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Alcohol and Sex

Have you ever:

  • Regretted having sex with someone after drinking?
  • Been unable to perform sexually, or reach orgasm, after drinking?
  • Been unable to remember whether or not you had sex the night before?
  • Forgotten to use a condom, dental dam or take the pill after a night of drinking?

Heavy drinking dulls sensation and makes it more difficult for men to have an erection and women to reach orgasm. Women may be less lubricated and intercourse may be uncomfortable or painful. As Shakespeare said, "It provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance."

No means No. Yes, while drunk, means no.

  • 51% of college students believe alcohol facilitates sexual opportunities.
  • 40% of men in one study thought it was acceptable behavior to force sex on a woman who was drunk.
  • 57% of sexual assaults of college students occur while on a date, while 32% occur at a party.
  • 75% of admitted date rapists said they used alcohol to get dates drunk so they could have sex.
  • 90% of all sexual assaults of college students involve alcohol.
  • Need support or more information? Contact the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC).

Avoid what you don't want:

  • Almost 50% of unplanned sex is under the influence of alcohol.
  • 60% of STDs were transmitted under the influence of alcohol.
  • In 67% of unplanned pregnancies, the woman reported being drunk. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, it may not be effective.
  • 81% of college students have had sex because they were drunk.

Get what you want: Stay safe, have fun, skip the regrets.

  • How much will you drink? Drink moderately, if you drink at all. See Stay in the Blue.
  • Plan how to get home. Put a taxi number in your wallet and bring some cash. See Night Transportation Options.
  • What are your sexual boundaries? Decide before you go out. Know your partner's boundaries too.
  • Remember the condoms, dental dams and contraceptives.
  • What was your best sexual experience? How many drinks did you have? Most UM students say zero to two.
  • If you had unprotected sex and could get pregnant, consider Emergency Contraception.
  • Know what you're drinking. Do not leave your drink unattended.

For more information, see Resources for Alcohol and Other Drugs