Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow it WorksSide EffectsHow Much?Frequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How it Works
Side Effects
How Much?
Frequently Asked Questions
Coffee before sex may do more than just wake up the brain. Some research suggests that males who drink two to three cups of coffee a day have lower odds of developing erectile dysfunction, possibly because coffee may stimulate blood flow to the penis.
This article explains how coffee affects sexual performance and reproductive health.
Verywell / Jessica Olah

How Coffee Improves Sex
In addition to providing a boost of energy, drinking coffee can make sex better in a variety of ways. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can protect blood vessels, aid circulation, and possibly improve blood flow to the penis, helping men get and maintain erections.
Erectile Function
Men who drink two to three cups of coffee per day may have an easier time getting and maintaining an erection.
In fact, one study found that men who consumed between 85-170 milligrams of caffeine per day were 42% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity.
Those who consumed between 171-303 milligrams of caffeine a day were 39% less likely to report ED compared to those who didn’t consume caffeine.
This may be due to caffeine relaxing the arteries and smooth muscle in the penis, allowing more blood flow and improving erectile function. It may also be because caffeine intake may boosttestosteronelevels, and having low levels may contribute to ED.Research shows that men who regularly consume caffeinated coffee have higher levels of testosterone than those who do not consume it.
However, a more recent study found no association between caffeine intake and ED.
ED PrevalenceED is very common. Though the risk of ED increases with age, young men can also experience the condition. Estimates on the prevalence of ED vary, but it is estimated that one out of every 10 men will experience the condition at some point during their life.
ED Prevalence
ED is very common. Though the risk of ED increases with age, young men can also experience the condition. Estimates on the prevalence of ED vary, but it is estimated that one out of every 10 men will experience the condition at some point during their life.
Improved Libido
In addition to boosting energy levels, caffeine may also increasetestosteronelevels in men. Research shows that men who regularly consume caffeinated coffee have higher levels of testosterone than those who do not consume it.
Caffeine’s possible ability to increase testosterone levels may also boost sex drive, as low levels have been linked with low libido.
However, scientists haven’t published research on the effect of coffee on libido in humans.
Decreased Stress
Caffeine may lower anxiety and elevate mood, which could make a coffee drinker happier and more relaxed during sex.
Though coffee may offer some health benefits, it’s important to drink it in moderation. Too much caffeine can cause a host of unwanted side effects, including:
The Food and Drug Administration recommends consuming no more than 400 milligrams (about four to five cups of coffee) per day to avoid side effects.
Caffeine SensitivityIf you havecaffeine sensitivity, even a small amount of caffeine can make you feel unwell. There are varying degrees of caffeine sensitivity: one person may be unaffected, while another won’t be able to sleep hours after consuming it. Caffeine sensitivity tends to increase with age, so you may find you need less coffee as you get older.
Caffeine Sensitivity
If you havecaffeine sensitivity, even a small amount of caffeine can make you feel unwell. There are varying degrees of caffeine sensitivity: one person may be unaffected, while another won’t be able to sleep hours after consuming it. Caffeine sensitivity tends to increase with age, so you may find you need less coffee as you get older.
How Much Coffee Before Sex?
Coffee boosts energy levels, improves physical endurance, and increases neurotransmitters associated with elevated mood, which can all serve to help improve your sex life.
However, you don’t need to drink an excessive amount of coffee before sex to enjoy the benefits. One or two cups 45 minutes prior to sexual activity may help improve ED, boost testosterone, and give you the energy you need for a positive sexual experience.
Do Energy Drinks Help Sexual Performance?
Summary
Coffee may be a natural way to help improve your sex life. More research is needed to say for sure, but it appears that drinking coffee can reduce your chances of erectile dysfunction and increase your libido. Coffee may also reduce anxiety and stress, thus making sex more relaxing and enjoyable.
You don’t need to drink much coffee to benefit from its effects. One or two cups 45 minutes before sex should be enough. Avoid drinking more than four or five cups a day, since excess caffeine can lead to unwanted side effects like insomnia and anxiety.
Though some people do find coffee to be helpful, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you have ED or other concerns about your sexual performance.
Frequently Asked QuestionsResearch suggests that coffee may temporarily boost testosterone levels, which may be beneficial before sex.Drinking coffee can also result in the relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle found in the penis and improve blood supply through penile arteries to enhance blood flow to the penis.Coffee may help boost testosterone levels in men. One study found that men who consumed caffeine five times a day had higher levels of testosterone than men who did not consume it.Researchers concluded that caffeine may act as an aromatase inhibitor (blocking estrogen), which may boost testosterone production. Another study found that caffeine may improve exercise and training outcomes due to its ability to moderately boost testosterone levels.Moderate levels of caffeine consumption may help improve erectile dysfunction. Research shows that men who consume between 85-170 milligrams of caffeine are 42% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to those who don’t consume caffeine.Yes, caffeine sensitivity increases with age. Young people metabolize caffeine much more quickly than older adults. One study found that it takes seniors 33% longer to metabolize caffeine compared to younger adults.
Research suggests that coffee may temporarily boost testosterone levels, which may be beneficial before sex.Drinking coffee can also result in the relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle found in the penis and improve blood supply through penile arteries to enhance blood flow to the penis.
Coffee may help boost testosterone levels in men. One study found that men who consumed caffeine five times a day had higher levels of testosterone than men who did not consume it.Researchers concluded that caffeine may act as an aromatase inhibitor (blocking estrogen), which may boost testosterone production. Another study found that caffeine may improve exercise and training outcomes due to its ability to moderately boost testosterone levels.
Moderate levels of caffeine consumption may help improve erectile dysfunction. Research shows that men who consume between 85-170 milligrams of caffeine are 42% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to those who don’t consume caffeine.
Yes, caffeine sensitivity increases with age. Young people metabolize caffeine much more quickly than older adults. One study found that it takes seniors 33% longer to metabolize caffeine compared to younger adults.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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