This article was reviewed by Kelly Brown MD, MBA.
Picture it: You’re on your way to see your partner, and realizing you want a couple of beverages for the evening, you stop into a store. You’re expecting a hot and heavy night, so you find yourself wondering: Is there a drink that can help my arousal last longer?
Alcohol might be what you reach for first, especially if you’re looking to unwind. But if you’re worried about lasting long enough to have satisfying intimacy, you may want to consider alternatives that may improve your intimate function or help with issues like PE.
We want to be clear here: There’s little (if any) evidence proving green juice, vitamin water, or any other bottles in your fridge can improve your stamina. However, if you’re looking for ways to last longer, some drinks might help — at least indirectly.
Below, we’ll share some ideas on what to drink before intimacy, how these drinks affect your intimate stamina, and what else you can do to have the best intimacy ever.
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Can Certain Drinks Help You Last Longer?
To understand where drinks fit into health, we need to look at the link between food, health, and stamina.
Proper fuelling with a well-balanced diet is crucial to ensure you have enough energy for intimacy. But overeating can lead to its own problems — think gas and bloating.
And hydration matters more than you might think.
However, there’s no scientific evidence to support claims that specific beverages can boost your stamina. Ultimately, the liquids you drink are only a small part of your overall health.
But, some beverages may indirectly contribute to a better intimate experience by boosting your overall health. Certain drinks may also help support a healthy vascular system, which is crucial for healthy arousals.
Your most basic beverage — water — promotes circulation and is necessary for bodily functions like blood flow.
Other beverages may contain antioxidant ingredients that can improve blood flow, or indirectly support intimate health.
But your daily drink choices can’t outright cure issues like PE or ED.
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What to Drink Before Intimacy: 8 Drinks for Better Intimacy Stamina
Since the connection between beverages and stamina is mostly indirect, the list of drinks for lasting longer in bed is fairly short.
Many of the liquids below are considered superfoods that you can juice or blend with other ingredients.
Get your blender, cocktail shaker, and glassware ready, and let’s dive into the potential intimate benefits of these drinks in more detail.
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1. Water
Water is essential for health and hydration, and you need it to live. Staying hydrated is also a key factor in health.
Dehydration can mess with your heart health and blood pressure, which are big concerns for people with ED. But here’s the good news: Drinking enough water helps keep your blood flowing to where you need it, including your privates.
There’s also a link between low water intake and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can lead to low drive, PE, ED, and other intimate dysfunctions.
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2. Aloe Vera
Known for its wound-healing properties and gelatinous interiors, aloe vera contains compounds that improve blood circulation. The gel-like plant juice also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that may benefit intimate function.
While some animal research suggests aloe vera might increase testosterone levels and improve intimate function, more research in humans is needed.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Aloe vera could help improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. And better blood sugar control could lead to improved intimate health, since diabetes is a risk factor for ED.
Curious to try it? Blend up some fresh aloe vera jelly or buy it in a bottle.
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3. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds called flavonoids and polyphenols. These bioactive compounds may promote blood flow and help reduce oxidative stress, whether you drink pomegranate juice or snack on the flavorful seeds,
A study of 53 men with ED found that those who drank pomegranate juice performed better intimacy than those who took a placebo.
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4. Milk
Milk — the original energy drink.
Milk is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that help support overall health and intimate function. Protein is essential for building muscle stamina, including the muscles in your arms, hips, and pelvic floor (the ones that help control orgasm timing).
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5. Watermelon Juice
Watermelon is a natural source of the amino acid citrulline, which increases nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels in and around your privates, which might improve function. It also contains lycopene (also found in tomatoes), which offers similar benefits to health.
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6. Beet Juice
Beet juice also contains nitrates and other antioxidants that promote general health. Some research shows that the dietary nitrate in beets can help manage hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure can be a major problem if you’re trying to get and stay aroused.
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7. Banana Shake
Bananas are a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health and circulatory function.
And while there are no studies linking banana consumption and health, a healthy circulatory system is vital for function.
