Private MD News

Alcohol and energy drink combinations may increase likelihood of risky sex

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Researchers from the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions discovered that college students who consume alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmEDs) are more likely to engage in certain, risky sexual behaviors. This may increase these individuals' need for regular STD testing.

In order to investigate the effects of AmEDs, a team of scientists distributed surveys to 648 college students, more than 60 percent of whom were younger than 21. Results showed that nearly 30 percent of them consumed AmEDs during the month prior to the survey.

Compared to individuals who did not have these beverages, AmED drinkers were more likely to have a casual sexual encounter. This may increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases because a casual partner's sexual history is not always clear.

However, the researchers also discovered that AmED consumers were no less likely to use a condom during their last sexual encounter when compared to non-drinkers.

Nevertheless, the growing popularity of AmEDs, such as vodka mixed with Red Bull and Jagerbombs, should be considered a possible influential factor for risky sex, according to the researchers.

Sexually active college students who regularly drink AmEDs may want to take advantage of regular STD testing.