EFFECT OF ALCOHOL ON ELICITED MALE SEXUAL-RESPONSE

The effect of alcohol on penile tumescence and heart rate was measured in 16 students (mean age, 20), moderate drinkers, after they had drunk enough alcohol mixed with orange juice to reach blood alcohol concentrations (BACS, assessed by Breathalyzer) of 0.0, 0.025, 0.050 and 0.075%, in an experiment designed as linked 4 .times. 4 Latin squares. Once the assigned BAC was reached, the subject reclined on a bed, placed a strain gauge behind the coronal ridge, listened to 5 min of music and watched a 15 min erotic film. Alcohol caused dose-dependent decrease in tumescence rate. The maximum penile diameter was greater than base level only at BACS of 0.025%, after which it decreased linearly within increased BAC; at the higher BACS considerable inhibition of response occurred. Tonic heart rate increased linearly with rise in BAC. The results may be acounted for in terms of the initial vasodilator properties of alcool, followed by its more centralized depressant effects.