Moderate Use
Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, defined as one drink a day, might increase one's libido. The definition of one drink is a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce bottle of beer or a mixed drink containing 1.5 ounces of distilled 80 proof spirits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to a study in the journal Nature and reported by The Independent (in the United Kingdom), when women drink alcohol the level of testosterone in their blood temporarily increases. This increase is particularly noticeable in women who are taking birth control pills. An increase in testosterone levels can lead to an increase in feelings of desire. Combine this with the natural reduction in inhibitions experienced with drinking, and it is easy to see how mild use of alcohol can lead to an increased libido.
Heavy Use
The heavy use of alcohol, defined as more than one drink a day for women, leads to negative results for a woman's sexuality. Women who have consumed more than a moderate amount of alcohol are more likely to experience problems with sexual dysfunction, according to the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand. This dysfunction manifests itself as an increased amount of time to become aroused and more difficulty reaching orgasm. A problem often develops when women use alcohol as a means to become more comfortable in a romantic or social setting. While light drinking can make you feel more at ease and make these situations more relaxed, drinking to the point of intoxication lowers inhibitions and might allow you to behave in a way you normally wouldn't.
Cautions
Many issues are related to alcohol consumption for women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that in the United States, alcohol exposure during pregnancy is the leading cause of preventable problems with newborns, including birth defects, neurodevelopment issues and mental retardation. Additionally, the Alcohol Advisory Council reports that women who are heavy drinkers are more likely to have unprotected sex, which can lead to pregnancy as well as other health consequences. Finally, the Alcohol Advisory Council reports that women who are heavy drinkers typically have more sexual experience and a greater number of sexual partners than women who do not drink or are moderate drinkers. Overall, light alcohol consumption can increase the libido and lead to greater sexual enjoyment, however heavy drinking will dampen the libido while at the same time causing you to exhibit behavior that is out of character for you.
