Article révisé par les pairs
| Résumé : | Since a long time, alcohol effects on sexual behaviour interest humans. Many myths and beliefs have evolved over centuries. Before the first scientific papers, common literature and theatre highlighted the controversial effects of this beverage on sexual relationships. Recent research reports that small amounts of alcohol do not affect sexual behaviour on the contrary to popular belief of improved sexual performance and arousal. With moderate to large consumption, male and female sexual activities are impaired and characterized by a decreased sensitivity, a loss of sexual desire, and a delayed or absent orgasm and ejaculation. Alcohol is often involved in sexual assaults, but it seems to be more related to a personality disorder with impulsivity rather than a cause by itself. In accordance with the Alcohol Myopia Theory, men under alcoholic influence show a lower control of their sexual desire and impulse as well as a higher misperception of women behaviours. Environmental factors could be also involved in sexual aggression. The sexual risk behaviours are also encouraged by alcohol. However, these data are controversial and include other factors like the individual personality, the socio-cultural influence, or prevention-related programs... Despite a negative association between alcohol and sexual behaviours, studies remain controversial on the alcohol effects. Many methodological limitations are reported such that presently, generalization of the results is hazardous. Many efforts are still required to understand precisely the link between alcohol and sexuality. |
