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Can dehydration cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Can dehydration cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?

6 min read

Written by: 

Leandra Beabout

Reviewed by: 

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Published: May 06, 2020

Updated:  Nov 27, 2025

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Reviewed By

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austil Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist and freelance medical writer and reviewer. His experience includes direct patient care in hospitals and community pharmacies.

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Key takeaways

  • Dehydration-induced erectile dysfunction (ED) is not a medical diagnosis, but being dehydrated can cause temporary erection problems.

  • Dehydration can limit blood supply, disrupt hormones, raise blood pressure, and sap your energy — all of which make it harder to get hard.

  • ED isn’t usually the first dehydration symptom. Dark urine, thirst, or fatigue typically show up first.

  • The best way to treat and prevent dehydration-related ED is simple: Stay hydrated every day.

  • If you’re having consistent trouble with ED, talk to your provider about medications, lifestyle changes, or other treatments.

Here's what we'll cover

Here's what we'll cover

Key takeaways

  • Dehydration-induced erectile dysfunction (ED) is not a medical diagnosis, but being dehydrated can cause temporary erection problems.

  • Dehydration can limit blood supply, disrupt hormones, raise blood pressure, and sap your energy — all of which make it harder to get hard.

  • ED isn’t usually the first dehydration symptom. Dark urine, thirst, or fatigue typically show up first.

  • The best way to treat and prevent dehydration-related ED is simple: Stay hydrated every day.

  • If you’re having consistent trouble with ED, talk to your provider about medications, lifestyle changes, or other treatments.

It’s common knowledge that drinking enough water is essential for good health, but what about for sexual performance? Dehydration and erectile dysfunction (ED) might seem like wildly unrelated health issues, but the truth is that good hydration supports strong blood flow and physical stamina — both key factors in getting and maintaining an erection.

So, can dehydration cause ED? The short answer: Being dehydrated might cause temporary ED, but there’s a lot more to it than that. 

Keep reading to learn more about the connection between dehydration and ED, including whether drinking more water can help you sexually.

Can dehydration cause ED?

In some cases, yes, being dehydrated can hinder your ability to get or stay hard. Dehydration is a drag on your whole body. And erections require coordinated effort from several bodily systems: vascular, hormonal, and even psychological.

Here are the ways dehydration might contribute to ED:

It’s important to note that dehydration is not a common or well-researched cause of ED. Dehydration is usually a short-term situation, especially in younger adults. But ED is often diagnosed after at least six months of symptoms. 

Bottom line: Lack of fluids may cause sporadic episodes of ED, but dehydration is not typically the sole cause of longer-term issues that lead to an ED diagnosis.

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Signs that dehydration may be contributing to ED

Think poor hydration is causing problems down there? It’s time to check for other signs that your body isn’t getting enough fluids.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

  • Dark yellow or brown urine

  • Dry mouth or tongue

  • Fatigue or general weakness

  • Dizziness

  • Muscle cramps

If you have no other signs of dehydration, chances are, your ED has nothing to do with fluid intake. There are many potential causes of ED, including obesity, substance abuse, heart disease, and even a side effect of certain prescription medications. So if you’re drinking water regularly throughout the day and still having trouble with getting or maintaining an erection, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.

What to do if you think dehydration is causing ED

If you have other signs of dehydration, that’s your cue to focus on drinking enough fluids. 

Many people follow the “8 glasses per day” rule, but daily hydration needs vary by biological sex, activity level, and where you live. Some experts suggest men drink up to 15.5 cups of fluids per day. You’ll need more after sweating or if you live in a hot, dry climate.

You don’t have to stick to just water, either. Seltzers, juice, tea, and coffee all count as fluid. Just watch out for added sugar in your beverages, as a high sugar diet can contribute to issues with blood sugar control (including type 2 diabetes), which can worsen ED. 

And don’t forget about electrolytes. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium help balance the water in your body. Some research suggests that drinks with added electrolytes can offer a slightly better hydration boost than water alone. 

Better hydration should improve symptoms within 24 to 48 hours. You might notice feeling less thirsty and more energetic, and possibly experience better sexual performance as a result.

If you’re still having trouble getting or maintaining strong erections for longer than just a few days or weeks, it may be time to see a healthcare provider. There are many potential causes for ED. The sooner you address it, the sooner you can treat it.

The best way to prevent ED related to dehydration is to avoid getting dehydrated in the first place. 

Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated:

  1. Set a daily water intake goal. Research shows that simply setting a goal boosts motivation.

  2. Download a habit-tracking app to send you reminders to drink water throughout the day.

  3. Carry a reusable water bottle so that water is always accessible. 

  4. Drink at least one glass of water with every meal.

  5. Pair hydration with other activities (for example, a drink of water before every workout or every time you return home from work).

  6. Pay attention to your body’s cues: Drink when you’re thirsty, sweaty, or feeling overheated.

  7. Try eating more water-rich foods, such as soups, salads, and watermelon.

  8. Add flavor or carbonation to your water to make it more enticing.

Again, it’s important to know that dehydration is not the most common cause of ED. If you’re staying hydrated throughout the day and still struggling to get or stay hard, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider about pinpointing the cause (or causes) of your ED.

Other ED treatment options when drinking water isn’t enough

Hydration is only one part of erectile health. If you still have erection issues despite drinking enough water, a healthcare provider can help determine which, if any, of the following is the best ED treatment for you.  

Medications

First-line prescription oral medications for ED include phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (aka PDE5 inhibitors), which help increase blood flow to the penis for stronger, longer-lasting erections. 

Common prescription PDE5 inhibitors for ED include: 

Some PDE5 inhibitors are also available in other formulations, such as Ro Sparks, a sublingual (under-the-tongue) tablet containing sildenafil and tadalafil, and  Daily Rise Gummies, which contain tadalafil. Both of these prescription-only options deliver medications that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but in formulations that aren’t specifically FDA-approved. 

Lifestyle Changes

There are several healthy habits that can help you get harder and stronger erections if you’re not already doing them. These include:

  • Exercising regularly. Research links physical activity to a lower risk of ED. Activities like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling can boost blood flow and reduce stress.

  • Eating a healthy diet. Your diet plays a significant role in your overall health, including sexual health. Research has linked diets rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts to a lower risk of ED. There are even specific foods to help reduce your risk of ED.

  • Getting enough sleep. Research has linked chronic lack of sleep to a higher risk of ED. When possible, aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest each night.

  • Prioritizing stress management. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to ED. Mindfulness exercises like meditation, deep breathing, or talking to a therapist can help.

Other medical treatments

In some situations, a healthcare provider may recommend more hands-on or invasive treatments for ED if standard medications aren’t right for you (or sometimes in addition to medications).

  • Penis pumps. Vacuum erection devices help physically stimulate an erection by using gentle suction to pull blood into the penis.

  • Penile injections. These medicated injections are administered directly into the penis, where the medication helps relax blood vessels to usher in more blood flow.

  • Penile implants. This surgical ED treatment is most often recommended as a last resort to those who have not had success with other options. It involves a healthcare provider implanting a device under the skin of your penis that helps create erections as needed.

If you’re concerned about an inability to get or maintain erections, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help pinpoint the underlying cause and best treatment for your situation.

When to talk to a healthcare provider

Health guidelines suggest that temporary ED — or sporadic episodes, like those related to dehydration — can last up to six months. After that, it’s considered a chronic condition. But that doesn’t mean you need to wait six months to get help if your erection troubles are bothering you now. 

So many factors play a role in erectile function: your overall physical health, your stress levels, and even how close and supported you’re feeling with your sexual partner. That means a once-in-a-while ED episode, or even a handful of episodes during a busy month or a rough time with your partner, won’t always require medical intervention. Then again, why wait? There is no harm in mentioning concerns to a healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice.

It can be intimidating to talk to a professional about ED, but remember, this is not an unusual topic for them to address. No matter how long you’ve been experiencing ED symptoms, if it’s impacting your life, you can ask for help. There are treatments available. 

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Bottom line

Can drinking water help you sexually? Maybe. Here’s the bottom line on dehydration and ED:

  • Dehydration affects the whole body, including sexual function. When you’re dehydrated, your blood volume is reduced, your hormones can become disrupted, and you might feel too fatigued to perform sexually. 

  • If it’s dehydration-related ED, you’ll have other symptoms too. You’ll feel thirsty, and you’ll probably have dark urine, dry mouth, fatigue, and general weakness.

  • You can treat and prevent erection problems from dehydration. The best strategy is to stay hydrated by drinking water or other fluids regularly throughout the day.

  • Dehydration is not the most common cause of ED, and there are many effective ED treatments, regardless of the cause. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine what’s best for you.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

DISCLAIMER

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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