Smoking, alcohol and erections

How smoking and heavy drinking can affect sexual wellness.

Strong evidence · Review status: NOT_REVIEWED

Smoking affects blood vessels and is associated with erection difficulty. Alcohol may lower inhibition but larger amounts can make erections harder to get and keep.

Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol are among the most helpful steps for overall health.

Sources

• Erection problems (erectile dysfunction) — NHS (UK National Health Service)
• Quit smoking — NHS (UK National Health Service)
• Alcohol advice — NHS (UK National Health Service)