New evidence suggests that moderate alcohol use might somehow lower the risk of erectile dysfunction. The causal relationship isn't entirely clear. From New Scientist:
After accounting for differences due to age, smoking and heart disease – all risk factors for ED – (University of West Australia epidemiologist Kew-Kim) Chew and colleagues found that drinkers experienced rates of impotence 25% to 30% below those of teetotallers…
The study did not examine how alcohol seems to protect against ED, but he thinks antioxidants in some kinds of alcohol play a role. Other studies suggest that both red and white wine protect against heart disease via a similar mechanism.
One theory holds that ED and heart disease are both manifestations of the same disease. Indeed, Chew found that men who suffer from ED are more likely to go onto develop heart disease.
"Alcohol stops men being a flop in bed"
