Benefits of Coffee Sexually: Does it Make You Last Longer?

You may not think of your local coffeehouse as a libido booster, but according to the internet, a cup of joe is all you need for harder, longer-lasting erections. Are there any proven benefits of coffee sexually, or is this just a myth? 

Coffee drinkers will be glad to know there are many ways coffee can positively impact their health. It’s rich in antioxidants and linked to health benefits, like a lower risk of death from all causes of heart disease.

But you shouldn’t count on coffee to boost a low sex drive or replace your medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). While some studies have shown that drinking coffee may improve ED by increasing blood flow and stamina, research is limited on how well it can really impact your sex life.

Keep reading to explore the link between caffeine and sex. Find out if your morning cup of coffee can improve erectile dysfunction or help you last longer, or if there are better alternatives.

Coffee offers some potential sexual benefits, like increased libido, boosted sexual stamina, and improved erectile function.

But, as we mentioned before, research is limited so you shouldn’t plan to replace your urologist with your barista just yet.

Does Coffee Make You Horny?

Many experts also claim that coffee, along with chocolate, can boost sexual desire. 

But is it true? Is coffee an aphrodisiac?

According to one study, caffeine may increase genital arousal via the sympathetic nervous system. However, the study focused on women experiencing sexual side effects from antidepressants. It’s unclear if the same results would occur in men.

Some older research has linked caffeine to higher testosterone levels, which may boost your sex drive. However, the study authors of this 2013 paper point out there’s no actual science to support the claim that coffee impacts your libido in any way.

Coffee Before Sex: Will You Last Longer?

A few cups of coffee or caffeine-filled energy drinks might spike your bedroom energy levels, but those benefits may not trickle down to your penis. 

Caffeine is a stimulant that can temporarily increase alertness and reduce fatigue, which might indirectly improve sexual performance. But that alertness often comes with negative side effects like anxiety, increased heart rate, and shaky hands.

For now, there’s no proof that coffee can help you last longer in bed. And you shouldn’t rely on an espresso to cure premature ejaculation.

Is Coffee Good for Erectile Dysfunction?

Can your caffeine consumption improve erectile dysfunction? Some research shows promise, but there are also some clear downsides.

One 2015 study looked at the effects of caffeine intake on more than 3,000 men with ED. It found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day was associated with better overall erectile function — even among obese, overweight, and hypertensive men. This may be due to caffeine’s ability to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow.

However, the researchers stated that more studies are necessary to determine whether the erectile function benefits were actually the result of drinking coffee.

There are also many ways caffeine can hurt erectile function.

For starters, caffeine is a diuretic. This means it helps your body get rid of water, which can affect your blood pressure. Dehydration and high blood pressure can negatively impact healthy erections.

Other negative side effects of coffee consumption include:

• Headaches

• Insomnia

• Stomachaches

• Fast heart rate

• Dependency and withdrawal

Perhaps more importantly, some studies link caffeine intake with depression and anxiety, which can adversely affect your libido and sex life.  

And remember that older research we mentioned that linked caffeine to higher testosterone levels? That same study found that caffeine increased cortisol even more than sex hormones, potentially leading to higher stress levels. Elevated cortisol — the stress hormone — can have some negative effects on your ability to function. So, you might want to limit your caffeine intake to avoid sexual function issues.

More Effective Ways to Support Men’s Sexual Health

The following are proven sexual health treatments. 

• Medications. The most common prescription medications for ED are PDE-5 inhibitors. These drugs are proven to increase blood flow to the penis. They include drugs like sildenafil (Viagra^®), tadalafil (Cialis^®), avanafil (Stendra^®), and vardenafil (Levitra^®). If you’re dealing with premature ejaculation, some products can help decrease sensitivity in your penis and last longer during sex.

• Lifestyle changes. Improving your daily habits — like sleeping better, reducing stress, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise — might support better erectile function and longer-lasting sex.

• Therapy. A form of therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you deal with psychological triggers for ED and premature ejaculation. The triggers may include anything from low self-esteem to performance anxiety (which may be worsened by caffeine).

While coffee intake may offer some potential benefits for sexual function, it shouldn’t replace medical care. Remember:

• Coffee does have some proven benefits. There may be limited benefits of black coffee sexually, but it’s high in antioxidants and may lower the risk of heart disease.

• There’s not much proof that coffee can treat ED, premature ejaculation, or other forms of sexual dysfunction. In fact, it’s associated with several problems that can worsen sexual function down the road, including anxiety and poor sleep.

• If you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction, consult a healthcare professional. They can recommend the most suitable treatment options for your needs. 

Ready to improve your sexual function and boost your sex life? Schedule an online consultation today.

Want to learn more effective ways to enhance men’s health through healthy lifestyle choices? Check out these 12 foods to eat before sex to last longer and review these 8 tips to have a healthy sex life.