A. Reactions to alcohol are as varied as the people who use it! Some women feel sexier and less inhibited after a few drinks, while others may feel shier and more withdrawn. Alcohol is a strong drug , and like any other drug, it will affect different people in different ways.
There is, however, some truth to the belief that alcohol can make women more receptive to sex. In the old days, gynecologists used to advise virgins to have a few drinks on their wedding night to prepare themselves for sex. Studies have shown that alcohol can reduce cortical control of behavior in some people, thereby lessing their ability to “censor”their behavior. We also know that alcohol can reduce anxiety in some drinkers, thus making sexual arousal more likely. Paradoxically, alcohol can also increase anxiety, especially in individuals with panic disorders.
Alcohol may also have an effect on hormones, the chemical messengers that control many bodily functions, including sexuality. A single study done by Finnish and Japanese investigators showed a rise women’s testosterone levels within two hours after drinking alcohol. Testosterone can simulate libido in women, but it can also make some people aggressive, combative, and irritable (which is why some people become “mean drunks”. Whether or not this rise in testosterone is related to increased feeling of sexuality is difficult to say. People who drink alcohol often do so in settings where sexual intercourse are possible, such as on dates or at home with a significant other. The increased sexual interest that you are experiencing could just as well due to the relaxed setting, the company, and tan expectation of a romantic encounter.
Specialist in internal medicine and primary care.