Doctor explains major impact Dry January can have on sexual performance for men

A doctor has revealed the many physical and mental benefits men can have in the bedroom if they cut out alcohol for a month.

With Christmas in the rear view, many people can admit they have been pretty indulgent the last few days, possibly even weeks.

And with this barrage of food and drink and lazing about, there often comes a whole lot of alcohol consumption to top it all off.

While this can be fine in moderation, too much regular drinking can have negative impacts on your sex life for men.

Dr Jeevan Fernando, the official Dry January Doctor for 2026 for Alcohol Change UK, has spoken about the benefits that a person can have if they ditch the booze for a month, as many people prepare for the new year challenge.

Speaking to UNILAD, he first busted some myths around alcohol and an improvement in sexual performance.

Alcohol can negatively impact sex life in a whole host of ways (Getty Stock Image)

He said: “Alcohol directly harms sexual performance by acting on the brain, nerves, blood vessels and hormones.

"Alcohol damages a chemical produced by our nerves and blood vessels called nitric oxide, which is essential for initiating and maintaining erections. It also reduces testosterone levels, which reduces libido and erectile strength.”

He also noted that overconsumption of alcohol can negatively impact overall health and complicate relationship issues.

He continued: “Drinking alcohol can also impact our relationships, affecting our mood and lowering our inhibitions, leading to impulsive decisions or arguments we may later regret.

"It can also harm our general health through increasing anxiety, dehydration and weight gain, which can lead to reduced desire, weaker erections and less satisfying sex both in the short and longer term."

Noting the benefits in the bedroom for men if they cut out alcohol for a month, Dr Fernando emphasized that the positives are pretty clear-cut.

Dr Jeevan Fernando highlighted how quickly the body repairs to normal after reducing alcohol intake (Getty Stockl Images)

He explained: “Reduced alcohol in the system allows blood vessel function and hormonal systems to be restored all over the body.

"Nitric oxide signalling improves, supporting better blood flow and stronger erections. Testosterone levels rise to normal, raising libido and motivation. People also tend to sleep better and feel less anxious, which improves self-esteem and sexual confidence.

"This is likely to lead to more satisfying and connected sex as a result.”

So, if not to see the physical and mental benefits cutting out alcohol can have, it might be worth reducing your intake in the new year to see if you feel any more spry in the bedroom.

If you've been affected by addiction and want to speak to someone in confidence, you can call American Addiction Centers on (888) 324-0595, available 24/7, or contact them through their website.