An easy way to fuel up with this potassium-rich fruit? Add bananas to a smoothie. Feel free to toss in a few blueberries, which also contain flavonoids, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients for your arousals.
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8. Strawberry juice
Strawberries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids that can boost your overall health. Antioxidants, in particular, help protect your cells from oxidative stress, which can affect intimate function.
Some studies even hint that certain compounds in strawberries may enhance nitric oxide production and improve blood flow, though we need more research to be sure.
And here’s a sweet tip: Add strawberries to a smoothie and blend with honey. Honey has been linked to reproductive health perks in a review of studies.
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Which Drink Is Good for Intimacy: Alcohol Edition
While alcohol can help lower your inhibitions, it can also mess with your intimate function if you overdo it.
Here’s what can happen if you mix alcohol and intimacy:
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Dehydration
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ED
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Inability to get arousal
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Failure to practice safe intimacy
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Reduced testosterone (which can lower libido)
If you really enjoy a cocktail before getting intimate, the best alcohol for intimacy is probably red wine.
Like pomegranate juice, red wine contains polyphenols and flavonoids. And research suggests a link between red wine and increased nitric oxide production, which supports better arousals. It can also lower the risk of heart disease, a major risk factor for ED.
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Other Techniques, Pills, Sprays, and More
Sure, these drinks may help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. But habits like — regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management are most crucial for optimal intimate wellness.
And if you’re having trouble lasting longer in bed, beverages are no replacement for proper PE treatment from a healthcare professional. Proven treatments for PE include:
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Behavioral techniques. Certain strategies (like the stop-start method and the squeeze technique) can help delay discharge and prolong intimate activity. These involve interrupting intimate stimulation to reduce arousal levels. You can also try masturbating before intimate to help decrease sensitivity.
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Pelvic floor exercises. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (known as Kegels) can potentially improve discharge control and increase endurance during intercourse.
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Medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are pills that doctors sometimes prescribe off-label to treat PE. SSRIs like sertraline can help delay discharge, but you should only use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to potential side effects.
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Topical anesthetics. Topical solutions like lidocaine or benzocaine sprays, creams, or wipes, can help reduce sensitivity and delay discharge.
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Counseling or therapy. Talking to a mental health professional about performance anxiety can help address the psychological factors that may be impacting your intimate life.
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Open communication. Communicating with your partner about intimate expectations, desires, and concerns can create a supportive environment (and one that’s more fun) while reducing performance-related stress, potentially leading to improved intimate endurance.
You can also explore ED treatments if you’re struggling with getting or maintaining your arousals long enough for satisfying intimacy. Your healthcare provider may prescribe meds like Viagra® (sildenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil). Or, you can explore therapy and healthy lifestyle changes to improve your intimate function.
Ready to get started? Browse more intimate health resources or schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider to learn about your treatment options.
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What Can I Drink to Stay Aroused Longer? A Final Word
When it comes to what to drink to last longer, pills, sprays, or creams that help decrease your sensitivity are probably your best option if you’re dealing with PE. Remember:
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Some drinks may help your intimate function indirectly. Whether they help you stay hydrated for better blood flow or contribute to muscle stamina, beverages that support your overall health are likely to improve your intimate health, too.
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When it comes to what to drink before intimacy, skip the alcohol. The best beverages may not be “hot,” but they work better than booze, which can hurt your intimate function. ED-friendly drinks include water, milk, banana shakes, aloe vera juice, watermelon juice, beet juice, strawberry smoothies, and pomegranate juice.
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Ask your provider about PE treatments if you’re having trouble lasting in bed. They include desensitizing sprays and wipes that reduce your sensitivity antidepressants, and therapy.
Remember, staying hydrated is key for intimate pleasure, but when it comes to addressing chronic intimate dysfunction, leave it up to your healthcare provider.
Medication, therapy, behavioral techniques, and communication are better solutions than counting on a fancy new cocktail to enhance your intimate life.
This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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