Adults in the U.S. drink caffeine at least once per day. In fact, over 85% of adults drink soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Caffeine affects all kinds of body behaviors, including sleep, pee, and sex.
Caffeine is used for lots of reasons, such as medicine, athletics, appetite suppression, and waking up. It keeps people awake by intercepting a sleep chemical called adenosine. If adenosine stops working, then it is easier to stay awake or disrupt normal sleep cycles.
Lots of research looks at the relationship between sleep and sexual function. However, not a lot of research looks at the relationship between caffeine and sex. If caffeine interrupts sleep so much, then what about sexual function?
Caffeine and Men’s Sexual Health
Normal amounts (170-375 mg/day) of caffeine seem to have a neutral or positive effect on men’s sexual function. This is about 2-3 cups of coffee per day.
At least one study found that men who drank a normal amount of caffeine in a day were less likely to report erectile dysfunction (ED). Caffeine has also had positive results as an on-demand treatment for premature ejaculation, though more research is needed here.
The reason for this is not fully clear. Some studies say this may be because coffee is often a main source of daily caffeine. Coffee might have a positive effect on heart health and blood flow, which can help with erections. Other studies say these positive effects come from increased serotonin ("the happy hormone"). Boosting this hormone could help with the psychological aspects of erections.
On the flip side, drinking too much caffeine (over 375 mg/day) might contribute to ED. Too much caffeine can cause heart problems, anxiety, and sleep deprivation, which can harm libido (sex drive).
Caffeine and Women’s Sexual Function
The effects of caffeine in women appear to be similar to those of men; normal amounts of caffeine per day seem to have a neutral or positive effect.
Caffeine makes people dehydrated. Lack of hydration can cause vaginal dryness. When the vagina struggles to lubricate, it can lead to pain with sex (dyspareunia) and overall daily discomfort.
Women’s sexual function is also affected by lack of sleep, heart health, and anxiety. Those who drink too much caffeine may have the same physical and mental health issues as men: low libido and difficulty with arousal.
Key Takeaways
- Normal or moderate caffeine intake may not have much effect on sexual health.
- Very high amounts of caffeine could cause ED, vaginal dryness, sexual pain, or low libido.
- More research is needed to be sure of caffeine’s interaction with hormones and sexual function.
- If sexual pain or function is distressing, it may help to speak with a sexual health provider.
Resources
Clark, I., & Landolt, H. P. (2017). Coffee, caffeine, and sleep: A systematic review of epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 31, 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2016.01.006
Glover, F. E., Caudle, W. M., Del Giudice, F., Belladelli, F., Mulloy, E., Lawal, E., & Eisenberg, M. L. (2022). The association between caffeine intake and testosterone: NHANES 2013–2014. Nutrition Journal, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-022-00783-z
Lopez, D. S., Wang, R., Tsilidis, K. K., Zhu, H., Daniel, C. R., Sinha, A., & Canfield, S. (2015). Role of caffeine intake on erectile dysfunction in US men: Results from NHANES 2001-2004. PLoS One, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0123547
Mcmahon, L., & Meston, C. (2023). (023) the acute effect of caffeine on genital arousal in women: A pilot study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(Supplement_2). https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad061.023
Saadat, S., Ahmadi, K., & Panahi, Y. (2015). The effect of on-demand caffeine consumption on treating patients with premature ejaculation: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 16(3), 281–287. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201016666150118133045
Schliep, K. C., Schisterman, E. F., Mumford, S. L., Pollack, A. Z., Zhang, C., Ye, A., Stanford, J. B., Hammoud, A. O., Porucznik, C. A., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2012). Caffeinated beverage intake and reproductive hormones among premenopausal women in the biocycle study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 95(2), 488–497. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.111.021287
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