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Enjoy sex like you used to
Picture it: You’re on your way to see your partner, and realizing you want a couple of beverages for the evening, you stop into a store. You’re expecting a hot and heavy night, so you find yourself wondering: Is there a drink that can help me last longer in bed? Or do I need to figure out what rhino pills are?
Alcohol might be what you reach for first, especially if you’re looking to unwind. But if you’re worried about lasting long enough to have satisfying sex, you may want to consider alternatives that may improve your sexual function or help with issues like premature ejaculation (PE).
We want to be clear here: There’s little (if any) evidence proving green juice, vitamin water, or any other bottles in your fridge can improve your stamina. However, if you’re looking for ways to last longer in bed, some drinks might help — at least indirectly.
Below, we’ll share some ideas on what to drink before sex, how these drinks affect your sexual stamina, and what else you can do to have the best sex ever.
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To understand where drinks fit into erectile health, we need to look at the link between food, erectile health, and sexual stamina.
Proper fuelling with a well-balanced diet is crucial to ensure you have enough energy for sex. But overeating can lead to its own problems — think gas and bloating.
And hydration matters more than you might think.
However, there’s no scientific evidence to support claims that specific beverages can boost your sexual stamina. Ultimately, the liquids you drink are only a small part of your overall erectile health.
But, some beverages may indirectly contribute to a better sexual experience by boosting your overall health. Certain drinks may also help support a healthy vascular system, which is crucial for healthy erections.
Your most basic beverage — water — promotes circulation and is necessary for bodily functions like blood flow.
Other beverages may contain antioxidant ingredients that can improve blood flow, or indirectly support sexual health.
But your daily drink choices can’t outright cure issues like PE or erectile dysfunction (ED).
Since the connection between beverages and sexual stamina is mostly indirect, the list of drinks for lasting longer in bed is fairly short.
Many of the liquids below are considered superfoods that you can juice or blend with other ingredients.
See for yourself:
Water
Aloe vera
Pomegranate juice
Milk
Banana shake
Strawberry juice
Get your blender, cocktail shaker, and glassware ready, and let’s dive into the potential sex benefits of these drinks in more detail.
Water is essential for health and hydration, and you need it to live. Staying hydrated is also a key factor in erectile health.
Dehydration can mess with your heart health and blood pressure, which are big concerns for people with ED. But here’s the good news: Drinking enough water helps keep your blood flowing to where you need it, including your penis.
There’s also a link between low water intake and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can lead to low sex drive, PE, ED, and other sexual dysfunctions.
Known for its wound-healing properties and gelatinous interiors, aloe vera contains compounds that improve blood circulation. The gel-like plant juice also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that may benefit sexual function.
While some animal research suggests aloe vera might increase testosterone levels and improve sexual function, more research in humans is needed.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Aloe vera could help improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. And better blood sugar control could lead to improved sexual health, since diabetes is a risk factor for ED.
Curious to try it? Blend up some fresh aloe vera jelly or buy it in a bottle.
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds called flavonoids and polyphenols. These bioactive compounds may promote blood flow and help reduce oxidative stress, whether you drink pomegranate juice or snack on the flavorful seeds,
A study of 53 men with erectile dysfunction found that those who drank pomegranate juice performed better sexually than those who took a placebo.
Milk — the original energy drink.
Milk is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that help support overall health and sexual function. Protein is essential for building muscle stamina, including the muscles in your arms, hips, and pelvic floor (the ones that help control orgasm timing).
Watermelon is a natural source of the amino acid citrulline, which increases nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels in and around your penis, which might improve erectile function. It also contains lycopene (also found in tomatoes), which offers similar benefits to erectile health.
Beet juice also contains nitrates and other antioxidants that promote general erectile health. Some research shows that the dietary nitrate in beets can help manage hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure can be a major problem if you’re trying to get and stay hard.
Bananas are a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health and circulatory function.
And while there are no studies linking banana consumption and penile health, a healthy circulatory system is vital for erectile function.
