5 Serious Side Effects Of Alcohol On Men’s Health

Over time, regular alcohol consumption can negatively impact one's physical and mental health.¹ Once alcohol enters the body, it sets off a series of changes that significantly raise the chances of developing various types of cancer, such as those affecting the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon. Interestingly, these risks tend to be more prevalent among men than women. Additionally, one of the major side effects of alcohol is an increased risk of prostate cancer. Let's delve deeper into this important topic and explore the consequences of alcohol on your well-being. ² 

What Are The Side Effects Of Alcohol On Men’s Health?

Research shows that men are more likely to consume alcohol than women.³ Moreover, consuming alcohol can exacerbate pre-existing health issues in men.⁴ So, let us now discuss the health risks of alcohol consumption in men.

Affects The Brain

Short-term effects of alcohol include complications like memory loss and lack of coordination. Long-term and heavy alcohol consumption may impact one's brain's structure and function. It may damage several areas of the brain like the cerebellum, limbic system, and cerebral cortex which can have a considerable effect on the body's motor skills. Furthermore, alcohol makes it difficult for the brain to function properly by disturbing the mechanism to control balance, speech, and memory.⁵

Weakens The Heart

The heart, being a delicate organ, is particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol. Prolonged alcohol consumption can weaken the heart by disrupting the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to other vital organs in your body. Additionally, it can elevate the levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), thereby heightening the risk of developing serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.⁵

Affects The Pancreas

Regular consumption of alcohol can affect the pancreas, which plays a vital role in the process of digestion and blood sugar regulation. It causes inflammation in the blood vessels of the pancreas and can lead to pancreatitis. It also greatly raises the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, a dangerous and fast-spreading form of cancer. ⁵

Increases Risk Of Liver Problems

Another side effect of alcohol is an increased risk of severe liver problems. When you consume alcohol, your liver processes it and releases it from your blood. However, ingesting too much alcohol could cause fatty liver (a condition involving the buildup of bad fat in the liver), which may further lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and liver dysfunction in the long run. ⁵

Affects Sperm Quality In Males 

Research indicates a direct correlation between the number of alcoholic drinks consumed and sperm counts in men. The more alcohol consumed, the greater the impact on sperm count. The quantity and quality of sperm determine male fertility. If you have low sperm quantity or poor sperm quality, it can result in various fertility issues. ⁶

According to a few studies, excessive alcohol consumption has been shown to reduce sperm count, motility, morphology scores, seminal fluid volume, and serum testosterone levels.⁷ A study also suggests that, partners of men who heavily consumed alcohol took longer time to achieve pregnancy than partners of mild drinkers and non-drinkers. ⁷

To improve the likelihood of successful conception, men need to take prompt action and moderate their alcohol consumption. So, if you’re concerned about your sexual health, you can monitor your reproductive health by using LifeCell's SpermScore Test. This test examines 10 sperm health parameters and 14 sperm health conditions while providing a detailed analysis of any potential risk factors. If you wish to enjoy parenthood in a planned manner, without letting your habit of drinking alcohol affect it. 

Conclusion

The only good news we have for you is that the side effects of alcohol on men’s reproductive health are reversible. Yes, you heard it right! Studies reveal that there was a drastic improvement in semen parameters after alcohol withdrawal within just three months. ⁸ Therefore, it’s always suggested to reduce or stop alcohol consumption as soon as possible if you’re planning to extend your family. Also, you can always keep track of your sexual health with LifeCell’s SpermScore Test. This test helps you track your sperm's overall health from the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

That’s not all! LifeCell also offers SpermVault which is India’s first private long-term sperm bank that provides at-home self-collection of semen. With SpermVault, you can choose to store your sperm for 1, 5 or 10 years. So, without further ado, order your kit and plan for a smoother fatherhood journey. 

FAQs

Q1. Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Sperms?

Studies suggest that excessive alcohol consumption decreases gonadotropin release, testicular shrinkage, and decreased testosterone and sperm production. ⁹

Q2. What Are The Other Negative Impacts Of Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse is associated with various sexual dysfunction in men like problems with arousal and desire, ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction, all of which lead to difficulty in conceiving. ⁹

Q3. What Are The Three Symptoms Of An Alcoholic? 

The following are the symptoms of an alcoholic: ¹⁰

• Craving for a drink all the time
• Drinking alcohol when it’s not safe (while driving or swimming)
• Unable to limit the alcohol consumption 

Q4. What Is A Standard Drink?

A standard drink has 10 g of pure alcohol. If you’re a healthy adult, you should not drink more than 4 standard drinks a day. ¹¹

Q5. How Can I Check The Sperm Count At Home?

Simple. LifeCell’s SpermScore test is the easiest and most convenient way to give clarity on your fertility by testing 10 sperm health parameters and 14 sperm health conditions right from the comfort of your home.