Coffee before sex can do more than just wake up your brain. Some studies suggest that men who drink two to three cups of coffee a day are less likely to develop erectile dysfunction, possibly because coffee can stimulate blood flow to the penis.
This article explains how coffee affects sexual performance and reproductive health.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
How Coffee Improves Sex
In addition to providing an energy boost, drinking coffee can improve sex in a number of ways. Coffee is affluent in antioxidants, which can protect blood vessels, aid circulation, and potentially improve blood flow to the penis, helping men get and keep an erection.
Erectile function
Men who drink two to three cups of coffee a day may have an easier time getting and maintaining an erection.
One study found that men consuming between 85 and 170 milligrams of caffeine per day were 42 percent less likely to experience erectile dysfunction, the inability to get or maintain an erection strenuous enough for sexual intercourse.
People who consumed between 171 and 303 milligrams of caffeine per day were 39 percent less likely to develop erectile dysfunction compared to those who did not consume caffeine.
This may be because caffeine relaxes the arteries and silky muscles in the penis, allowing more blood flow and improving erectile function. It may also be because caffeine consumption can escalate testosterone levels, and low levels can contribute to ED. Studies show that men who regularly drink caffeinated coffee have higher testosterone levels than those who don’t.
However, a more recent study found no link between caffeine consumption and erectile dysfunction.
Occurrence of ED
ED is very common. Although the risk of ED increases with age, younger men can also experience the condition. Estimates of the prevalence of ED vary, but it is estimated that one in ten men will experience the condition at some point in their lives.
Improved libido
It’s possible that caffeine can escalate your sex drive. Caffeine is a stimulant, a drug that can escalate energy and alertness by speeding up your brain and body. This increased energy can also escalate your sex drive.
In addition to boosting energy levels, caffeine can also escalate testosterone levels in men. Studies show that men who regularly consume caffeinated coffee have higher testosterone levels than those who don’t.
One study found that consuming more than 4 milligrams of coffee before exercise increased testosterone levels in athletes. An older study found that chewing caffeinated gum can raise testosterone levels by up to 14%.
It is possible that caffeine increases testosterone levels and may also stimulate sexual drive, as low levels are associated with decreased libido.
However, scientists have not published studies on the effect of coffee on libido in humans.
Reduced stress
Caffeine can lower anxiety levels and improve mood, so coffee drinkers may feel happier and more relaxed during sex.
Scientists believe that caffeine may relieve anxiety by blocking chemical receptors adenosinewhich can prevent the brain from responding to stress. However, this may only apply to featherlight to moderate coffee drinkers. High caffeine intake may actually cause higher anxiety levels.
Side effects
While coffee may offer some health benefits, it’s crucial to drink it in moderation. Too much caffeine can cause a number of unwanted side effects, including:
- Bow
- Jitters
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Accelerated heart rate
- Upset stomach
- Dependence
The Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 400 milligrams (about four to five cups of coffee) per day to avoid side effects.
Caffeine sensitivity
If you have a caffeine sensitivity, even a tiny amount of caffeine can make you feel diseased. There are varying degrees of caffeine sensitivity: one person may not be affected, while another will be unable to sleep for hours after consuming it. Caffeine sensitivity tends to escalate with age, so you may find that you need less coffee as you get older.
How much coffee before sex?
Coffee increases energy levels, improves physical endurance and increases the amount of neurotransmitters responsible for improving mood, which can contribute to improving the quality of sexual life.
However, you don’t have to drink excessive amounts of coffee before sex to enjoy the benefits. One or two cups 45 minutes before sexual activity can facilitate improve ED, escalate testosterone levels, and give you the energy you need for a positive sexual experience.
Do energy drinks improve sexual performance?
While caffeine in coffee is generally well-tolerated by most people, energy drinks can have a number of negative effects, and there is no evidence that energy drinks can facilitate with sexual performance. In fact, long-term consumption of energy drinks has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, sleep disorders, dental problems, obesity, and calcium deficiency.
summary
Coffee may be a natural way to improve your sex life. More research is needed to say for sure, but it seems that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction and escalate libido. Coffee can also reduce anxiety and stress, making sex more relaxing and enjoyable.
You don’t have to drink a lot of coffee to benefit from its effects. One or two cups 45 minutes before sex should be enough. Avoid drinking more than four or five cups a day, as too much caffeine can lead to unwanted side effects, such as insomnia and anxiety.
While coffee helps some people, be sure to talk to your doctor if you suffer from erectile dysfunction or have other concerns about your sexual performance.