Caffeine and Erectile Dysfunction: How Coffee and Energy Drinks Impact Men’s Sex Life

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and maintain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse. There are numerous potential causes of ED, but when the cause is physical, the common denominator is a lack of blood flow into the penis. Medications such as sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil work by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow into the penis. Caffeine is also a vasodilator. Which leads many men to wonder whether caffeine is an effective treatment for ED?

Caffeine has potential health benefits, such as increasing physical and mental energy levels, improving mental focus, and providing antioxidants. But, will it also reduce the risk of ED?

It is important to consider that more than 90% of men over age 40 have a physical cause for their ED symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your ED symptoms. They may recommend that you start the diagnostic process by having your testosterone and other hormone levels checked.

What Effect Does Caffeine Have on Erectile Dysfunction? 

An erection requires increased blood flow into the penis, relaxation of the cavernosal smooth muscle, and restriction of blood drainage from the penis. Essentially, blood must fill the corpora cavernosa spaces in the penis and be prevented from draining.

Nerves release neurotransmitters, which cause the smooth muscles lining blood vessels to relax, which increases blood flow. Nitric oxide (NO) is the most important of these neurotransmitters. ED medications increase NO levels by inhibiting PDE-5, an enzyme that activates a pathway that reduces nitric oxide. Caffeine is a weak PDE-5 inhibitor.

Since caffeine is a weak PDE-5 inhibitor, researchers explored whether caffeine could have the same effect on ED as ED medications that reduce PDE-5 and increase NO. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest a strong link between caffeine consumption and ED prevention.

What Causes ED?

There are many potential causes of ED, some of which are physical and some psychological. A physical or emotional stimulus is the first step in generating an erection. Signals are sent from the brain to blood vessels entering the penis and smooth muscle lining the chambers within the penis. The effect increases blood flow into the penis, causing it to become firm and erect.

Psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression can impair sexual desire and libido. Damage to blood vessels from high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure and neurological conditions, surgery or pelvic injuries can all impair blood flow into the penis.

Physical Causes of ED:

  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Heart disease
  • Prostate disease
  • Medications
  • Nerve damage
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Low testosterone levels
  • Thyroid disease
  • Medication side effects
  • Prostate surgery
  • Nerve damage
  • Obesity
  • Peyronie’s disease

Psychological Causes of ED:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Past traumatic events
  • Relationship problems
  • Stress

Side Effects of Too Much Caffeine

Caffeine is metabolized differently by different people. Slow metabolizers may have more side effects from caffeine than those who metabolize caffeine more quickly. The Food and Drug Administration recommends limiting daily caffeine consumption to no more than 400 milligrams per day.

Average caffeine in selected drinks:

  • Caffeinated soft drink:  30 to 40 milligrams of caffeine
  • Green or black tea (8 oz): 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine
  • Coffee (8 oz): 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine
  • Energy drinks (8 oz): 40 to 250 mg of caffeine

Potential side effects from caffeine:

  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Anxiety
  • Increased heart rate
  • Nervousness
  • Nausea
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination

Energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar and are associated with adverse health consequences such as high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, obesity, type 2 diabetes, dehydration, and dental erosion.

Other Benefits of Caffeine

The prevalence of ED increases with age, and there is a direct relationship between aging, an increase in chronic disease, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, any steps you can take to age in a healthier way are important.

Caffeine has the following potential health benefits:

  • Boost mental and physical energy
  • Help manage weight
  • Help with mental focus and attention
  • Reduce the risk of depression
  • Decrease liver disease
  • Boost athletic performance

How Much Caffeine to Have Before Sex

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) questioned approximately 3,700 men about their ED risk factors and dietary intake over the course of 48 hours. Their dietary recall was analyzed to estimate caffeine intake. Researchers found that caffeine consumption reduced the prevalence of ED, especially when 2-3 cups of coffee were consumed per day (170-375 mg caffeine/day). The researchers theorized that caffeine caused relaxation of the penile arteries and the smooth muscle lining the corpora cavernosum in the penis, increasing blood flow. However, the study was observational, so it was impossible to determine cause and effect.

In another study, over 20,000 healthcare professionals were questioned about their caffeine intake and ED. There was no significant difference in ED incidence when comparing participants who did not drink caffeine with those drinking four or more cups per day.

Because caffeine affects each man differently depending on their usual daily caffeine intake and how quickly they metabolize caffeine, the amount and even whether caffeine improves ED will vary.

Try one or two cups of coffee (or other caffeinated beverage) 45 to 60 minutes before planned sexual activity and see if you have increased energy and fewer ED symptoms. Since caffeine may pose a health risk for some men, consult with your doctor before increasing your caffeine intake.

Can Caffeine Impact Erectile Dysfunction Medication?

Though there is not enough evidence to suggest men can replace their ED medication with caffeine. It is also important to remember that it is an addictive substance, and men who currently avoid caffeine use may find the disadvantages outweigh the risks.

Lifestyle Changes That May Help ED 

Though the link between caffeine use and ED is not strong, other lifestyle changes, such as consuming a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, can reduce the risk of ED. A healthy diet high in antioxidants can reduce risk factors for ED, such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. Regular aerobic exercise and pelvic floor exercises can help to support the cardiovascular system while also improving muscle tone around the urinary and reproductive systems.

When hormone levels are out of balance, men may experience symptoms such as decreased libido, which can increase their risk of ED. Here are 7 ways to naturally regulate your hormones, each with more evidence than caffeine use to treat ED.

When To Seek Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Men over the age of 40 with ED are more likely to have a physical cause for their symptoms. ED symptoms can be a harbinger of cardiovascular disease and should not be ignored. Talk to your doctor about the many effective treatments available for treating ED, such as Trimix injections, and for treating hypogonadism, symptomatic low testosterone levels that increase with age.  

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