enough sleep increases the risk of ED. So, if you’re a coffee drinker, an energy drink aficionado, or someone who loves soda, it’s best to limit your consumption. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks close to bedtime, as it will keep you up (while possibly keeping your manhood down).
Is Caffeine from Coffee Good for Erectile Dysfunction?
While coffee and other caffeinated drinks are no replacement for medically-backed ED treatments, your morning cup of coffee may be beneficial.
In fact, one study found that daily caffeine consumption was effective in reducing instances of erectile dysfunction in men 20 years or older. However, this doesn’t mean that you should stop your erectile dysfunction treatment and in turn put yourself on a caffeine drip.
Instead, these studies show potential positive results in using all natural compounds like caffeine to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction in a supportive role to medical therapy. For men, adding caffeine to your daily health routine may give you the boost you need in the bedroom.
Caffeine and Sex: How Caffeine Impacts Your Sex Life and Libido
Have you heard or read somewhere that caffeine may impact your drive? Wondering does coffee reduce libido? If you’re a java lover, worry not. This is, for the most part, a myth (there are also several ways to increase low libido).
While you may have seen or heard that coffee impacts blood sugar levels, which can stress your adrenal glands and reduce sex drive hormones, chances are this doesn’t apply to you.
Caffeine may slightly raise blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. However, it’s shown to have little to no effect on healthy men.
No matter your caffeinated beverage of choice, it’s important to be mindful of how caffeine impacts you. Everyone reacts differently, which means that caffeine could benefit or negatively impact your sex life.
For some, caffeine and sex go hand-in-hand. The compound is a known stimulant, which means it will give you all the energy you need to get going (and keep going) in the bedroom.
On the other hand, in some men, caffeine may worsen anxiety. Heightened stress and anxiety not only dampen the mood, they can impact your ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Getting the Most from Caffeine from Energy Drinks and Coffee
Most men drink caffeine to wake up in the mornings and to stay energized throughout the day. Whether you love coffee, energy drinks, or any other liquid that will give you a buzz, you can be mostly confident that caffeine isn’t the cause of most problems in the bedroom.
Because caffeine increases blood flow by opening the blood vessels, caffeine may actually help with erections and sexual performance. However, there are some things to keep in mind when partaking in caffeine.
First, avoid sugary drinks. If you’re notorious for putting excess cream and sugar in your coffee, try cutting down. Eating a high amount of sugar increases the risk of diabetes, poor heart health, and weight gain. These are all factors that increase the risk of ED and other sexual health problems.
The same stands true for all caffeinated beverages, including energy drinks and soda. Drinking low or no sugar drinks is the best way to get the energy you need without expanding your waistline or impacting your health.
Timing is also important when it comes to caffeine consumption. Because caffeine is a stimulant, you don’t want to drink it too close to bedtime. Otherwise, you’ll find it impossible to sleep, which increases the risk of temporary issues getting or keeping an erection.
The Verdict: Caffeine and Erectile Dysfunction
Despite what you’ve been told or read previously on the topic, there is little to no evidence that coffee, soda, or energy drinks cause erectile dysfunction. Instead, caffeine may do just the opposite by opening up the blood vessels and encouraging healthy blood flow from head-to-head. Coffee drinkers are still susceptible to erectile dysfunction for other underlying causes, however, it’s unlikely that caffeine intake is the root issue of sexual dysfunction.
If you’re a caffeine drinker, be aware of the sugar contents of your beverage of choice. You also want to be mindful of when you drink caffeine. This is because sugar, diabetes, obesity, and related lifestyle choices can be factors contributing to ED. Stick to morning and afternoon indulgences, and switch to non-caffeinated beverages in the evenings.
The medical professionals at Prime Men’s Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, low testosterone, HGH treatment, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
