Is My Coffee Addiction Impacting My Sex Drive?

Summer is (supposedly) in full swing, and like all hot girlies, we’re wedded to our sunny day must-have: an iced coffee. Whether your regular order is an iced oat latte, a cheeky cold brew or you’re a frappe lover, iced coffee is an absolute winner all summer season long. You might even turn to it not just for cooling-down-on-the-commute purposes, but for a jolt of energy when the humid days have you feeling less Lorelai Gilmore, and more exhausted sloth attempting to cross a busy road.

Are we tempting you? Well, you might want to hold off on grabbing one to go. Summer is also the time for randy post-park-drinks, “are you coming back to mine?” dalliances and fiery first dates… and your iced latte habit might just turn out to be a hindrance in the bedroom. If you’ve ever met up with a hottie and just not been able to get in the mood, or headed home with beau and ended up in a big fight rather than a big bedroom rumble, you’re not alone. It dawned on us after our fourth iced hazelnut latte that there might just be a link between sinking multiple cold ones a day and our fluctuating libidos. So, rehydrating pint of water in hand, join us as we delve into the intriguing world of sex drive, caffeine and summer flings…

Is Coffee An Aphrodisiac?

First things first: your sex drive is totally individual and is influenced by many factors, including hormones, stress levels, overall health, and lifestyle choices. Some of us might find that after a coffee, we’re perky and raring to go. That’s down to the levels of caffeine, a stimulant present in coffee that can increase alertness, elevate mood, and boost energy. Some studies have explored the effects of caffeine on sex - but the results aren’t conclusive. While some suggest that moderate caffeine intake may enhance sexual desire, others propose that excessive consumption can have the opposite effect. That’s likely due to the caffeine crash: the irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches and even nausea that can pop up anywhere from 25 minutes to three to four hours after a strong coffee. Even the randiest of us struggle to get down to it with a pounding headache, so if you’re finding that you’re jittery, tired and aren’t ‘feeling it’ in the moment, your earlier Starbucks order might be to blame.

Apart from caffeine, iced coffee contains another crucial component that could affect libido: phytoestrogens. These natural plant compounds, found in coffee beans, mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body. Oestrogen is a hormone that plays a vital role in sexual desire, lubrication, and overall sexual health. However, the influence phytoestrogens have on libido remains up for debate. Some studies suggest that these compounds might help regulate hormone levels and promote sexual well-being, while others indicate potential risks associated with excessive phytoestrogen intake. As with caffeine, moderation is key.

The Emotional Connection

While caffeine and phytoestrogens may have potential influences on libido, it's important to understand that psychological and emotional factors also play a significant role in our sexual desire. Stress, fatigue, broader health issues, relationship dynamics, money worries and body confidence can also profoundly impact our desire for sex. In fact, 73% of the HANX community say they’ve experienced loss of, or low libido, at some point in their lives. Whilst fluctuations are ‘normal’, if your interest in having sex or masturbating, or desire generally, has decreased and you’re concerned about it, it’s worth considering the potential cause. Low/lack of exercise, poor diet and low or disrupted sleep can have a real negative impact. Consider having a chat about your feelings, too. Being open about lost libido can feel awkward due to old school ideas about sex drive, but communication can open the door to renewed desire: whether that’s sitting down with a partner, a non-judgmental mate, or having a chat with your healthcare provider.

Sexy Alternatives To Coffee

Alongside getting it off your chest, and getting your blood pumping in more suitable for work ways, why not try swapping out your cup of joe?

Want more?

• Ready to go? Add HANX Libido Lift to your basket.
• Find out what's having the biggest negative impact on our libido.
• How do you relight your libido? Our guide to getting in the mood.