An easy way to fuel up with this potassium-rich fruit? Add bananas to a smoothie. Feel free to toss in a few blueberries, which also contain flavonoids, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients for your erections.
Strawberries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids that can boost your overall health. Antioxidants, in particular, help protect your cells from oxidative stress, which can affect sexual function.
Some studies even hint that certain compounds in strawberries may enhance nitric oxide production and improve blood flow, though we need more research to be sure.
And here’s a sweet tip: Add strawberries to a smoothie and blend with honey. Honey has been linked to reproductive health perks in a review of studies.
While alcohol can help lower your inhibitions, it can also mess with your sexual function if you overdo it.
Here’s what can happen if you mix alcohol and sex:
Dehydration
Erectile dysfunction (AKA “whiskey dick”)
Failure to practice safe sex
Reduced testosterone (which can lower libido)
If you really enjoy a cocktail before getting intimate, the best alcohol for sex is probably red wine.
Like pomegranate juice, red wine contains polyphenols and flavonoids. And research suggests a link between red wine and increased nitric oxide production, which supports better erections. It can also lower the risk of heart disease, a major risk factor for ED.
Sure, these drinks may help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. But habits like — regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management are most crucial for optimal sexual wellness.
And if you’re having trouble lasting longer in bed, beverages are no replacement for proper premature ejaculation treatment from a healthcare professional. Proven treatments for PE include:
Behavioral techniques. Certain strategies (like the stop-start method and the squeeze technique) can help delay ejaculation and prolong sexual activity. These involve interrupting sexual stimulation to reduce arousal levels. You can also try masturbating before sex to help decrease sensitivity.
Pelvic floor exercises. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (known as Kegels) can potentially improve ejaculatory control and increase endurance during intercourse.
Medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are pills that doctors sometimes prescribe off-label to treat premature ejaculation. SSRIs like sertraline can help delay ejaculation, but you should only use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to potential side effects.
Topical anesthetics. Topical solutions like lidocaine or benzocaine sprays, creams, or wipes, can help reduce penile sensitivity and delay ejaculation.
Counseling or therapy. Talking to a mental health professional about performance anxiety can help address the psychological factors that may be impacting your sex life.
Open communication. Communicating with your partner about sexual expectations, desires, and concerns can create a supportive environment (and one that’s more fun) while reducing performance-related stress, potentially leading to improved sexual endurance.
You can also explore ED treatments if you’re struggling with getting or maintaining your erections long enough for satisfying sex. Your healthcare provider may prescribe meds like Viagra® (sildenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil). Or, you can explore therapy and healthy lifestyle changes to improve your sexual function.
Ready to get started? Browse more sexual health resources or schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider to learn about your treatment options.
When it comes to what to drink to last longer in bed, pills, sprays, or creams that help decrease your sensitivity are probably your best option if you’re dealing with PE. Remember:
Some drinks may help your sexual function indirectly. Whether they help you stay hydrated for better blood flow or contribute to muscle stamina, beverages that support your overall health are likely to improve your sexual health, too.
When it comes to what to drink before sex, skip the alcohol. The best beverages may not be sexy, but they work better than booze, which can hurt your sexual function. ED-friendly drinks include water, milk, banana shakes, aloe vera juice, watermelon juice, beet juice, strawberry smoothies, and pomegranate juice.
Ask your provider about PE treatments if you’re having trouble lasting in bed. They include desensitizing sprays and wipes that reduce your penile sensitivity antidepressants, and therapy.
Remember, staying hydrated is key for sexual pleasure, but when it comes to addressing chronic sexual dysfunction, leave it up to your healthcare provider.
Medication, therapy, behavioral techniques, and communication are better solutions than counting on a fancy new cocktail to enhance your sex life.
Want to learn more about how to naturally improve PE? Check out these 12 foods to eat before sex to last longer, find out if honey makes you last longer, and explore 11 home remedies for premature ejaculation.
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]!
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