Do Coffee Drinkers Really Have More Sex?

If you've ever seen the claim that coffee drinkers have more sex than their decaf-loving peers, you might have felt pretty smug about your morning ritual. Unfortunately, this is one of those "facts" that sounds plausible enough to spread like wildfire but has absolutely zero scientific backing.

There are no published studies comparing sexual frequency between coffee drinkers and non-drinkers. None. It's the kind of correlation someone probably made up after noticing their energetic barista seemed happy, and the internet ran with it.

What Science Actually Says About Coffee and Sex

While coffee won't turn you into a sexual dynamo, caffeine does have some effects on sexual health—just not the ones you'd hope for based on this myth.

Erectile function research shows moderate caffeine intake (170-375 mg daily, or about 2-3 cups) correlates with reduced likelihood of erectile dysfunction in men. The mechanism? Caffeine may improve blood flow, which matters for physiological arousal. But better blood flow doesn't equal more sex—it just means the equipment works better when you do have sex.

Studies have explored whether caffeine affects libido or sex drive, and the results are underwhelming. Some research links caffeine to slightly higher testosterone levels, but study authors consistently note there's no evidence coffee actually impacts desire. Your brain's interest in sex involves far more complex factors than your morning beverage choice.

Why This Myth Probably Exists

Coffee drinkers might seem like they have more sex for reasons that have nothing to do with the coffee itself:

• Energy levels: People who aren't exhausted all the time are more likely to be interested in sex. Coffee helps with energy, but so does adequate sleep, exercise, and not being chronically stressed.
• Social correlation: Coffee culture often involves social interaction—meeting for coffee dates, lingering in cafes. More social interaction can lead to more romantic opportunities.
• Lifestyle factors: Coffee consumption correlates with being employed, being social, and having disposable income—all factors that might independently correlate with relationship status and sexual activity.

The claim confuses correlation (if it existed) with causation. Even if coffee drinkers did have more sex, it wouldn't mean the coffee caused it.

The Downsides Nobody Mentions

Too much caffeine can actually harm your sex life. Excessive intake causes anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia—three things that definitely don't create sexy vibes. Chronic high caffeine consumption elevates stress hormones, potentially leading to performance anxiety or decreased libido.

There's also research suggesting excessive caffeine might reduce testosterone in men, which could lower sex drive in cases of deficiency. Moderation matters.

So while your morning coffee ritual might wake you up and improve your mood, it's not secretly boosting your sex life. If you want more sex, the research suggests you'd be better off focusing on sleep quality, stress management, relationship communication, and overall health—not your coffee intake.

But hey, at least your coffee tastes good.