Effect of moderate wine consumption on men’s sexual potential

Abstract Background Drinking large amounts of alcohol has a negative effect on men’s sexual activity and reproductive potential. High alcohol intake can interfere with hormone production in the hypothalamus. The connection between low alcohol consumption and sexual activity is not yet clear from previous research. Methods In the course of a prospective study with ethical approval, we examined how the consumption of 1 deciliter of white wine per day for 5 weeks affects the parameters of men’s sexual life. In the course of strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 45 healthy male volunteers were included in the study. 25 men in the active arm drank wine, while 20 men in the control arm drank apple juice instead of wine for 5 weeks. On day 0 and week 6, we examined the serum testosterone level, liver enzymes, inflammatory parameters, anxiety level, sleep quality and sexual activity of the participating men using objective tests. Results As a result of consuming moderate white wine for 5 weeks, the men’s testosterone level increased significantly, inflammatory parameters and liver enzyme values decreased, the sleep quality of the participants in the active arm improved, their pain decreased, and their quality of life improved. The sexual performance of 85% of participants in the active arm improved, none of them deteriorated. No similar improvement occurred in the control arm. Conclusions Moderate wine consumption improves the sexual performance, quality of life and several laboratory parameters of healthy men. Key messages • Based on our pilot prospective clinical study, men do not need to fear that a small amount of wine will negatively affect their sexual performance. • Moderate wine consumption had a positive effect on men’s testosterone levels, quality of life and also improved sleep quality.