For many people, cutting back on or quitting drinking has numerous health benefits. One of the most important is that it can help to improve erectile dysfunction (ED). But what is the timeline for this improvement?
If you’re looking to improve your sexual performance, one of the best things you can do is reduce your alcohol consumption – or quit altogether. But just how long will it take for ED improvements to show after quitting drinking?
Here, we look at how long it takes for ED symptoms to go away after stopping drinking, as well as steps you can take to help speed up recovery time.
What Impact Does Alcohol Have On ED?
The first thing to consider is the impact that alcohol has on ED. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the body’s systems, including sexual arousal. This can lead to difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Alcohol also affects testosterone levels, which are responsible for libido and sexual performance. Low testosterone levels can lead to ED symptoms such as low libido, difficulty achieving an erection, and reduced ejaculate volume.
How Long Does It Take For ED To Improve After Quitting Drinking?
The good news is that the effects of alcohol on ED can be reversed. Studies have shown that quitting drinking can improve erectile function in as little as two weeks.
However, it’s important to note that this timeline varies from person to person and depends on a number of factors, such as:
How Long You Have Been Drinking
If you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time, it may take longer for your ED symptoms to improve. This is because the body needs time to recover from the damage caused by alcohol.
How Much You Drink
The amount of alcohol you consume can also affect how quickly ED symptoms improve after quitting drinking. The more you drink, the longer it may take for your ED symptoms to go away.
What Steps Can You Take To Improve ED After Quitting Drinking?
In addition to quitting drinking, there are several steps you can take to help improve your ED symptoms. These include:
Eating A Healthy Diet
A healthy, balanced diet can play a key role in improving erectile dysfunction (Also check out How Much Turmeric To Take For Erectile Dysfunction?), and it’s important to make sure you’re getting all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Opt for a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of ED.
Exercising Regularly
Regular exercise can help to improve blood flow, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking can have a negative impact on your sexual performance, so quitting can help to improve ED symptoms. This is because smoking can damage blood vessels, which can lead to poor circulation and difficulty achieving an erection.
Reducing Stress
Stress can have a negative impact on your libido and sexual performance, so reducing stress can help to improve ED symptoms. Try to find ways to relax, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time outdoors.
Taking Supplements
Certain supplements, such as zinc, can help to improve ED symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about which supplements may be right for you; the right supplements can help to improve ED symptoms in as little as two weeks by improving blood flow and boosting testosterone levels.
Seeing A Medical Professional
If your ED symptoms don’t improve after quitting drinking and taking the steps above, it may be time to see a medical professional.
Your doctor can help to diagnose any underlying conditions that may be causing your ED and recommend treatment options.
How To Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption
Cutting down on alcohol can be a challenge, but there are several steps you can take to help reduce your consumption. These include:
Find An Alcohol-Free Alternative
If you’re used to having a drink after work or on the weekends, try finding an alcohol-free alternative; this could be anything from sparkling water with lime to a mocktail.
By finding an alcohol-free alternative that you genuinely enjoy and like the taste of, you will be less likely to reach for the bottle.
Set A Limit
Set a limit for yourself and stick to it. This could be one drink per day or two drinks per week, depending on what works best for you. Setting a limit will help you to stay in control and reduce your alcohol consumption, without having to go cold turkey.
Take A Break
If you’re finding it difficult to cut down on your drinking, try taking a break from alcohol for a few weeks or even months. This will give your body time to recover and can help to improve ED symptoms.
Seek Help If Needed
If you’re struggling to reduce your alcohol consumption, don’t be afraid to seek help. There are many resources available, such as support groups and counseling, that can help you to stay on track and reach your goals.
Find A Buddy
Having someone to support you and keep you accountable can be a great way to stay on track. Find a friend or family member who is also trying to reduce their alcohol consumption and check in with each other regularly.
Final Thoughts
The amount of time it takes for ED symptoms to improve after quitting drinking will vary depending on the individual, but it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months for ED symptoms to improve.
As a rule, you can expect your symptoms to abate more quickly if you take steps to reduce stress, take supplements, and see a medical professional if needed.
Hello, my name is Amelia Martin and I am a relationship columnist. As part of my job, I like to talk about all the things that come with relationships, intimacy, communication, health, and all the nitty gritty details that come with it.
As an adult, I cannot believe how many people struggle to open up about their sexual health problems, and don’t have the knowledge and advice they need to solve them.
That’s why I have created babyboomerdaily.com. In all of my years dealing with relationship advice, you would be surprised how much information I’ve gathered when it comes to the sexual health issues that are incredibly common, but we don’t like to talk about them.
Hopefully, we can learn new things together, and open up a friendly discussion about how to deal with these topics!
