Causes of ED
Energy drinks and erectile dysfunction: is there a link?
Energy drinks are everywhere, from taxi ranks to gyms. Many men drink several a day. Here is what we know about energy drinks and erectile dysfunction.
In short: There is no strong direct evidence that energy drinks cause erectile dysfunction. However, they often contain high caffeine and sugar, which can raise anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure, disturb sleep and contribute to weight gain and blood sugar problems, all of which can work against healthy erections and libido.
What is in energy drinks?
- Caffeine, often 80 to 160 mg or more per can
- Sugar, sometimes 10 or more teaspoons per can
- Taurine, B vitamins and herbal extracts such as guarana and ginseng
How energy drinks may affect sexual health
Anxiety and adrenaline
High caffeine can trigger jitteriness and anxiety, which works against arousal. See performance anxiety in men.
Heart rate and blood pressure
Energy drinks can raise heart rate and blood pressure, especially in large amounts.
Sleep
Caffeine late in the day reduces deep sleep, lowering testosterone. See lack of sleep and erectile dysfunction.
Sugar and weight
Sugary drinks contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance and diabetes. See sugar and erectile dysfunction.
Mixing with alcohol
Combining energy drinks with alcohol masks drunkenness, leading to heavier drinking.
How much caffeine is too much?
Most healthy adults should stay under about 400 mg of caffeine a day from all sources. Two or three energy drinks plus coffee can easily exceed this. See does coffee help erectile dysfunction.
Warning signs
Palpitations, chest pain, shakiness, severe anxiety or trouble sleeping are signs to cut back. Seek urgent care for chest pain.
Healthier energy
- Sleep seven to nine hours.
- Eat regular meals with protein and fibre.
- Drink water.
- Move during the day.
- Try rooibos or green tea. See green tea benefits for men.
See also always tired? causes in men.
How we can help
Our naturopaths can help you rebuild natural energy and support erections and drive without relying on stimulants.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- How often can you get and keep an erection firm enough for sex: almost always, most of the time, sometimes, or rarely?
- Do you still notice morning or night-time erections?
- Have stress, poor sleep, alcohol, smoking or long hours increased recently?
- Do you take medicine for blood pressure, the heart, diabetes or mood?
- Has your interest in sex dropped noticeably over the past year?
If you answered “sometimes” or “rarely” to the first question, a consultation is a sensible next step. Morning erections that still happen are often a reassuring sign that lifestyle, stress or confidence are playing a part, which natural support can address well. A yes to question four means any remedy needs checking for interactions first.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Can energy drinks cause erectile dysfunction?
There is no strong direct evidence, but high caffeine and sugar can affect anxiety, sleep, weight and blood pressure, which influence erections.
How many energy drinks a day is safe?
Keep total caffeine under about 400 mg a day from all sources, which may be only one or two drinks.
Do energy drinks lower testosterone?
Indirectly, by disrupting sleep and contributing to weight gain.
What is a healthier alternative to energy drinks?
Water, green tea or rooibos, plus regular meals and good sleep.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Get personalised, natural support from a naturopath. Walk in at our Sandton practice, or book a remote consultation if you live outside Gauteng.
References and further reading
- Mayo Clinic: Caffeine, how much is too much?
- NIDDK: Symptoms and causes of erectile dysfunction
- Mayo Clinic: How many hours of sleep are enough?
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
