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Your sex life, your way
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at [email protected]!
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Dr. Kelly Brown is a board certified Urologist and fellowship trained in Andrology. She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research. Dr. Brown was previously Medical Director of a male fertility startup where she lead strategy and design of their digital health platform, an innovative education and telehealth model for delivering expert male fertility care.
She completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science and a Minor in Chemistry. She took a position at University of California Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist in the department of Interventional Cardiology, further solidifying her passion for medicine. She also pursued the unique opportunity to lead departmental design and operational development at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sparking her passion for the business of healthcare.
Dr. Brown then went on to obtain her doctorate in medicine from the prestigious Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Management. During her surgical residency in Urology at University of California San Francisco, she utilized her research year to focus on innovations in telemedicine and then served as chief resident with significant contributions to clinical quality improvement. Dr. Brown then completed her Andrology Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin, furthering her expertise in male fertility, microsurgery, and sexual function.
Her dedication to caring for patients with compassion, understanding, as well as a unique ability to make guys instantly comfortable discussing anything from sex to sperm makes her a renowned clinician. In addition, her passion for innovation in healthcare combined with her business acumen makes her a formidable leader in the field of men’s health.
Dr. Brown is an avid adventurer; summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (twice!) and hiking the incredible Torres del Paine Trek in Patagonia, Chile. She deeply appreciates new challenges and diverse cultures on her travels. She lives in Denver with her husband, two children, and beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. You can find Dr. Brown on LinkedIn for more information.
Education & Training
Andrology Fellowship, Medical College of Wisconsin
Urology Residency, University of California San Francisco
M.D. Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineB.S. in Radiologic Science, Chemistry Minor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Published as Kelly Walker
Cowan, B, Walker, K., Rodgers, K., Agyemang, J. (2023). Hormonal Management Improves Semen Analysis Parameters in Men with Abnormal Concentration, Motility, and/or Morphology. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 118, Issue 5, e4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fertility-and-sterility/vol/120/issue/1/suppl/S
Walker, K., Gogoj, A., Honig, S., Sandlow, J. (2021). What’s New in Male Contraception? AUA Update Series, Volume 40. https://auau.auanet.org/content/update-series-2021-lesson-27-what%E2%80%99s-new-male-contraception
Walker, K., Shindel, A. (2019). AUA Erectile Dysfunction Guideline. AUA Update Series, Volume 38. https://auau.auanet.org/content/course-307
Walker, K., Ramstein, J., & Smith, J. (2019). Regret Regarding Fertility Preservation Decisions Among Male Cancer Patients. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e680-e681. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556300.18991.8e
Walker, K., & Smith, J. (2019). Feasibility Study of Video Telehealth Clinic Visits in Urology. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e545-e545. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556071.60611.37