Alcoholism is a disease involving a complete dependence on alcohol. Symptoms of alcoholism include a compulsion to drink, secretly drinking, withdrawal symptoms if unable to drink, memory loss, irritability or seeking alcohol as a release, according to MayoClinic.com. In addition to inhibiting a person's ability to perform typical work or home-related activities, alcoholism causes a myriad of health problems. Liver, heart, digestive or eye problems; birth defects; bone loss; increased cancer risk; neurological problems; and sexual side effects are typical effects of alcoholism.
Heightened Sex Drive
In the beginning of alcoholism, the brain's control center is repressed, which is thought to lead to a heightened sexual awareness and desire, reports the Seattle Institute for Sex Therapy, Education, and Research. Alcohol also promotes blood vessel dilatation, which may cause a "sense of sexual well-being, warmth and sexual adequacy." The early stages of alcoholism or moderate drinking may be characterized by an increase in sexual encounters or desire. Women absorb alcohol at a faster rate than men, since women generally have lower water content in their bodies. The higher water content in men dilutes the alcohol, so men have to either drink more alcohol or drink at a faster rate in order to become equally as intoxicated as women.
Impaired Sexual Ability
Prolonged alcohol consumption causes testosterone levels to decrease. Lower testosterone levels interfere with overall sexual desire and instigate erectile dysfunction in men and hormonal imbalances in women, leading to menstrual cycle disruptions, according to MayoClinic.com. Liver damage that occurs during later stages of alcoholism prevents proper estrogen metabolism and may lead to cessation of ovulation. The Seattle Institute reports that women may participate in sexual encounters; however, women may find it virtually impossible to achieve an orgasm.
Increased Chance of Sexual Assault
Alcohol acts as a mood stabilizer or anesthetic on the nervous system; therefore, alcoholic women are more likely to be victims of sexual assault. Women may not even realize that the sexual assault has occurred until several hours after the event, when some of the alcohol has left their system. Men who commit sexual assault are more likely to be intoxicated, possibly in the early stages of alcoholism when sexual desire is elevated.
